The Monster of Lochburn

Entry Nine

CARTER

The Monster of Lochburn

Snow pressed between my toes. It squished its way between the pads of my paws. My tongue slipped from my snout and flew to the side. I leaped over a thinly ice coated log. I howled loudly. Woo hoo! A couple of angry birds stopped me in my tracks. I showed them what was what with a loud bark. None of that mattered though- Pretend I didn’t write that. I don’t wanna erase that because it’ll smudge the journal paper. I soared over a creek. My pair of back paws smacked the water. My tail dripped in the process. I wagged it happily continuing my quick trott down the thin trail. Hot steam pushed out from my nostrils. I twitched my nose. My back leg started to kick. I dropped my butt and started to scratch behind my ear. Finally, it disappeared, and I went on my merry way once again.

The group shot comments back and forth. The two men argued over which was the correct path to take. Ashlyn ripped the map away from Zahyn. Vincent, rightly, took the map away from her. Zahyn then stole it back for himself. The three continued to fight over which way to go. I walked over to my bags. Shadow rolled lazily onto his back. His snores attempted to drown out the trio. No wonder you’re tired. He disappeared every night for a run. I ran hot, but he ran hard. I would fall asleep and wake up just a couple of hours later to find him gone. A part of me wanted to pretend to sleep one night and once he got up to leave then I would follow him. The other understood his need for escape. I walked away from the others in search of something else.

Morgan let fire flow freely from her hands. It was a part of her. She became a live wire. It moved like fluid through the air. Her palms were lit alive with energy.. She stood in the center of a tiny clearing with her feet firmly planted. Her lips pursed. Her brow furrowed. Sweat lingered just above it. The ball of fire grew larger. Blue sparked from the center. Icerion, she’s hot. Blades of green jutted upward around her boots. Snow continued to melt all around her. I panted as the air became thicker with the heavy heat. Fur sank beneath my skin. I leaned backward as my bones twisted into their usual state. No pain echoed as I focused on the gorgeous Sorcerer.

She gave me a wicked smile. I pushed the messy hair from my face and gave her a rather timid half smirk in return. Heat crossed my cheeks. I pushed myself onto my legs. I started to crack my knuckles. I popped my fingers over and over until the nervous feeling in my stomach subsided. She dropped her flames. Her boots sent water up into the air as she approached. I stared, unable to move as her hands picked up mine.

My first relationship was naive. I mean- I meant I was naive. I wanted attention and she just told me she loved me so fast. It must have been true, right? I would ask myself that every night but it wasn’t a real relationship. She saved me then destroyed me. She pinkie promised she would be nice. I stared back at Morgan. I slipped my hands out of her palms and crossed my arms with a cocked brow. I would rather spend my day playing Skyrim or Baldur’s Gate and listening to true crime podcasts than be screamed at. Whatever relationships were, I didn’t need them. I didn’t need to be told what to do, especially from someone like Morgan. It wasn’t a shock that she was The Royal. She exuded poshness and everyone knew King George fathered the Heir. Or, so her mother claimed. She raised her hand before me. She closed her fist for a flash then opened it. Inside was a tiny golden wrapped candy bar. She showed off the Twix with a proud look.

“I stole it from Ashlyn.” Her smile widened. “I thought you might like it. But now I am thinking about…. I do not know if you are allergic. I also do not know if you would even like it.” Her lips turned down as her brow furrowed.

“I actually love these.” I chuckled. My arms slipped down beside me. I relaxed my stance a little. “Though…. Stealing? I don’t know if that’s appropriate for a Princess. Not that I’m above it.” I tossed my hands up. “Before I was hit with the ole’ knee arrow, I stole a fair deal from the Upea.”

“Oh, do not worry,” She spoke confidently. “I did leave her a gold Fyle.” My eyes widened. “What? Is that not enough?”

“No- No- That’s like really fucking generous-” I couldn’t hold myself together anymore. Tears broke from my face as I burst into a fit of laughter. “Those things are less than two bronze Fyles!”

