Eddy sighed, drawing his attention back to her. “No one will ever be able to prove you wrong if you do not give them a chance to.”
Osiris smiled softly. “I will keep that in mind, old friend.”
Turning, Osiris started for Shadow, leaving Eddy to tend to the children. His loyal companion was still attached to her carriage, patiently waiting for his return. Her head bobbed up and down as he approached. Lifting his gloved hands to his mare’s head, he was met with a content nicker as he caressed her face gently.Once she settled, he walked over to the carriage and stepped up, noting the darkening sky around him, trepidation flooding his senses.
Hallows Eve. I am sure the other beings are getting ready to leave our enclave right about now.
His worry for the beings vastly overshadowed any unease or solicitude he harbored for the humans. It was exceedingly rare that a being ever came into contact with a human, let alone harmed them intentionally. Yet his concern for his people ebbed and flowed. If a human followed one back, they could find their home. And if they brought back a mob, what then?
Though, the beings never strayed too far from the main forest to begin with. And with the town’s lock down every Hallows Eve for the last few years, the chances of even seeing one was small.
Let them have their night of freedom under an open sky.
Osiris reminded himself.
Sitting down, he gave the reins a quick flick, signaling Shadow to walk forward as he took off his head and placed it beside him. His shadows swirled around him, reveling in the comfort of the crisp night air. Without the burden of his head weighing down on him, he rolled his shoulders, letting his body relax.
Osiris wasn’t in charge of the other beings, not really. Though, as they all had others of their kind to worry about, and Osiris had no one, it was easy for him to take on the roll of protector.
Pushing away his racing thoughts, he convinced himself they would be fine. They always were. So long as they avoided humans, everything would remain as it always had.
Shadow picked up pace, leaving the barrier of the hidden orphanage to trot towards their small home.
“Give someone a chance?” He shook his head. “They think I am a monster.”
The carriage wheels clanked and rattled as they entered the forest, racing over the rough terrain below them.
Flicking the reins again, Shadow picked up speed once more as the darkness began to set in, obscuring the path ahead of them.
He wanted to get home and open the book Eddy had gifted him. This one was a book a love, she had told him.
What would it feel like to love, or to be loved?
He had so many questions, though, they would be answered soon enough. He could already feel his body relaxing at the thought of a warm fire and a good story.
Being so caught up in the questions racing through his mind, it was too late to stop when a flash of white barreled towards him as he crossed the path, nearly slamming into him.
When his senses finally registered what it was that had nearly caused an accident, any thoughts of a relaxing night swiftly left his mind.
6
ELEANOR
Eleanor walked down the corridor of the town hall, arms linked with her uncle.
There were no whispered words of love or kindness between them.
Rather than the excitement he had displayed earlier, he seemed to be agitated.
Chancing a smile as she looked up at him, she noted his jaw was hard set, and his back was so stiff she thought he could be mistaken for a wall. “Is something the matter, Uncle?”
When he peered down at her, his firm expression tightened. “It’s that fool of a baker you chose. He is late. We simply cannot start a wedding until we have the cake here. What shall people think?”
“Should you ask for someone to help?”
She was met with a scoff. “And hand them something to gossip about? Absolutely not.”
“Then…” she paused as they came to a stop outside the doors that would soon open to reveal all the townspeople. “Oh, never mind,” she said, swatting her hand in front of her face as if dismissing the notion.
