44. Fiella
Isat on an uncomfortable stool in Kizzi’s shop, teacup in hand, subtly trying to roll the tension from my shoulders. My night in the woods had ravaged me entirely, leaving me wrecked and aching in the best way possible.
Apparently, my stiffness wasn’t as hidden as I had believed it was.
“Okay, I’ve been patient enough,” Kizzi declared, setting the bowl she had been mixing down with a thunk, and hastily wiping her hands off on a cloth. “Spill, bitch. What the fuck happened to you last night? You look like you battled a wild bear.”
I touched my face self-consciously. I had tried to cover up the scratches on my skin but there was only so much I could do. My sprint through the woods had left many marks on me.
“Girl, you better sit down for this one. It’s juicy,” I laughed.
I proceeded to tell Kizzi what happened, in tasteful secrecy (I told her every single detail).
By the time I was finished, Kizzi was clutching the table like it was the only thing keeping her upright. She looked absolutely scandalized. “Holy gods, you vampires are absolute animals.” Her cheeks had flushed a darker green than I had ever seen them.
I laughed. “It comes with the territory.” I nudged her shoulder. “You should find yourself a vampire man. I highly recommend it.”
She made a fake gagging sound. “No, I think I’ll pass on that one! I prefer my blood inside my veins, thank you very much.” She glanced at me sidelong. “No offense.”
“You don’t have to let them bite you. It’s just extremely fun if you do.” I smiled broadly, flashing my fangs.
She covered her ears dramatically. “Gah! Enough! I’ve heard enough! You know I’m squeamish about blood.”
“Which makes no sense, since witches use blood in spells and rituals all the time, but whatever you say,” I muttered.
“That’s completely different. That’s work. Business as usual. Not…” She shivered. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Next topic, please.”
I acquiesced. “Let’s talk business, then. How have things been here?”
“Absolute shit, now that you mention it!” Kizzi said. “All the folk in town needed me for a few weeks there while the madness was happening, but now,” she shrugged. “Shit.”
“At least the tourist season is coming soon! Will you have your wits about you when the influx of customers comes knocking at your door, or will the town be full of rainbow-haired folk?”
She sighed. “Gods, I hope I’ll have everything in order.” She looked around the shop with trepidation. “We took care of that asshole Josten, and things seem to have settled down, but I can still sense the sprites lurking around. They haven’t set me free quite yet.”
“Well, if there is anything I can do to help, I certainly owe you one.”
“Damn right you do. I’m not sure if there is anything to be done right now. It seems like we’re at a stalemate.”
“Well, you better let me know if anything else pops up. You know I’ve got your back and I’ll be pissed if you don’t let me help you.”
She flapped her hand. “Oh, shush. I’ll let you know, Fi.”
“To the moons!”
“To the suns!”