“Oh… Oh no.” A sigh left her mouth and she began to rub her temples. “Ears… There has been a mistake.” She groaned. I laughed louder, feeling it in my stomach. I grabbed her shoulder and without thinking buried my face into her hair. Her hand rested on my shoulder while I calmed down. A whole fucking gold Fyle! Goddamn! That’s like a hundred fucking dollars!

“Morgan, I hope she spends that on something good.” I pulled away, giving her a crooked grin.

“I hope so too…” She bit her lower lip. Her hand slipped down to mine and squeezed. “I really just wanted to do something nice…” She strained for a moment. “You know- I have not- I am not the nicest person. I say things to you that are unkind and I would like to apologize-”

“I’m kinda into it,” I joked.

“Good, it is a part of my humor.” She chuckled. “I also… Well, you are homesick and I hope this helps. I would have given ten gold Fyles for that.”

“Really?” I smiled and wrapped her up in my arms. I felt her relax against me. “Thank you so much. That means a lot.” Morgan rested her head on my chest. I gripped her back. Drowsiness dripped down my eyes as a cold wave crashed upon my cells.

“Of course.”

“I- I actually got something for you.” Reluctantly, we separated. I reached into the pocket of my heart covered boxers. The cold bracelet slipped between my fingers. Morgan gasped as I presented it. The ice glistened, and particles of Icerion glowed in the chiseled gems. “It’s perma ice. Icerion’s Children can make it from snow.” I explained like she wasn’t a genius who knew everything. “It- Ice jewelry only lasts for two weeks but it’s a sign of beauty-”

“And affection. A Kalpea presents Ice to their devotion. It is giving themselves to another.” She cupped my face in her hands. I noticed her eyes darken. “Thank you. I have never gazed upon the beauty it offers myself. I have never been gifted such a present of true wonder.” She slipped it on, admiring it in the sun. “I really just want you to be taken care of… There is something strange about you.” She looked around the clearing. Her hand cradled mine. “Sometimes… Well, nevermind.” She’s a witch… A witch didn’t turn you. “Tell me, what do you think of your return?”

“I really like it here.” I played with her pointer finger. Her nails were freshly turned into black coffins. “I miss some amenities, obviously, and I’ll run out of Monsters soon but I’ll manage. I’m saving them for a special occasion.” I mentally counted how many energy drinks I had left. “It’s like a ton of camping or really realistic LARPing. Or like a giant Dungeons and Dragons session… Either way, I’ve missed it…. Not the killing though… When I was younger, or more naive, I made a mistake…” I scratched the back of my neck. “I hate it here sometimes but I love it because… because of my friends. My new friends. I feel almost important. Like around you, there’s a feeling, like the air has changed.”

“You are important.” I stared at her. “You are important to me. You have saved my life.” I turned red. My heart tightened.

“Me?”

“Yes.” She cocked her head, looking down at me. My throat squeezed.

“Shit.” I shifted my bare feet in the mucky soil. Mud soaked up around my toes. It stained my shins. I stood almost completely naked before her. My hair stuck up in all directions. “Morgan, I care about you. You’re important to me, Princess. I just- What is this?”

“It is something…” She thought for a moment. “Can I hug you again?”

“Yes.” Morgan wrapped me in her arms. Jesus Christ, you’re strong. I rested my chin on her head. My arms squeezed around her waist. She firmly planted a hand on my shoulder and neck, holding me in place. Nails pressed into my skin. She felt so cold against me. I felt drawn closer to her . I shivered happily. I shuddered as she pulled her face so slightly away. She grinned from ear to ear. A hand slid up to hug my cheek. “Thank you.”

“For what, Ears?”

“Asking.” I gripped her like she was going to fly away like the ravens I barked at. “It really means a lot. Just asking… I don’t know- Something about you is strange to me.”

“Strange?”

“In a good way!”

“Of course, sweetheart.” Morgan chuckled. She tucked my hair behind my ears. “Are you ready to go on and find the others, darling?” I am dead. Quit or Reload. No, seriously I died at that moment. I don’t know if any of you have ever had an older woman call you ‘darling’ but I highly recommend it.

