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Rubbing my face with both hands, I fight the growl rising in my chest. Frustration twists me hard, and I want to fight. My fists are back. I might not remember the details, but I know this is wrong. I’m not here to stay. I’m here to save something then I’m getting the fuck out.
“Who are you?” I demand of the voice.
“No one of consequence.” More scratching noises above my head. “I’m here to keep you company.”
The voice is closer, but it seems to also be growing smaller. I begin to suspect I’m talking to a mouse or some other small creature. “Are you an animal?”
“No, panther. I’m not like you.” It’s near me now, on the wall of the cave, and I move away from it.
“What is your form? Tell me what sort of creature you are.”
“Shh…” The air seems to have closed in on me. Ribbons of cold filter down inside my skull. “Calm. Don’t vex yourself.”
“Why are you here with me? What is your name?”
“Some call me Hypnos, but I prefer Poppy.” The voice is no longer raspy. It’s smooth, a soothing monotone. “Relax. Listen to the water as it ripples past us. It’s like the purr of a cat. The sound you make in utter contentment.”
My eyes are heavier with each word. I’m unable to fight him off, but I don’t understand. “I’m not tired. I only just awoke.”
“You’ve had a long journey, traveler. Rest your weary head. Nothing will happen until you awake again.”
It’s a trick. I have to fight this spell. He’s bewitching me, and I have to fight against him. Only it’s no use. Even as I think the words, I feel my brain shutting down. The heaviness is back, and again, I can’t fight it.
“Who told you to keep me company?” It’s the last question I utter before the mist surrounds me, stealing my consciousness.
* * *
Mercy
Hayden has invited me to go for a walk with him. We’re out of the castle on a wide path strolling through a forest of black, grey, and sepia. Somewhere far above my head, I hear the rushing of water.
Beside me, he’s in his black armor. The cape is back as is the crown. I’m wearing a different chiffon dress, spring green this time. It’s long and flowing to compliment his attire. My hair hangs in dark tendrils down my back.
“You’re so beautiful.” He cocks his head to the side with a smile. “We go so well together here.”
“I would never wear something like this.” How easily I slip back into fighting him.
“You’re also not wearing your crown.” The slightest hint of disappointment is in his voice.
I confess, I wondered if my feelings for him would change when I was in his world. If seeing him as a ruler would make him annoy me less. I wondered if I might gradually fall for his attractive face and elegant manner.
Not happening.
“Tell me about my aunts,” I say instead. “The others you took.”
A grin touches his lips. “Haven’t we had this conversation before?”
“Yes, but now that I’m here, I’m want more details. How they lived with you, what they did.”
My statement seems to please him. “Which one are you interested in?”
&
nbsp; “Both of them. Start at the beginning.” Pushing my hair back, I count on my fingers. “I’m number three, which means two went before me. Cora was first?”
A slow inhale, and he nods. “Cora was my favorite so far, although I’ve told you that already.”
“She wanted to be here with you. She fell in love with you.”
