Page 45 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Thank you.” I indulged myself, trying to be respectful of his person, while also giving him a good scratching. He was grinning, and his magnificently plumed tail wagged.

“We do so enjoy humans,” he said once I’d finished, though I kept my hand on his shoulder and hoped he didn’t mind.

“I’m glad.”

“We are grateful you found the little storm cloud you call Nimbus. He was in dire need, and you more than rose to the occasion. We find you worthy and will aid you should you truly wish to unlock your potential. But be aware the path will not always be easy, and you will have to study hard to master the power you hold.”

“Will it help me keep him safe until he is in his full power?”

“Yes.” The adult nimbus leaned his head against my arm.

I could feel the power he contained, but also his playful and soft spirit. It was as if there was a spark of connection between us.

“Do you think I will regret it?”

He huffed playfully. “No, I do not. There will be times you wonder what you were thinking, but overall you will be content with the decision. Perhaps even happy with it. However, you have other paths. The men will protect you and Nimbus and keep you both safe if you submit to them. You have others in your life now that will keep you safe without submission, but the peril will be greater. You may choose to run, and that may also be an answer. Nimbus will protect you when he reaches his full storm. But this path gives you the greatest power. Power is not always the answer, however. You must choose to take on the responsibility with the power. Any road you take from this point will be the correct answer, but this is a branching and the branch you travel now will change your life completely, no matter which direction you take.”

I shivered, and he leaned into me. “There is only one option for me,” I said. “I must be able to protect the ones I love and care about, along with myself. I’ll willingly take help, but I don’t want to be helpless.”

The adult nimbus touched his nose gently to mine before stepping back. I reluctantly took my hand from his fluff.

“I am Twister,” he said with a regal bow of his head. “Nimbus is too young to be your guide on this journey, so I will aid you. I’m one who has gone on from the mortal world and no longer has a physical form. But I exist within the storm, and I choose to join your path if you will have me. I’ve already spoken with Nimbus, and he approves.”

“Twister, I’m honored. Thank you. I accept.”

Twister’s doggy grin widened. “Then go through the door and we will meet again soon.”

I turned to look where his attention directed me and beheld another door. This one seemed to be grown from an apple tree. The tree was in full fruit, and I touched one of the red-gold apples in awe. It came away into my hand and, unbidden, I took a bite.

The explosion of sweet, crisp, wonderful flavor gave me strength, and I touched the round knob on the door in its trunk.

It opened, and I stepped through.

I opened my eyes later, unsure how much time had passed. The candle wicks still burned, though the wax was completely melted. A moment after I opened my eyes, the flames winked out. The clay pot I’d drunk from, and the brazier had vanished. The only remains of the ritual were the puddles of wax.

Nimbus trotted forward and pressed his nose against mine, rooing softly.

“Hey, buddy. I talked with Twister.”

He perked his fuzzy ears and sat back, curled tail wagging.

“Who is Twister?” Katsuro asked, voice soft but filled with curiosity.

“A nimbus who has fully joined the storm,” I answered, and buried my fingers in Nimbus’s fluff. He leaned against me.

“Did the ritual work?” The vampire rose smoothly to his feet.

“Yes. I have no idea how long it will take for my powers to unfold, however.”

He came over to me, standing outside the ring of wax puddles, and offered me his hand. When Nimbus didn’t object, I took it and let him help me to my feet.

The vampire pulled me close, raising his other hand and brushing his fingers along my temple.

“You are radiant.”

I took a deep breath, then everything that had happened in the last few days hit me. I’d come to a new town, gotten a dog—as it were—met new friends and gotten a new job. I’d also apparently found four men who wanted me, been rediscovered by the group of traffickers I’d thought I’d helped put behind bars, been almost kidnapped, had to run again, and they’d gotten to my D.C. contact. Now I was hiding in a compound in the woods with beings I hadn’t even realized existed until a short time ago.

Seeming to sense my mood shift, Katsuro turned down the intensity and pulled me into a comforting hug.

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