Page 21 of Promised to the Satyr

After dinner we lie on the couch and I borrow one of the books she chose while she reads another. Tucked in the crook of my arm, she pores over the pages. “They got so much wrong, but it’s very entertaining.”

“One should never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” I wink when she stares at me. “Mark Twain said it first, but I think he had it right.”

With a laugh that sets my pulse thrumming, she nods.

If this were to be my life, I would be perfectly happy. Astra in my arms and all the things we’ll discover about her as she finds her own dreams, I would be sated.

She shifts and pulls something from her pocket. “I’ve been waiting to read the last one.”

“Do you want me to leave the room?” It’s personal to write a letter and unconventional for a letter to be read in the writer’s presence. A shiver of unease shoots up my spine.

“Only if you want to. I’ve liked each letter very much.” She opens the envelope and unfolds my letter.

Dear Astra,

This will be my final letter as the day draws near for me to journey south to you. It will be a longer trip as I have to use certain magic to cross the border between our countries. It’s not as if the border patrol has seen a satyr before. However, I know a witch who has conjured the required “passport” for me to get to you.

My longing has not waned, though my worry over your feelings has increased exponentially throughout the last five months.

I wish you would have written. It seems strange to feel as if I know you, yet I’ve had no words from you. Perhaps you worry I won’t care for the voice of your writing. None of it would have mattered. I was smitten from the moment I first saw your picture. Not in the way nymphs can seduce people. My connection to you is far deeper and is magic of another kind. The oldest kind.

I am yours. Nothing will change that.

Niko

The air seems to leave the room in a whoosh, then silence follows.

Astra carefully folds the page before asking, “What kind of magic were you referring to?”

It’s too soon. She’s not ready to hear this, but lying is unacceptable. “I believe you are my true mate, sweetheart.”

“Do such things exist for nymphs?” She shakes her head. “I don’t believe they do. Certain creatures like the manticore are doomed to only have one love that binds to them for life.”

“Doomed? Do you think finding your one true mate is fatal?” I put my book on the table and lean away to look her in the eyes.

She clutches the letter to her chest. “I don’t know what I believe anymore. I can tell you what I know, Niko. I’m not capable of returning your affection. I’m cold as the stones that built these mountains. There is nothing in my heart and you can only be hurt by wanting more than temporary sex and companionship from me.”

The pain in my chest feels as if someone has split my rib cage open with an ax. “I don’t believe that’s true, any of it…” I have a dozen more things to say to show her how wrong she is.

Someone or something pounds on the front door hard enough to shake the hinges and rattle the windows.

We both jump to our feet. My instincts take over and I push Astra behind me, blocking her from whatever danger is at the door.

“Father.” Panic vibrates in her voice. “He never leaves his compound.”

“How do you know it’s him?” I have my hand on her hip, keeping her behind me.

“I know.”

Nocturn’s bellowing voice vibrates the windows almost as thoroughly as his pounding. “Open this door before I tear it off its hinges.”

“Stay behind me.” I go to the door and open it. “There is no need to approach as if this is a battleground, Nocturn.” I remain blocking the threshold with Astra at my back.

“I want a wedding and I want it tomorrow.” His eyes are bloodshot and his skin red with rage. He’s a few inches taller than me, but not as broad.

I have no doubt he has magic that could be dangerous.

Astra yells in a voice full of anger and panic. “I’m not getting married just because you want something. It’s my life.”

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