As the daylight left us, I came to the compromise that I needed more rest to understand how she was doing whatever she was doing. We both climbed upstairs as she boasted about magic and all the things she knew how to do, but it sounded more like tales I’d heard in bedtime stories the Big sisters would tell us. I’d seen in movies what magic and ticks they could make, with explosions and fires.

We separated when we reached the door of the master bedroom. She wished me goodnight and as I was reaching for the doorknob, I waved her goodnight. She waved back and her silhouette disappeared behind the double doors. As I entered the master, I felt Toby brush against my legs, following me inside. For a second, I asked myself if the old woman really was playing a trick on me, with her talks about souls and magic. I closed the door behind myself, now embraced by the comforting silence of the room.

Something in me wanted to know more about her ramblings and fairy tales. I didn’t believe her entirely but there was something intriguing about her and this place. Primose didn’t really seem phased about her stories, even joking about them. Maybe one day I’d pick his brain about it.

I sat on the bed and laid down, imagining her doing the same in the other room. In the same place as the night before, Toby hopped in and laid as well, right next to me. I reached for his face and placed the palm of my hand on the mask he was wearing, trying to figure out what it was about. Contrary to what I had in mind, the cat didn’t flinch or hiss and froze in place, waiting for me to inspect him. The appendage wasn’t hard like a mask of clay or wood, it was malleable. It was soft and a little fuzzy. I was unsure how it was attached to his small face but it didn’t come off as I gently tugged on it. As I observed him, drifting away, he licked his paw and brushed the mask a few times to clean it.

Laying on my side, I brought my pointing finger to my eyes and examined it closely. I wondered how the fire would feel on my finger, small, controlled and at my mercy. I closed my eyes and listened carefully around, trying to catch any sound in the house. At first, I could only hear Toby’s raspy tongue but I imagined Merille getting ready to sleep and sinking in her bed under the covers. I breathed deeply and reached outside the house as much as I could with my mind, imagining the horizon unfolding before me.

~

I stretched my arms above my head as high as I could, yawning big. A light breeze caressed the sole of my feet, and sent a shiver up my spine. The calm night sky welcomed my tired eyes, and quickly I realized that I was resting on the trunk of a sturdy tree, sheltered by rustling leaves. Strangely it was comfortable. I yawned again, and lowered my eyes to the dancing blades of grass between my toes.

It smelled like a fresh fire was nearby. A strong earthy hint enveloped me, I imagined that someone was preparing food over a campfire, enjoying the cool breeze of the night. I closed my eyes, listening to the branches above me play with the wind. Soon voices rang behind me. There was something familiar about them, sounding like friendly late-night chatter around the campground. It sounded like a man and a woman were there gently listening to each other or maybe reminiscing about sweeter memories. Sometimes, a small pause bloomed between the replies, others, light chuckles ricocheted around.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

I opened my eyes, wondering if the voice belonged to the man I saw once in my dreams. I remember him fighting the monstrous shadow in a clearing, suddenly jumping towards me before I woke up. I sat there for a minute, coming to terms with the faint memory and how permeable it had been until now. The discussion echoed behind me before dying out between breaths, seemingly interrupted in a swift moment.

Again, the leaves above me shivered in unison, appeasing me. I could feel my body slowly getting colder under the moon, but I wasn’t in any hurry to move or seek the warmth of my bed. I rested my arms on my chest, feeling my heart beat serenely but loudly. A heavy pounding resonated within me, I felt blood beating my temples, as I brought my fingers to the side of my head. I filled my lungs with all the air I could and for a second, I wondered if the pounding really came from inside.

I held my breathing instinctively, as I felt a presence appear above me.

“Who are you?”

~

A warm ray of sun caressed my forehead and woke me from the strange dream. I opened my eyes, momentarily blinded by the poignant sun shining through the window. The house was cold around me, and I could feel the chilly air seeping into the covers over me.

I buried myself under the heavy throw, unsure if I wanted to get out of the safety of my bed. I breathed in and took in a sweet smell creeping in. It smelled of honey and apples, caramel and cinnamon. Slowly I pushed the blanket with my legs, exposing myself to the fresh air. As I sat down, I sniffed in the delicious perfume and it shook my brain awake. I wanted to investigate what treat was waiting for me downstairs. Toby wasn’t next to me anymore, it seemed like someone was working right below me in the kitchen.

I hopped off the bed, still wearing the dress I had the day before. I looked at the window, partially covered with a heavy curtain. The garden around the house was extending forever in front of me, with big square planters surrounded by bushes and small fruit trees. A dirt path connected a wooden gate to the awning and the patio under me.

The whole thing was boarded by a stone wall, seemingly not much smaller than me. Some spots looked worn and dilapidated. Tracing them with my eyes, I imagined them marked by how long they had stood there, protecting the property for what I assumed, decades or centuries.

In the far distance, it seemed a carriage was approaching us. A tall horse was marching gently, pulling a large wagon with a fabric roof. I threw the window open, letting the curtain dance with the breeze, as I followed with my eyes the car approaching. As they climbed the closest hill before the fence, I slid off the bed and ran downstairs.

“Someone’s coming!” I let out as I passed the kitchen doors, fully opened.

“Good morning, Florian, how was your night?” Merille replied, turning to look at me.

The sweet perfume was much stronger here. Very quickly my eyes caught the source of the scent, making my stomach growl in agony.

“I saw someone on a horse, it looked like they were coming this way. This is the tallest thing I’ve ever seen!” I continued, slowly making my way to inspect the delicious looking treat.

“Yes, a good friend of mine is coming over and if you start to get ready now, I promise to save you a piece of pie” With a smile, she pointed at the apple pie I was examining with drooly eyes. “I also have a surprise for you.”

“Oh?” I jerked my head towards her.

“I’ve been busy this morning, since I wasn’t able to fall back asleep” She continued under her breath. “I hope you like it. Follow me”