3. Asher
three
Asher
T he walk back to the cabin was eerie even for me. Once the sun began to set, no sign of life remained in the town. The hair on my arms stood on end until I reached the tree line outside town. Large for-sale signs hung from dilapidated shops and swayed lightly in the freezing wind.
"Interesting," I mumble to myself.
During the day, it's as if the town doesn't have a worry in the world. Children ran around happily, unaware of the dark-hued cloud heavily above the town. It was clear as day to me before even arriving at this small dead end. However, it's now clear to me that these people see nothing. All they notice is the danger that sits right in front of them—an unknown person or thing slowly ripping their home apart, one tiny shop at a time.
And that woman. Curse that fucking woman. Something about her is strange, as if she's unaffected by the blanket that sits over this town, almost like it's familiar to her.
The vision of her surprised look as she stumbled into me by the alley flashes across my vision, and I clench my fists. The way she softly smiled at me and called me handsome. I only wanted to get closer to her without being too noticeable to the townspeople. Apparently, there aren't as many dogs in this town as I thought. In fact, now that I think about it, I don't recall seeing more than one or two dogs in town.
"Interesting."
The treeline comes into view, and I shift into a large, dire wolf. Something inside me tells me to return to her as soon as possible. This form is the most discrete, but it will allow me to.
I trot through the trees. The forest is silent except for the heavy falling snow. Any footprints have quickly disappeared under the silky snow.
The inn comes into view, and only a few dimly lit lights glow on the nearby snow. I shift back to two feet and adjust my jacket before opening the front door. As always, the front desk is abandoned.
"At least this will be quick." I walk down the hall and shove the key into the lock, turning it quietly. The room was exactly as I had left it, aside from the mess of hair being cleaned up. My things were still sitting where I left them.
"Asher."
I whip around and see Tiago standing as a pale wisp before me.
"Damn spirit walkers," I spit and turn back to gather my things. "What did I tell you, dammit?"
"I know, sir." Tiago floats to my side, watching my hands as I gather my things. "Are you really set on leaving?"
"Yes."
"I won't stop you." Tiago's legs are nearly transparent, with only a thin veil in front of me. "I assume you're prepared for the repercussions."
"I am." suddenly, Maya's face flashes across my mind, and my heart quickens.
"He will find out that you abandoned your home."
"My prison," I correct him.
"Your duty nonetheless." Something on me catches his attention, and Tiago shifts up to me and smells me deeply. Suddenly, his eyes shine white, and he's on the floor, crazed and licking his lips like a serpent. "Who is she?" He hisses and wipes his mouth of drool, still smiling wickedly.
I grab him by the throat and squeeze.
"Know your place, spirit walker." I squeeze tighter, and his eyes bulge. He claws at my hands.
"She smells sweet like nectar," he grins at me. His eyes are slowly coming back to their original color. "Is that why you left, my lord?"
My body trembles with energy. Maya's smile hits my vision, and my hair begins to grow.
"She must taste even better-" He thrashes in my grasp. "I haven't tasted something like that in so long, my lord, please-"
I cut him off as I separated his head from his body. His head hits the floor and rolls, stopping with a bump against the bedpost. If I'm lucky, his body snapped along with his spirit.
My body vibrates, and I grab my bags and throw them over my shoulders. I leave the key at the front desk and begin the trek back to Maya.