Embers We Struck by Jeremy Martin

Author:Jeremy Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, anthropomorphic, demons, folklore, gods, immortal, mythology, war
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2021-10-21T00:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

Marshall

In the morning, I find Hazel Golding partially nude. She’s sleeping in the loft, blonde hair lost in a turf of hay, looking like a comfy mouse. It is an image so surprising and unexpected that all I can do is stare at the rarity.

Hazel is always teeth and claws, but sleeping, she looks peaceful.

She doesn’t look damaged.

“Okay,” I say under my breath. “Stop being a creep.”

I commence the morning rituals of feeding the goats and chickens, giving them hay and plenty of petting and disgusting sweet and emotional terminology like “fluffy lady” to one of the nannies and “big ol’ cock” to the rudest rooster that ever lived. I do everything I can with a hushed edge, unwilling to deal with the conversation that would ensue if Hazel woke up. Would she be irritated that I saw her in such a state of undress? Nah, she wouldn’t care. But it would sure as hell be awkward for me. Would she lash out like a bear caught in its cave during hibernation?

I roll my eyes. “This is my damn cave, anyways.”

Collecting four eggs from the hens’ domain and walking back to the house, I pass Mom as she tends to her flowers, looking for weeds that she obliterated yesterday and the day before and the day before that. An orange tabby, a hellion that is unjustly mean to me, gives me an uncalled-for growl. I give Mom a “Good morning” and return the hiss to hell’s favorite kitten.

After the eggs are cooked and the tea is ready, I carry a plate and mug to the barn, Mom none the wiser. I climb the ladder to the loft, only burning myself from the scalding tea once, and lay the food on one of the bales.

I give her—dare I say it?—dainty foot a poke.

Hazel wakes in a fury of action, legs curled beneath her, hands outstretched to block any incoming blow. Her eyes are lost, hazy from the world of dreams until they find me, and I could be convinced that a flash of relief echoes in them before annoyance takes over.

I toss one of the kitchen knives in front of her. “If you need a weapon to feel safe. Not sure what morning routines you normally take to look so pretty each day, but I assume you put on your makeup with a blade, yeah?”

Hazel narrows her eyes.

“Welp, today is going to be a big day for us, bud.” I place a note, folded up, beside the plate of eggs and tea, bringing attention to the breakfast. “Sorry to ask such a task of you, but you did inform me that I’m working with a time restraint. We have to be quicker than Niall.”

Back in the house, I watch as Hazel exits the barn moments later, too dignified to run, but walking away rather quickly. Ever in control.

I find the plate empty and the tea dumped up in the loft.

★

The news of an attack on Pinestone smacks the people of Norsewood hard.

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