Chapter 2
I WAKE WITH A START , my eyelids flying open to an unfamiliar ceiling of rough-hewn logs. The scent of pine and wood smoke fills my nostrils as I blink, trying to orient myself. My body aches, a dull throb pulsing through my limbs as memories of the crash and stumbling through the snow flood back.
Slowly, I turn my head, taking in my surroundings. I’m lying on a plush couch, covered in a thick, hand-knitted blanket. The room is warm and cozy, filled with rustic furniture that looks like it was crafted by skilled hands. A fire crackles in a stone hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls.
Movement catches my eye, and I stiffen as I spot a massive figure hunched over a workbench in the corner. My rescuer, I assume, though his size is alarming. He’s easily seven feet tall, broad-shouldered and built like a linebacker. A scarf obscures the lower half of his face, and a hood is pulled low, leaving only his eyes visible.
I try to sit up, wincing as pain shoots through my ribs. The movement draws his attention, and he turns, those eyes—a warm amber color—fixing on me. I freeze, unsure whether to be grateful or terrified.
“You’re awake,” he says, and his voice is so deep I feel a faint reverberation from it. “How do you feel?”
I swallow hard, my throat dry. “Like I got hit by a truck,” I croak out. “Where am I?”
He approaches slowly, as if trying not to startle a wild animal. In his massive hands, he carries a steaming mug. “My cabin,” he says simply. “I found you in the snow. You’re safe here.”
I eye the mug warily as he holds it out. “It’s just tea,” he adds. “For the pain.”
Hesitantly, I reach out and take it, the warmth seeping into my cold fingers. The aroma is herbal and soothing. I take a small sip, surprised by the pleasant taste.
“Thank you,” I say, studying him over the rim of the mug, “For the tea and for saving me. I’m Fiona.”
He nods once. “Bram,” he says, then turns back to the table.
I watch as he gathers some supplies—bandages and what looks like a homemade salve. When he returns, I tense involuntarily.
“Your injuries need tending,” he says, his voice gentle despite its depth. “May I?”
I nod, though my heart races as he kneels beside the couch. On his knees, he’s roughly my height when I’m standing. Though he’s on the floor, and my butt is on the couch, he’s still taller than me even in this position. His movements are slow and deliberate as he begins to clean and dress a nasty scrape on my arm I hadn’t even noticed. Despite his size, his touch is surprisingly gentle.
“What happened?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the discomfort—both physical and from his proximity.
“Found your car wrapped around a tree,” he says, focused on his task. “Followed your tracks through the snow. You’re lucky. That storm was fierce and unexpected.”
I shudder, remembering the biting cold and disorientation. “It sure wasn’t in the forecast, or I wouldn’t have been driving. I just... I needed to get away.”
Bram pauses, those amber eyes flickering up to meet mine. There’s understanding there, and something else I can’t quite place. “Sometimes, running is all we can do,” he says softly.
I look away, blinking back sudden tears. “Yeah,” I whisper. “I guess so.”
We lapse into silence as he continues tending my injuries. I study him surreptitiously, trying to make sense of this strange, gentle giant. Despite his size, there’s nothing threatening about him. If anything, he seems almost shy, keeping his face hidden, and his words few.
“So,” I say eventually, unable to bear the quiet any longer, “You live out here alone?”
Bram nods, applying the salve to a bruise on my shoulder. The coolness is a relief against my skin. “Prefer the solitude.”
“Must get lonely.”
He shrugs those massive shoulders. “Used to it.”
I study Bram as he tends to my injuries, curiosity getting the better of me. His gentle touch contrasts sharply with his imposing size. More questions swirl in my mind, demanding answers.
“Why were you out there in that storm? It seems awfully convenient that you found me.” There’s a note of accusation in my voice that makes me wince, but the observation is truthful. Him discovering me in that squall seems...unlikely.
He stops for a moment before lifting my shirt to expose my aching ribs. His fingers are efficient, but they’re awfully hairy. Looking closer, I see he only has two fingers and a thumb and look away quickly. I don’t want him to think I’m staring at his deformity.
“Grizelda told me to look for you.”
I blink and frown with confusion. “Grizelda? Who’s that?”
