Copper Pennies by Carrie D. Miller

Author:Carrie D. Miller [Miller, Carrie D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FiveFold Press

Chapter 24

Magda’s bedroom snapped back around her. Finding herself back on worn carpet rather than rocky ground did little to comfort her. She lay on the floor in a fetal position, arms wrapped around her knees. Josef stood naked, regarding her with hooded eyes.

“Now you understand.”

“I don’t understand at all!” Magda scrambled up but fell backward against the wall. Bile swam in her stomach, and she gulped deep breaths to quell the surge.

He laughed as she struggled to rise, using the nightstand as a crutch.

She couldn’t look at him. What have I done? Magda covered her face. The darkness brought the grotesque shape of that massive demon thing as a bright burn behind her eyes. She immediately dropped her hands.

Josef’s face softened. “Muraal is trapped, you see. She and her children wish only for light and warmth… and freedom.”

The compassion in his voice was like a blow to Magda’s stomach.

“Only! They mean to take over our bodies, Josef! To live inside us. How can you help them?”

Josef snorted and cast a dismissive hand. “Humans are stupid and weak. They are nothing. Is it fair they have all the pleasures of this life and Muraal’s children have none?”

Magda could find no words; only a strangled sound left her throat.

“I’d almost succeeded all those years ago,” he said, taking the seat at her dressing table. Josef’s face darkened, jaw muscles tensing as he gnashed his teeth. “But I was betrayed.” Josef’s eyes dropped to the floor, shame taking over for a breath, then he graced her with his smile. “I’m fortunate you found the life-extending potion, my dear, and even more fortunate that you are so obedient, so easily swayed.”

Magda paled.

“Come now.” Josef gave her a look as if he were reprimanding a child. “No, of course, how silly of me. You wouldn’t have known.” He continued to smile at her but didn’t elaborate.

She gulped and took the bait. “Wouldn’t have known what, Josef?”

“There is purpose in everything I do, Magda. I picked you initially as a pleasant distraction, but you proved most useful when my situation turned… regrettable. I knew you’d do as I bade—however, I added some insurance to the ingredients in my cabinet. Whatever potion you brewed, it did not matter. You would still be mine.”

Magda’s eyes widened as clarity dawned. The tainted ingredients explained the resurgence of his memories, the persistent dreams, the feelings of guilt for a promise broken. Then the overwhelming urge to return to Prague, to disregard and lie to the people she loved. They’d begun when she’d first drank the potion.

She’d been his pawn. Nothing more.

“And good thing I did, since you appeared to have forgotten me, which is puzzling—but no matter.” He rose. “You brought me back, Magda. I cannot thank you enough. Now, I can begin again. There will be no mistakes this time.”

Her knees threatened to give way, and Magda put a hand on the nightstand.

It was all a lie. Josef never loved me.

The words repeated in the hollow of Magda’s heart.

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