“They’re fighting over directions.” I threw my head back dramatically.

“Again?” She rubbed her temples once more. “We will never get to Heart at this rate. Can you read a map?”

“Yeah, I’m a genius. Smarter than you for sure.”

“Sure, and I am the Emperor himself.” She held onto my hand. “Let us go.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I traveled by Google Maps mostly. It was how I found my classes in college. Reading a regular map wasn’t hard… Sometimes a little daunting though. The giant blue ball in the night sky always pointed west, that was a fact. Regardless, no one was suited for direction by any means. By the grace of God or Gods or Souls(?), we made it somehow. Maybe Icerion was smiling down at me, her and all her sons.

Strider came to a rigid stop. My jaw fell. I couldn't stay upright. I slipped down from his gray saddle. I trailed my hand along his smooth muscles unable to turn my gaze. His neighs seemed like a distant grunt. I had seen cities before. I had been to lots of cities in the past, from Atlanta to New York. I’ve seen the great white towers of the Upea but there was something about Heart that held my gaze. A magical aura coated each brick and every piece of straw. One skyscraper could cast the entire city with its shadow and yet, something called me to the deep center.

A windmill shifted on the outskirts. My fingers left Strider’s coat and fell to my side. My eyes rose all the way to its heavy blades made of yellow stained cloth. The fabric caught hold of the wind, allowing its gears to spin. Gray and peach stone bricks traveled from the turbine down to the ground creating a round tower. Black wood formed a curved door. It creaked and groaned as a heavy booted foot kicked it open. The bearded farmer exited with two large bags of grain thrown over his shoulders.

Fields hugged the imaginary wall that separated the city from the farms. Pink wheat sprouted in neat rows. A woman went to the few empty spaces in the field. She took out a small spade and dug the snow away. Like a spring, the plant bounced upward. She sprinkled something on top of it and continued on her way. Another woman tended to bushes and bushes of crisp blueberries. The balls were the size of a large coin. They thudded against her basket as she plucked them. My attention was captured again by the grain worker. She approached a chunk of ice with a heavy hammer. She slammed it down on the cube. Water rushed from it. The liquid made its mark in the snow as it traveled to every plant.

Strider nudged me with his snout. I walked slowly. I didn’t want to miss any details. I attempted to memorize it all, just so I could write it down later. I hated facing the consequences of failed perception. I would find myself alone in my bed unable to remember certain details. I promised I wouldn’t let Heart fall to that again. Fields pressed up against several farmhouses. Each step brought me deeper into the city, closer to its density. More and more buildings cropped up. Like a forest mode of the peach and gray bricks, the buildings took control of my entire view. Steam escaped from slits in the ground. The soft mist floated over Strider’s hooves, leaving warm droplets across his hair. I could barely see the stone pathway. Water, slush, and muck drained into grates. Soft gurgles below the surface were hidden by the bustling activity. Shovelers pushed the snow around helping the steamers melt it down faster.

An inn sat in the center of a fork in the road. People floated out of it getting ready for their day. Traders pulled carts of their wares down the left fork. Patrons with vomit across their chests stumbled towards the right. Clear glass exposed its insides. People continued to drink their troubles away. Some entered the inn, kicked off their boots, and ordered breakfast. A pair snuck out with red faces and shared a final kiss before separating down the fork. A woman dressed in a strained apron caught the door before it closed. She flipped the sign revealing rooms for rent.

After securing a place to stay for the night, we entered the outside atmosphere once again. Pine trees dotted themselves throughout the city. Large horses resembling Strider pulled carriages full of fur coated people. I moved through the traffic by food. Strider nearly threw a tantrum when I left him at the inn. People followed our group closely. Morgan slipped her hood over her head. Vincent gestured to his face and she shook her head. I raised a brow but returned my attention to the onlookers.