He sighs, a deep rumble that seems to vibrate through the air. “It’s a long story. One you’re probably not ready to hear.”
His evasiveness only fuels my determination. “Try me. I think I deserve some answers after nearly freezing to death out there.”
Bram shakes his head, turning away to gather more supplies, though he can’t possibly need anything more than the small mountain already on the cushion beside me. “Not now. You need rest.”
Frustration bubbles up inside me. I’ve never been good at letting things go, and this mystery is too intriguing to ignore. Without thinking, I reach out, grasping the edge of his hood. “What are you hiding under there?”
It happens in an instant. I tug, he jerks back, and suddenly, the hood falls away. The scarf comes with it, revealing a face that sends shock coursing through my system.
Where I expect to see a human face, I’m confronted with the features of a bull—a snout, large nostrils, and most alarmingly, two sharp horns protruding from his forehead, surrounded by a main of luxurious dark brown hair. His eyes, those warm amber orbs that had seemed so gentle before, now appear alien and terrifying.
A scream tears from my throat as I scramble backward, nearly falling off the couch in my haste. My mind reels, unable to process what I’m seeing. This can’t be real. It has to be a hallucination, a fever dream brought on by hypothermia, or maybe a latent concussion. I did bump my head.
“Stay back,” I shout, my voice shrill with panic. I look wildly around the cabin, searching for an escape route. The door seems miles away, and my legs shake as I force myself to stand.
Bram raises his hands, palms out in a placating gesture. Both hands have only three digits, and the wild thought crosses my mind that maybe it isn’t a deformity. Maybe whatever he is only has three fingers. “Fiona, please. I won’t hurt you. You’re safe here.”
His words barely register as I make a dash for the door. My injuries protest as a sharp pain lances through my ribs, but adrenaline propels me forward. I grasp the handle, yanking it open only to be met with a wall of swirling snow. The storm still rages outside, a howling void of white.
Before I can even consider braving the blizzard, Bram is there. He doesn’t grab me and doesn’t force me back inside. He simply stands between me and the doorway, his massive frame blocking any hope of escape.
“You’ll freeze out there,” he says, his deep voice steady and calm despite the situation. “Please, come back inside. I promise I mean you no harm.”
I back away, my gaze darting around the cabin. There has to be another way out. A window, maybe? But as I move, Bram mirrors my actions, always keeping himself between me and any potential exit.
“What are you?” I demand, my voice quavering. “Some kind of...of monster?”
A flicker of hurt passes through those amber eyes, quickly masked. “I’m a Minotaur,” he says patiently. “Half-man and half-bull. Well, that was the original way, but I come from a long line of just Minotaurs who’ve married other Minotaurs... That’s not important right now. I know it’s a shock, but—”
“A Minotaur?” I interrupt, hysteria creeping into my voice. “That’s impossible. They’re myths, legends. This isn’t real. It can’t be real.”
My back hits the wall, and I slide down it, drawing my knees to my chest. My head spins while reality seems to warp around me. Bram takes a step closer, and I flinch. “Don’t come any closer,” I warn, though my voice lacks conviction.
He stops, then slowly lowers himself to sit on the floor, putting himself at my eye level. He keeps a good distance between us, and his movements are deliberate and non-threatening. “I understand you’re scared,” he says softly. “This is a lot to take in, but I swear to you, Fiona, I’m not your enemy. I only want to help.”
I stare at him, my heart thundering. Now that the initial shock is fading, I force myself to really look at him. Yes, his features are bovine, but there’s an undeniable intelligence in those eyes, and despite his fearsome appearance, his posture is almost...sheepish. Like he’s more afraid of scaring me than I am of him.
“How is this possible? Minotaurs aren’t real. None of this can be real.”
He sighs, running a hand through the long mane of fur on his head. “The world is bigger and stranger than most humans realize. There are pockets of magic scattered across the globe, places where creatures like me can live in peace. Evershift Haven is one such place, hidden in a pocket universe.”
I stare at Bram, my mind struggling to process his words. Pockets of magic? Pocket universes? Creatures like him? Meaning there are more like him? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, not real life. Yet here he is, a living, breathing Minotaur sitting across from me.
