“Did you hear about the fire that broke out over in Zephyr?” one woman asked.
“No?” another replies.
“The dressmaker's daughter went and set the whole place alight. She needs to learn some control before she hurts someone.”
“This is why I don’t like magic folk, too unpredictable.”
My ears perk up at the talk of a fire wielder in Zephyr, although that’s not uncommon there, that town is crawling with magical folk. Unlike here. Zephyr is home to folk from all over the world, not just this country.
The sun beats down hard on me today, summer is my favourite season, just unfortunate it doesn’t last long enough before we’re subjected to the harsh winters. Children splash each other in the fountain as adults toss in a coin, making a wish. It’s been said that the goddess Pria, blessed this fountain with good fortune, however, as folk grew poorer, most of the coin was gone come morning.
I have only ever wasted my coin once, my last option for bringing Dad back to us. Begging any gods who would listen to bring him back to life.
Mum would cry herself to sleep every night, throwing herself into work every morning. We barely saw her.Instantly, I became in charge of the house, keeping everything clean, cooking, and looking after Elana.What I wanted was no longer a concern now that I had responsibilities. I had to step up, whether I was ready or not.
After selling the last of Dad’s woodwork, I pawned off what I could. Tearing the house apart, rummaging through drawers, looking for anything of value, anything that I could sell. I’d found all sorts of jewellery to add to the stall but was reluctant to sell certain items because of sentimental value: mum’s old earrings, my necklace from Dad, bangles, and trinkets of Elana’s.I kept them separate, to sell only when I had no other options.
Mum was too busy helping the sick and vulnerable in town. Unwilling to charge any sort of money because she believed health should be free to all, not restricted by wealth or lack thereof. I would never grudge those less fortunate for medical care, but we needed to eat. Most nights, we went to bed starving.
Dad’s friend, from a farm down the road, helped us a lot, especially when they realised Mum was… preoccupied. We all deal with grief differently, but in that moment, I needed her.Weneeded her.
One serendipitous day, the garden was overflowing with fresh produce. Bursting at the seams with the sweetest fruits: strawberries, cherries, raspberries, plums, and apples. Mum watched Wyatt and me as we filled the cart, she’d stomped out of the house saying she had found my necklace in a box and clasped it around my neck. Telling me to always keep it on me, for Dad.
Since then, she has helped with the stall and admitted she can take one day a week off from healing to help our family. I’d sighed with relief, glad to have her back.
Shaking the thought from my head and walking around the fountain, I give a gentle smile to the wishers, hoping theirs comes true. My skin crawls, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. That feeling that someone is watching hits me again. But I can’t tell who, or what. I haven’t had this feeling since the festival. Shaking off the sensation, I head towards the bakers.
At the other side of the fountain, the smell of sweet goods drives my rumbling stomach, but my heart pulls me towards the blacksmiths with the thought of something equally delicious.
I stop at the door to watch Myles as he slams the hammer onto the sword with great diligence. Each stroke is pure precision.
As a crowd gathers behind me, I step into view and lean against the doorway. “Better get a shirt on, or do I need tobeat these gawkers away with a stick?” I say, motioning to the gathering group of women behind me who are admiring Myles at work.
Myles glowers at the women and laughs as he places down his hammer. He walks over to me, sliding his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him. “Trust me, they have no chance while you’re here.” He kisses me deeply while pulling me up into a bear hug, leaving my legs dangling.
With a squeal, I grip onto his shoulders. He plants my feet back on the ground, kissing the tickly spot on my neck. I try to wriggle away, but his arms remain tight around my waist, stopping me from falling.
“What about when I’m not here, eh?” I tease.
Myles smirks, taking my hand, pulling me into the street, and shouting at the top of his voice.“Attention, everyone. Can everyone see this woman right here?” He holds my hand up in the air. “Miss Andi Kohan. I would like everyone to know that I am in love with her, now and forever. Therefore, I hate to inform you that I am very much off the market.”
He turns to me. “How was that?”
As he grins, my cheeks burn, and I don’t need to see in a mirror that my face is scarlet. Everyone is staring at us in confusion or disgust, but there are a few romantics who are cheering.
Mum’s narrowing eyes meet mine from the crowd, and she crosses her arms with pursed lips. I sigh, this is not how I wanted her to find out.
I push Myles into the blacksmith's, or try to, since he is built like a rock. “You are off your head,” I say while pulling my fingers through my hair.
Myles leans back against the table nonchalantly.He stands cocking his head, before walking towards me, cupping my face. “I have loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. Youare my first thought every morning and fill my dreams every night. I could watch you all day, the way you tuck your hair behind your ear, the unusual and striking colours of your eyes, they are unique, just like you.”
I roll my eyes. The unusual colour has always been a fascination of folk, and although I have gotten used to the stares, it can still be maddening. A little part of me has always wished they were the same, just like everyone else.
Myles continues, “The way you refuse to see how gorgeous you are. You, my beautiful Andi, are the reason my heart beats, my entire purpose in life. Something pulls me towards you. I can’t explain it.” He caresses my cheeks, crouching down to look me straight in my now flooded eyes.
“Everyone—everywhere needs to know that I am yours. Well and truly, always, and forever,” he says. Leaning in, his lips meet mine, kissing me gently at first, I wrap my arms around him. His skin has a dewy feel to it, but I couldn’t care less right now.
Myles kisses me intensely, and my body quivers with each touch of his fingers as they trail up my spine. His lips break away from mine, my breathing haggard, heart pounding.With one hand entangling in my hair, he brings the other to my face and brushes back a loose strand. I close my eyes at his soft touch, despite his calloused skin.