A Kalpea waved at me. She seemed young, about my age. Another one, just a couple of years older, grabbed her shoulder. The woman pointed at me before chastising her friend. The two quickly walked away, refusing to make eye contact with my figure. What? My stomach hung itself. I sighed and looked down. I think I dressed okay- maybe they don’t like the outfit? Some more Elves gave me a dirty look. They whispered to the humans and they returned it as well. Okay, I remembered to put on deodorant. One approached. He had thick curly hair and a long beard. The burly Elf grabbed the point of my ear.

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“They said a Kalpea killed an entire hunting party… She smelled like a Shifter!” I ripped myself away. I growled instinctively. In hindsight, it was definitely a wrong move. “I fucking knew it!”

“You know nothing!” Morgan stepped in front of me. Her fists clenched.

“She had a witch too and a wolf, as black as the night.” He looked over at Morgan and scanned me. I consciously took each breath and noticed every blink. I tugged Morgan’s arm, trying to pull her back. “Do you know what it reminds me of? The Monster of Lochburn!”

“That is real fucking original,” Morgan sneered. I gripped the sides of my face. Blood rushed from it. My heart fell to the bottom of my chest. “You can’t do anything based on rumors.” He took a step closer. She raised her hand. Quickly, I grabbed onto it.

“Morg-”

“I will burn the flesh from your face!”

“Morgan!” I snapped at her. The man stumbled backward.

“Now…” She looked at him. “We have business to attend to. Come, Carter.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, Princess.” I snapped. I narrowed my eyes at her. Only in the bedroom. “I shouldn’t have yelled! I’m so sorry- You’re right. Let’s go.” They know. He knows who I am.

Holy shit. I hadn’t noticed. How did I not notice it? It tore me from my internal panic. The tall building swallowed my entire view. Each time was like the first time. Gray flags jutted from the tippity top of the walls. They flapped in the wood. A snowstorm stitched itself in the blue thread across the canvas. A black sword cut through the flakes. Beneath the sigils, giant stone bricks the color of a cloud built the castle up taller than the largest pine tree in Norkden.

“You and your group must be from Kray Ranger.” I jumped at the sigh of a stranger. I stuttered and stammered for words. Morgan stepped forward once again.

“Yes.” She extended her hand to me. “Now, Ears, things are about to get confusing.” I raised a brow at her. “Just trust me, darling. Try not to snap.” She tugged my face to hers. “Unless you plan on being more physical with it.” Icerion, welcome me with open arms for I am about to die.

I had never been inside before, nor did I care to learn about the royals. I only knew of Morgan because who the fuck didn’t? The Heir was more important than the Emperor. She was the continuation of his line and his strength. She was insanely attractive, scary, and dominating. Warm air nestled into my bones. My body ached at the change and my throat scratched. I wiped the constant drops of sweat from my skin, taking in it all. My arms crossed. I twisted on my heels getting a full view of the interior. Banners of their sigil hung along the tall stone walls. A chandelier filled with burning candles lit up the entire room. Orange tinted across the cool brick. Giant trees carved into the smooth stone. Green stone pressed into the markings finishing off the forest. I can’t forget about the rather large bear that poked itself out from the pine.

The end of the room was the home of a prominent chair. The stone carved into a sharp point that rose high above the King’s head. A balcony rested above it with a wooden railing allowing guards to cast their gaze down onto the throne. The ground attached itself firmly to the bottom of the regal chair. Masons somehow carved the castle out of the one giant stone? Gray cushions stuck out from behind the King ensuring his ass wouldn’t hurt. Two chairs, wooden chairs, planted themselves on either side. An older man filled the right and a young man relaxed in the left.

“Welcome!” The young King boasted loudly. He stood up from his throne with a smile wider than a ruler. He rivaled Kray the Giant. His arms were as thick as two thick logs. A huge greatsword hung from his back. Despite his weapon, he dressed in cool gray robes. A fur lined cloak wrapped around his neck. A black jewel sat comfortably at the center of his neck. Short black hair hid behind a crown made of silver. His clean shaven face showed a paleness that all Northerners seemed to acquire. “Kray told me to expect you all.” He pointed at everyone and stopped at the Princess. “Morgan, it has been quite a while, has it not?”