“Evershift Haven,” I repeat slowly, testing the name on my tongue. “And it’s full of magical creatures?”
Bram nods, watching me carefully. “Not just creatures. Witches, fae, shapeshifters—all manner of magical beings who need a safe place to call home, and some humans who’ve found their way here over the years.”
I inhale and exhale slowly, trying to steady myself. “And you live there?”
“I do. My family has been in Evershift Haven for generations. We’re protected by powerful magic that keeps us hidden from the outside world.”
My head spins with questions. “But how? Why haven’t I ever heard of this place?”
Bram shifts, settling more comfortably on the floor. “The magic that protects us also obscures us from human perception. Unless you know exactly where to look, you’d never find us. Your car accident brought you to the edge of our territory—that’s why Grizelda sensed your presence.”
“Grizelda,” I murmur, remembering the name he mentioned earlier. “The one who told you to look for me?”
He nods. “She’s our town witch. Powerful, if a bit...eccentric. She maintains the protective barrier around Evershift Haven.”
I rub my temples, feeling another headache coming on, and the first one has barely faded. It’s all so much to take in. Part of me still wants to believe this is some elaborate hoax or hallucination, but the evidence is sitting right in front of me, impossible to deny. “So what happens now?” I ask, hating how small my voice sounds.
His expression softens. “Now, you rest and recover. The storm won’t let up for a while yet. Once it’s safe, we can figure out what to do next.”
I nod, suddenly weary beyond measure. The adrenaline is wearing off, leaving me drained and aching. Bram must notice, because he slowly rises to his feet.
“There’s a bathroom through that door,” he says, gesturing. “It’s small by my standards but should be comfortable for you. Why don’t you get cleaned up? I’ll see about finding you some food.”
I eye the door warily, then look back at Bram. Despite his monstrous appearance, there’s genuine kindness in his eyes, and really, what choice do I have? “Okay,” I agree quietly. “Thank you.”
He nods and retreats to what I assume is the kitchen area. I push myself to my feet, wincing at the various aches and pains, and make my way to the bathroom door.
Inside, I flip the lock and look around, surprised to find a spacious, modern bathroom. It’s easily twice the size of my old bathroom back in my childhood home that I sold after Mom’s death. A large clawfoot tub dominates one corner, while a separate shower stall takes up another. The sink and toilet are oversized, clearly built to accommodate Bram’s massive frame.
I catch sight of myself in the mirror and grimace. My red hair is a tangled mess, while my face is pale and drawn. Dirt and small scratches mar my skin—evidence of my trek through the forest. I look like I’ve been through hell, which, I suppose, isn’t far from the truth. At least the icy level of Dante’s Hells.
The promise of a hot bath is too tempting to resist. I start the water running, then remember my duffel bag. Poking my head out of the bathroom, I spot it near the couch where I’d been lying.
“Bram?” I call out hesitantly. “Could you pass me my bag, please?”
He appears a moment later, carrying the duffel easily in one massive hand. He sets it just inside the doorway, careful not to invade my space.
“Take your time,” he says. “I’ll have some food ready when you’re done.”
I nod my thanks and close the door, leaning against it for a moment. The idea of running crosses my mind—surely there must be a window I could climb out of? But then I remember the howling wind and swirling snow outside. No, for now at least, I’m stuck here.
Sighing, I strip off my dirty clothes and sink into the steaming bath. The hot water is heavenly against my battered body, and I feel some of the tension begin to ease from my muscles. As I soak, I try to make sense of everything that’s happened.
Magic is real. Mythical creatures exist. There’s an entire hidden world out there that I never knew about. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Part of me wants to dismiss it all as impossible, but I can’t deny the evidence of my own eyes.
By the time I emerge from the bath, clean and dressed in fresh clothes from my bag, I feel marginally more human. The smell of something savory wafts through the air, making my stomach growl. I can’t remember the last time I ate.
Cautiously, I make my way back to the main room. Bram is at the stove, his back to me as he stirs something in a large pot. The domesticity of the scene is almost comical given his monstrous appearance.
He turns as I approach, those amber eyes warm with concern. “Feeling better?”
I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. “A little, yes. Thank you.”
