I nodded. “Something has to. Maybe this is the answer, controlling when she comes out.” I laughed. “I can be a werewolf. Maybe if this works, I can go out every full moon and go off some of my meds. I can’t sleep for the rest of my life.”
My dad put his hands on each of my cheeks and kissed my forehead. “I don’t know what else to do, but we can try it. I’m sorry, my girl. I’ve failed you.”
I put my hands over his. “Never, Dad. Never.”
I sat in the Happy Rooster's main office. Sheets of scrawls and boxes filled every corner, giving the room a psychedelic drug trip vibe. My knees jammed into a solid desk, whereas Horax, the owner, had plenty of space on the opposite side. Heavy set with a tight-cropped goatee, his light-purple eyes matched the writing on my tab. He twiddled his thumbs, his expression trapped somewhere between sympathy and joy.
I shifted uncomfortably, unable to shake the feeling that he was loving this.
“That’s how it works.” He held up his hands. “No trades, cash only. Until you can pay, you’ll need to work for access to your TB.”
I frowned. “I need to work just to look at it?”
“I don’t charge interest,” Horax responded. “This is my trade-off.”
I sucked in a breath. It seemed fair enough, I guess. I spent a considerable amount of money that I couldn’t afford to pay. It was theft, fair and square.
“You could always ask one of your friends,” Horax suggested.
I shook my head. “No. It was an amazing night. I don’t want them to know. I’ll figure it out.”
He nodded in agreement, his head going up and down like a bobble. “The Green holds Edinburgh’s largest market. I’m sure you can sell some of your clothing there.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea.” I brightened. “How do I get there?”
Horax leaned forward and licked his lips. “No family, no money, obviously not local. But you made the dragon, right?”
I cringed, not only from his motions, but from the fact that he was right.
“Do I look like a tour guide?” Horax suddenly yelled. His voice boomed through the door, though his anger didn’t reach his eyes.
I shot to my feet, confused. “Ah, right. I’ll, um, do some dishes now so I can see my TB?”
Horax picked up a scrawl. “The team will get you sorted.” He peered at me again. “Tell Matt, the guy you talked to this morning, to give you a note for Moose. He’ll help you.”
This guy's moods were all over the place. I quickly shot up before I could get stuck in another flip. “Ah, thanks.”
An hour later, I’d polished more glasses than I knew the pub had and helped the kitchen staff with a rush of dishes. None of them seemed surprised to see me, and it eased my worry. I couldn’t pay my tab; this was fair. I’d sell my clothing during my next free block of time and wash my hands of this with no one the wiser.
By the time I finished my shift, I’d settled into the consequences of my actions and was ready to face them head-on. Doing a few dishes while I figured things out wasn’t really that big a deal. Right?
Matt handed me my TB as I finished my tasks, and two colors I recognized glowed on the message side of the rock.
Blood Red
I've never been part of an impromptu party before.
Last night was IN-credible!!
Moss Green
I've been to too many. My head hurts.
Blood Red
I didn't expect the great pit fighter to be so whiny.
Moss Green