He approached and stopped in front of her. He fell to one knee, grasping her hand in his. The King planted a kiss on the back of her palm, unable to hide a blush that rose on his cheeks. I watched her eyes grow. A forced smile presented itself. I laughed, earning a look from the older man. She mouthed a small ‘help’ to me. He rose to his feet and pulled a dark blue handkerchief from his pants. He placed it in her hands. Her eyes widened. A cough escaped her throat. I laughed even harder. I grabbed her shoulder, which earned a shaky breath from her. Oh? I looked at Morgan. I want you.

“Well-” She stammered- “That was a night.” I gotta hear this story.

“We were supposed to be betrothed,” He spoke sheepishly. Ha!

“Now, she is an outlaw!” The older man shouted. He rose from his chair and showed just how much his size matched the King’s. I stumbled back, only to be caught by Zahyn.

“In her father’s eyes, not mine!” The King didn’t hesitate to chastise the man. “If I found out about any bounty groups, I will not hesitate to hang you. I don’t care if you are my father! I will not spill the Heir’s blood!’

“I will ground you!” The King, a man in his early twenties, stomped his foot.

“Forgive him, he’s ornery.” He crossed his arms and huffed. The charm quickly returned to his bulky face. “I would still like to consider our engagement.” Over my dead and rotting corpse. No, Reaver would have to drag me to The Hunting grounds before I let that happen. Icerion herself would have to smite me. I’d call upon Frostbane and his soldiers then-

“Oh- Really?” She laughed lightly. “I am unsure. I have to secure my throne. I would actually rather secure my life before I think of anything else. I joined a group of heroes as you can see.” She glanced over at me. “Plus, Fredrick, we do not know each other very well but I can request your friendship.”

“Oh, Morgan, you break my heart every time I see you.” He still smiled and kissed her hand once more, lingering a moment almost like a show. “I will always accept your friendship, especially if I can not have your heart.”

“It is because you are not a Shifter.” The older man stopped beside his son. The two looked nearly identical, save for a few differences. Gray peppered throughout his hair and well kept beard. Lines crossed his forehead marking his age. A dark scar poked upward from his shirt onto his neck. “My son allows you into this kingdom far too easily. Know you do not have my approval nor does the Prince of Soulmine.”

“Hello, Fredrick.”

“Morgan, you are here to deal with the beasts. Nothing more.” His eyes landed on me. “It seems you have already found one, though. My dear son, this is the reason you will never lay with the Princess. You offer her no gain.”

“I do offer her plenty.” I smirked. Ashlyn elbowed my stomach.

“Morgan, my lady.” The younger man approached. He bowed in an awkward attempt to be cordial. His hair flopped forward and was far shaggier than his brother’s. All three of the men had the same thick dark texture. Scruff coated his sharp, far less bulky face. Green eyes contrasted his family’s blue ones. He stretched out taller than his brother but stood much thinner. Small marks topped his curved ears. I noticed the same marks on some Tumma when they wanted only one point instead of three. Though awkward, he made me smile.

“Fredrick, it is always a pleasure.”

“There’s three of ‘em?” I whispered to Ashlyn.

“Who the hell? How are we-”

“Let’s call that one Kingy-”

“Oh- He can be Dilf and the other?”

“Fun sized,” Zahyn joined with a whisper.

“Yeah-” Morgan sent the three of us daggers- “I-” A final look silenced me.

“Whelp-”

“Morgan, I cannot thank you enough.” The King clasped her hands. “The Larken nests grow each day and all of my men are in Blood Pool. I have to head back there soon, as well, but I assure you that a proper reward will be given. You have my full support when you decide it is time to take your throne.”

“That is great and all but before The Council can even discuss your succession they want to discuss Shifters. It seems the veil about the Princess’s assault has been lifted.” Dilf looked me up and down. I held back from asking about it only for him to glare at Shadow. “I would recognize one anywhere.”