Bram ladles whatever he’s cooking into a bowl and sets it on the table. “Sit,” he says gently. “You need to eat.”
I obey, sliding into a chair that’s slightly too big for me. The bowl in front of me contains a thick, hearty stew that smells divine. My stomach rumbles again, loudly enough for Bram to hear. His snout twitches in what I think might be amusement.
“It’s mushroom stew.” He takes a seat across from me with his own much larger portion. “Should help warm you up.”
I take a tentative bite, then another. The stew is rich and flavorful, warming me from the inside out. We eat in silence for a while, the only sounds the clink of spoons against bowls and the crackling of the fire.
Finally, I set down my spoon, having eaten far more than I thought possible. “That was delicious. Thank you.”
Bram nods, looking pleased. “You’re welcome. How are you feeling now?”
I consider the question. Physically, I’m still sore and bruised, but the worst of the cold has left me. Mentally...that’s another story.
“I’m not sure,” I say honestly. “This is all so overwhelming. I don’t know what to think.”
Bram’s expression is sympathetic. “I understand. It’s a lot to take in. Is there anything I can do to help? Any questions I can answer?”
I laugh, a slightly hysterical edge to the sound. “I have about a million questions. I don’t even know where to start.”
“Start with the easy ones.” He shrugs “We have time. I think the town conjured this storm, since it was so sudden and unnatural. No telling when it will end.”
I can’t process the idea of the town conjuring the storm, so I ignore that and try to organize my thoughts. “Okay. You’re a Minotaur. Are there others like you in Evershift Haven?”
Bram shakes his head. “Yes, and there are plenty of other magical beings.”
“Like what?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of my fear.
“Well, there’s Grizelda, our town witch, whom I’ve mentioned. She’s unique. Green skin and wild purple hair that moves on its own. Then there’s Throk, an orc who runs the local garage. He’ll be able to fix your car with magic and regular mechanics. The vampire couple who own the inn...” He trails off, seeming to realize he might be overwhelming me again.
I blink, trying to process this information. “Vampires? Are they...dangerous?”
Bram chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound. “No more dangerous than anyone else in town. They’re actually quite charming, if a bit old-fashioned, and they drink synthetic blood.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “This is insane. A few hours ago, I thought I was going to die in that storm. Now I’m sitting here talking about vampires and witches like it’s normal.”
“It’s normal for us,” he says gently. “I know it’s a shock, but I promise you’re safe here. No one in Evershift Haven will harm you.”
I want to believe him. Despite his fearsome appearance, there’s a gentleness to Bram that’s hard to ignore, but years of skepticism and caution are hard to overcome.
“What happens when the storm clears?” I ask, voicing the question that’s been nagging at me. “Will you...let me leave?”
Bram’s eyes widen in surprise. “Of course. You’re not a prisoner here. Once it’s safe to travel, you’re free to go wherever you wish.”
“But the secret,” I press. “Your hidden town. How do you know I won’t tell anyone?”
He sighs, his massive shoulders rising and falling. “We have ways of ensuring our secret stays safe. Nothing dangerous or painful,” he hastily adds when I blanch. “I hope it won’t come to memory-wiping spells. I hope that once you’ve had a chance to see Evershift Haven for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s so important to keep it hidden.”
I nod slowly, not entirely reassured but willing to reserve judgment for now. “What do we do until then?”
Bram rises, gathering our empty bowls. “For now, you rest. Your body needs time to heal. When you’re feeling up to it, I can show you around the cabin, maybe teach you how to play chess if you’re interested.”
I scowl at him, irritated he assumes I don’t know how to play. “I know how to play chess.”
He flashes a grin, and his flat, square teeth are pearly white. “Excellent. That will pass some time, and when the storm breaks, we’ll head into town.”
The thought of venturing into a village full of magical creatures makes me tremble with equal parts fear and excitement. What wonders might I see? What dangers might be lurking?
I look up at him, this gentle giant who saved my life and turned my world upside down in the span of a few hours. Despite everything, I want to trust him.
“Okay,” I say, managing a small smile. “I guess we’ll take it. one step at a time.” As the storm continues to rage outside, I settle in to wait, wondering what strange new world awaits me when the snow finally clears.