I wake to the muted roar of the ocean. It’s a soothing sound, one that makes me want to stay in bed all day and never leave it.
My eyelids flutter open, lazily sliding to the thick tinted glass of Caz’s bedroom balcony. The dark waters ripple beneath the sunlight like black jewels.
I’m still lying in his bed, naked beneath the black sheets. The delicate space between my thighs aches as I remember what we did last night, and even during the early hours of the morning before the sun was anywhere in sight.
Yawning, I look to my right and notice Caz’s side is vacant. I rub a hand along his side of the bed, and it’s cool to the touch. I sit up against the headboard, and my eyes fall to the nightstand. There’s a folded sheet of ivory paper on it with my name scrawled in black ink. Caz’s handwriting.
I smile at the thought of him writing a note before running off to wherever he’s gone.
I pick it up and read it.
You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn’t want to wake you. I have some things to do today but make yourself at home. Will return within a few hours.
I love you,
Caspian
His name is signed skillfully, like he’s had to sign it so many times before that it falls from his fingers naturally. A smile sticks to my lips as I hold the letter to my chest. A door slams from a distance, heavy like it could be the front door of the manor.
A burst of red catches my eye, and I look to my left. There’s a red outfit hanging from a steel room divider, and on the chair next to it is a black shopping bag. I wrap myself in the sheets and rush over to pick up the bag. Inside are panties, jewelry, toothbrushes, and feminine products like tampons and pads, which I’m glad are similar to what we have on Earth. I’m pretty sure I’m due for a period soon.
There’s a note attached to the bag, and I pluck it off.
Self-care first, then we have fun.
– Maeve
I tuck the letter into the bag with a smile then take down the outfit, running my fingers through the soft, cottony fabric. Of course, it’s red, a color that seems to be a favorite of Maeve’s.
I carry all the items to the bathroom and hop in the shower, taking a moment to breathe and let the warm water wash over my skin. I relish in the calmness, feeling a sense of peace when I realize things can go back to normal…whatever that normal may be for us.
No more running away from danger. No more worrying about sleeping in case Mournwrath tries to attack me in my dreams. I wonder where Korah took him, actually, and if we’ll ever see her again. At least one more time. I actually really like her, despite how hardened she is. Has she gone back to Earth? Is she still here? Has she paid her sister a visit? Maybe she and Hassha can go find Selah now that Decius has been put down. I’m certain they’d survive and can wake her without Caz.
There are so many possibilities, and I’m feeling optimistic for the first time in a long time, so I finish washing, then step out to clean my face, brush my teeth, then style my hair as best as I can with water. There are gels in Caz’s cabinets, but no oils or sprays. That’s one thing I’ll have to look into while I’m here because I cannot walk around with dry locs.
When I’m done and dressed, I place two ruby earrings from the bag into my earlobes and stare at my reflection.
I look brighter, cheerful.
Wait.
Oh, my goodness. I’m glowing. Is that what this is? Wow. I have to admit, the glow looks good on me. I’ve never properly glowed before.
I leave the bathroom, and for some odd reason I start thinking about Garrett. Is he still in that tomb? Will they send him back to Earth? He’s a loose end that I want to talk to Caz about. Hassha can’t just leave him in a cave. I won’t feel too good about him until I know he’s back on Earth and far away from here.
I brush the thought aside, and the sound of clinking glasses fills my head. I smell bloom and liquor as well as toast and something sweet, like chocolate.
I gather you’re finally awake. Caz’s voice fills the hollows of my mind. The clinking continues, and I also hear a scratchy noise, like pen scribbling on paper. He must be at the tavern.
I smile, shaking my head as I make the bed. Are you gonna listen to everything I do now?
Might as well make use of it. Now tell me why you’re worried about that Garrett fucker.
Oh my gosh, Caz. Seriously? I huff a laugh, making the bed.
I’m just curious. Why not be satisfied with the idea of him rotting?
“I don’t know,” I say out loud with a sigh. “I know he was wrong but…he didn’t ask to be Decius’ vessel. And if he goes back to Earth, he can’t prove any of what happened in Vakeeli. Isn’t there a way they can erase his memory or something? And send him back as less of a piece of shit?”
Hassha would never risk it, but there are alternatives to keeping him quiet.
“Like what?”
Before we left Kessel, Hassha told me to leave his fate up to you. She gave me two options: let him rot in the cave or turn him into a spider and let me crush the shit out of him with my boot.
“What?” I ask aloud. “Turn him into a spider? That’s…so Vakeeli-ish.”
“Well, she was doing the spider thing more so in my favor, so that I’d feel satisfied about it. But she quickly made me realize that it’s not up to me what happens to him. He’s your pain from your past so, ultimately, it’s up to you.”
I sit on the edge of the bed, peering out the window. “Well…I don’t want him dead.” I air the statement because it’s true. As much as I don’t like Garrett anymore and don’t want him having any part of my life, I don’t think he should die. I’m not God. I don’t get to decide who does and doesn’t live.
Of course, you don’t. I don’t think he intends for his words to come out bitter, but they do. Mildly.
“I’m serious, Caz. I know he’s a piece of shit, but killing him won’t sit well with me. I’ll feel guilty about it.” I run a thumbnail over one of my cuticles. “I guess if Hassha doesn’t want him going back to Earth, then…he should rot and die on his own.”
Better than nothing, I suppose.
I laugh. You’re so cruel.
Not cruel. I just don’t believe in second chances when it comes to people like him.
There’s a stretch of silence before I ask, Are you okay today?
Much better, thanks to you.
I smile. Good.
I pause. When will we be able to look for Warren?
Soon, Willow. I promise. I want to get more intel before we make any moves. I have a few things to do today, but I’ll be back by dinner.
Okay.
I love you, Willow Woman.
I love you too, Caspy.
Gonna put my wall up now.
I get up to fluff the pillows. What? You don’t trust me to hear what you’re thinking about while we’re apart?
No, it’s not that at all. He chuckles. Things just tend to get ugly around here. I don’t want to put a damper on your good mood. I sense it, you know. Your happiness.
I bite a smile, putting my focus on the balcony doors. I am happy, actually.
I’m glad to hear it.
I’ll see you tonight, then.
You will. I love you, Willow Woman.
I love you too.