“I am going to vote to keep them as citizens and that is the end of it. Besides, what Morgan did was right.” She turned her face to the ground. “Whether the vote will happen or not, regardless, Morgan has my support for when she presses her claim.”

“They are diseased. They killed- They are monsters.”

“So are most people.” Kingy shook my hand. “I apologize for my father. He has had several bad experiences with some of the more angry ones.” Dilf continued his dark gaze at Shadow.

“Haven’t we all,” Vincent spoke up.

“Well, if she can kill the Larken then maybe I will change my mind.” He studied my face.

“I am the King. It does not matter what you think! You gave the throne to me!”

“I will take it away!”

“Gods! You are so annoying!”

Never Eat Soggy Waffles. I chanted the words in my head as we made our way. I walked east with Morgan hot on my trail. Zahyn complained about why he couldn’t bring a horse. I remained firm in my position of not risking the harm of any animals. Also, Ashlyn practically begged Morgan and Vincent not to ride.

Butterflies turned to dragons in my stomach. I cracked my fingers, humming the What’s New Scooby-Doo theme song. My heart pounded enough to catch Morgan’s attention. Feathers floated down in front of my face. I pulled at the string. A melodic hum traveled from it. I fiddled with the end of an arrow. I twirled it around the leather quiver. I brought it to my light bow. I pulled the string all the way to my shoulder. An ache formed in my blade. Plants strangled the wood in my palms, traveling up and down the stem.

The creature fell from the branch. They let out a screech as they climbed to their feet. Their claws dug into the snow, ready to pounce. My arrow pierced their neck. Their black blood dripped out staining the white canvas. I cupped my mouth. Morgan shot a bolt of fire into the creature’s feather laced chest. They fell backward and screamed for someone to help. I stuttered to grab a second arrow. A gnawing feeling dug into my stomach.

I locked eyes with a much bigger creature in the tree line. They soared down in front of me and tightly tucked their winds against their body. I gripped the wood. Plants tightened around my fingers, shifting like snakes in the grass. I froze. They didn’t move. Their large milky gray eyes stared into mine. No. The Larken chirped softly. The arrow fell onto the snow. The plants removed themselves from my hands. I let go of the wood. They reached their head forward. Their beak stopped inches away from my nose. I cracked the knuckles in one hand and raised my fingers. Their cold feathers flowed against my skin like water.

Shadow knocked them down. He snarled at the Larken and dove into their neck. They screamed and cried. I fell to my knees, scrambling for the weapons. The plants latched themselves around my wrists securing the weapon to me. The arrow felt off against my finger. I fumbled it. A second and third arrow dropped. I pulled a fourth one back. The shot waivered. My arms continued to shake. I took a deep breath and tried to line it up. Shadow ripped out their spine. Black dripped from his teeth.

“Breathe, Little One.” I stumbled backward. My spine snapped upward. “Focus on your heart.” I gripped onto the now present grass. Black mist forced its way into my mouth. My chest seized. I grabbed at my throat. I scratched my skin, trying to dig it out. My eyes fluttered to the inside of my head. A growl expelled some of the mist forward. “Carter!” He snapped his jaws at me. I sucked in hard. Tears spilled. I snapped my arms. I inhaled as slowly as my body would allow and exhaled. One. two. Three. Four. Five. I held the count for each in and exhaled. My muscles calmed. My heart slowed to its original pace. I grabbed at the wolf. I attempted to stabilize myself against his back as I stood.

“Is this going to happen every time we kill one?”

“I once killed one. I was unaware of the effect it had. I went feral for days. Days. By the time I came too, someone had trapped me in this body.” He shifted where he stood. “Yes, it will happen but your strength and control over it will grow.”

Ashlyn held onto a tree. She spoke some Latin medical terms in a melodic voice. Vincent sighed in relief as a golden glow washed over him. He helped himself up and ripped off his helmet revealing throbbing veins. The muscles in his neck flexed. He shifted his arms and then pointed at Edward Cullen. Zahyn lurched forward and held his mouth. Blood, bright red, dripped onto the snow. His teeth stretched and sharpened into needles. Morgan left him to his pain and approached with electric eyes. She helped me to my feet. She checked my head, shoulders, and arms. The fuzziness took over me and I leaned into her shoulder. My fists clenched as she pushed my hair back. I need a bath. Her. No- Why?

