Page 16 of Carnival of Crows

RAVEN’S RINGS

Instead of colorful prizes hanging from the back wall, everything had a spooky twist.

Black cats, ghosts, pumpkins, bats, little skeletons, and…

“Oh my God,” I gasped.

A stuffed crow.

It was soft black plush with oversized feet, shiny button eyes, and tiny stitched wings tucked against its sides.

“I need him.”

“Oh, do you?” Damien chuckled.

“Yes.” I nodded. “I mean, look at him.”

Damien stepped right up to the counter. The employee looked up then froze. He stared at Damien. Then at me. Then back again.

A slow grin spread across his face.

“Oh…” He leaned both elbows on the counter. “…no.”

Damien sighed.

“Luci, this is Spencer,” Damien sighed. “Spence, this is Luci.”

“So this is why no one’s had eyes on you all night,” Spencer said.

“Watch it,” Damien warned, but his voice sounded more like he was pleading versus threatening. Turning back to me, he explained, “Spencer is my best friend. We’ve known each other since middle school.”

Spencer slapped three wooden rings onto the counter.

“Go on, Ringmaster. Show her you’re not just dramatic lighting and intimidation,” Spencer teased. “Win the lady a crow.”

“That was the plan,” Damien said with a hint of cockiness that was oddly attractive.

He picked up the first ring. I didn’t realize I was watching him so closely until I noticed I’d stopped blinking.

He tossed the ring with ease and it cut clean through the air.

Clink.

It landed around the first bottle.

Spencer blinked as if he couldn’t quite believe it.

“Lucky shot!” his best friend razzed him.

Damien didn’t respond as he picked up the second ring. He let it go with a flick of his wrist. Another clean, perfect arc.

Clink.

The anticipation had me holding my breath, as Damien picked up the third ring. For the first time, he glanced over at me. With his eyes locked on mine, he pulled his arm back slightly and let the ring fly into the air.

The ring spun once and then just like the others…

Clink.