By C. S. Wachter
Silver beams of moonlight poured in at the open window. Hushed surf, whistling frogs, and rustling leaves lulled me as I shifted on the bed, still dressed in old combat pants and a red, cropped tank top.
Like a lingering scent, Kavan’s presence filled the room. The back of my hand brushed my lips with a soft, butterfly touch. The taste of his kiss was a drug in my system. Wounding me. Calling me. His need of my gift—my curse—a beacon in the darkness that had filled me since Mikal’s death. His magic a dagger to my heart. I needed help.
A frog peeped nearby, pulling me from the spell. Gooseflesh pimpled my skin where Kavan’s pet snake had rubbed against my arm. I jumped to my feet and swayed, still fighting the dangerous pull of Kavan’s call. Trembles cycled through me like echoes of the crashing waves.
Okay Becca, you need to get back to the ship. Go now or you’ll never be able to escape Kavan.
The air, moisture-laden and hot, drew droplets of sweat from my pores. Unbearably hot.
I fastened my utility belt at my waist, checked the crystals in my dragon claw knives, then slipped my jacket over my shoulders.
One last glance around the room. The collection of rattles and the lumps of colored cloth bundles containing who knew what, stirred my fear and revulsion. My dream to reunite with Mikal could only be achieved by allowing Kavan to use me. But doing so would give Kavan the ability to break free from the half-life prison to which he had been condemned… and bind me to him for eternity.
Another shiver crept up my spine.
The door to the cabin slammed shut, echoing in the heavy air. The scent of night blooming jasmine impregnated the evening atmosphere, the fragrance intoxicating—stifling.
The hair on the back of my neck stood at attention. I wasn’t alone. Whispering an oath, I scrambled down the rocky path, slipping on a muddy patch before catching myself.
Footsteps followed, steady and sure. Kavan’s people. And if they followed, he must be near—hovering in the air along with his eighteen-foot long pet python—more spirit than material. A being caught between worlds.
I should have known he wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. I’d let pride convince me I was untouchable, safe from his manipulation.
He ghosted my steps now, just as he had haunted me since Mikal’s death.
Reaching the base of the hill, I broke into a run. If he caught me now, I’d be lost. Lost in his magic and his intoxicating presence. To him, I was nothing more than a puppet to reach through the thin shell separating the material world from the supernatural.
I sprinted toward my airship, its form a shadowy beacon against the brightening sky. The wind tangled my unbound hair. I gasped for breath.
Just a few more steps. I won’t give in. Pursuit thumping behind me, I stretched out in a full run, grunting.
I smiled.
Okay, Kavan, time to play this game.
I sent a tendril of thought to my friend and fellow traveler. “Josh. Now. Do it now!”
“Are you certain?” His returning thought cracked with emotion, but my mind was set.
“Oh yes! I’m sure.”
“You’ll never feel anything again. Never remember your love for Mikal. Is that really what you want?”
“No, Josh. It’s not what I want, but it’s the price I’m willing to pay to remain free. Now. Start the ritual.”
Josh’s breath hissed in my ear. “Starting.”
I spun to face my pursuers. If all went as planned, they wouldn’t matter.
Kavan, with a broad, unnatural grin distorting his handsome face, stopped and hovered. He waved his followers back. All except his python. It coiled and uncoiled in the air at his side.
The snake’s iridescent colors reflected the growing light, shifting through shades of red and orange, yellow, green, indigo and violet like some kind of twisted rainbow.
I wanted to laugh as my chest constricted. Although Josh hated my plan, like always, he had my back. The process, once begun, could not be stopped.
Kavan’s smile evaporated like the mist now rising around me.
I nodded. “You said the only thing that could save me from you was to turn my heart to stone. Remember? I promised myself I’d never be your Voodoo Doll.”
“But think of the power we could share.” Kavan purred, his voice hypnotic. “Only you are strong enough to complete me.” His spell circled me like an invisible vulture with silken wings, softly drawing me back to him. To the promise in his kiss.
My chest seized and I gasped.
Kavan’s eyes bulged and he staggered back a foot.
“It’s over. You lose,” I screamed at the man who had tracked me across continents. I had won, the cost be damned.
Kavan’s expression blanked, and he and his followers turned away. I struggled to clutch onto my precious, ephemeral memories of Mikal, now dissolving into meaningless flecks of dust. The rock that once had been my heart squeezed out every last one.
A soft tickle tracked along the contours of my right cheek. I reached up and captured the strange wetness on my fingertips. My brow furrowed and a single thought worked its way to my mouth, seeking release in a puff of air.
“Why?”
Can you guess which song from the 1990's inspired this story? Share in the comments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Intriguing .. does memory ever come back? Definitely want more of the story! Always enjoy C Wachter’s writing!
Good question. At this point, the memories are gone for good. But life happens and you never know.
I liked the story. I wish it was longer!
Maybe in the future I can do more with this. Thanks!
Caught between a rock and a hard place, you shared Becca’s pain.
Thanks! That’s what I wanted to do.
Loved the story….don’t know the song….Love to read more of the story.
Thank you!
How did you do all this in 1,000 words?? I love the blend of fantasy and sci-fi!
Thank you!