The second body was so much smaller than the first. My stomach grew heavy. I crouched down above them. Their dead eyes stared up at me. Cold spilled into my soul. I reached out with a shaky hand and closed their lids. Already their body felt like stone. Dark liquid spilled from their beak. I closed it too. What a poor attempt at sorry. Shakes grew in my legs. The cold body twitched. Morgan caught my shoulders before I could hit the ground. They convulsed again. I pulled from the Princess. I cradled their tiny body in my arms. Dread poured down my throat. More tears and even more escaped. Fuck. What the fuck did we just do?

I tried to wipe my face dry. I couldn’t. I couldn’t. I wiped harder. I kicked my bow away. No, I grabbed it back. I tried to snap it over my knee as the leaves from it dropped off. Morgan snatched it away from me. Still, it didn’t make it stop. I punched the ground, screaming at death.

“I would be concerned if you weren’t upset about this.” Morgan ran her hand through my hair, calling me back to her.

“They tried to kill you.” I couldn’t even feel my tongue. “I have to grow up. I need to be different.” I dug my fingers into my scalp. “They tried to hurt us.” Did they? They had to? If they didn't, I killed them for no reason. The bandit held a knife to her throat. They were gonna burn her. “Morgan, I’m a monster!”

“Hey!” She grabbed my face. Her hands held me in place. “It is a natural thing to cry.”

“Is it?” Vincent added. “Or is it some stupid Kalpea culture?”

“If you don’t feel remorse, then you are a monster,” I muttered. My hands clasped together. The Tenets of Icerion flowed out of me.

“Trust me. I have met hunters who cry. I have known soldiers to bury their enemies.” Her eyes shifted. “Vincent, you're dead.”

“Yeah,” I mumbled. We stood up together. “Not about the Vincent part but the burial part. We plant trees when children are born. When people die, they are buried beneath them. Maybe something like that should happen.”

“If it is going to help, I do think it is a good idea.”

I drank the thick mead. The sweet honey dragged down my throat. I stuck my tongue to the bottom attempting to get the last drop. A second cup appeared just like magic. I drank deeper occasionally, stopping to breathe. Morgan sat beside me eating some melody of vegetables. I set my cup down for a moment and picked at a small bread roll. A plate of butter sat at the center of our sticky table. Zahyn scraped some on his bread and slapped a piece of rare meat on top of it. I plopped my own piece of whatever animal it was into my mouth. It tasted of gristle and char. I took another strong sip. I felt my face flush. Icky sweat started to coat my face. I leaned over on Morgan. Like a ninja, I sneakily took a sip of her cup. It was yeastier than mine and made me stick out my tongue. The burning sensation traveled down my throat only serving to heat me up more.

“I don’t mean to alarm you-” I pressed my forehead against her cold cheek- “but that is absolutely vile.” I let my eyes close against her. “I don’t like it. You don’t like it. I do like you though…”

“It is my drink and I do like it but I would kill for a glass of red wine.” She laughed. “Darling, why don’t we get you to bed? Though, maybe you should eat something else though?” Like an obnoxious drunk, I slammed a piece of bread into my mouth. I also didn’t move my head from the side of her face either.

Morgan supported me as I stumbled to my room. I struggled to peel my shirt off. She attempted to help but I shushed her. The act would only have made me hotter. You’re gonna be impressed but I managed to undress myself. She pulled the covers to my chest and filled up a glass of water for me.

“I don’t want to feel this horrible anymore. How do you stand it?”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard a rumor or more like it’s not hidden,” I whispered. I rolled onto my side and grabbed her arm. I pulled her just inches away from my face. “You killed people. Bloodstone was burned to the ground and there were no survivors. I don’t care. I want you .”

“Ears.” She sat down beside me. I flopped my head into her lap. “I have something I need to tell you.”