Page 94 of In the Dark

“Happy to oblige you, my darling.”

Their lips met as the sound of the heavy metal bass coming from the radio echoed like a heartbeat in the background. The interior of the car shivered with their combined magic, a power so keen it brought a laugh from Aisanna.

“Mom would really love this. Her three girls paired off with devilishly handsome men. Although I have to say, mine is the handsomest.”

Astix gave her a playful shove. “Dream on. Mine obviously takes first place.”

“And while they are fighting,” Karsia whispered to Morgan, “I will be secure in the knowledge that, like Goldilocks, mine is just right.”

**

They rounded a curve in the road, with only a few miles left between them and the cabin. Instead of relaxing, Astix shot up in her seat. “Do you see smoke?”

The others craned their necks to catch a glimpse of gray-white mist rising above the treetops.

“I’m sure it’s just Elon putting wet wood on the fire,” Aisanna quipped. “You know he really doesn’t know a thing about keeping one going. Though he does make one hell of a latte.”

“No, it’s something else. Hurry up. I have a bad feeling.” Astix leaned forward and drummed her nails on the dashboard, her stomach churning.

“I’m going as fast as I can.” Aisanna gestured toward the icy slush covering the little-used road. “I really don’t want to wreck Morgan’s car, thank you very much.”

“Then let me out and I’ll run.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I said let me out!” Astix clawed at the locked handle. “Let me—” She kicked at the door until it burst open, popping on its hinges. “Leo!” With a burst of speed, she took off across the white powdered fields like a hound after a fox. “Leo!”

Aisanna pushed her foot down on the pedal and the car sped up several miles per hour.

“Do you think there’s a problem?” Morgan asked.

“I don’t know, but I hope not. I really, really hope not.”

The closer they got, the clearer it became that they were dealing with no ordinary fire. Gusts of smoke billowed through the trees, carrying black ash staining everything in its path.

“Oh, shit.” Aisanna threw the car into park and turned the key so hard it threatened to break off in the ignition.

Karsia clutched his hand closer, squeezing his fingers with hers. “Morgan?”

They both got out of the car and trotted after Aisanna.

“You two stay here.” She motioned them back, shoving the hat further down on her head.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Stay!”

“I’m not going to sit out another emergency, Aisanna.” Karsia set her shoulders and plowed through the snow in her sister’s footsteps. “You need me.”

At last the cabin came into view. Gone were the roughhewn logs making up the exterior. Gone were the river rock chimney and cheery front stoop. In their place lay a smoldering shell of blackened stones and charred wood. The remains were still alight and crackling cheerfully amidst the total destruction.

Karsia and Morgan both skidded to a halt. She inhaled sharply, covering her mouth with her hand.

Astix had collapsed in the snow, knees buried and head hanging low as she clawed deep grooves in the earth. “No. No, Leo. No!”

Aisanna stared at the inferno mutely. At last she roused herself enough to take Astix by the shoulders. “Stay back. You’re getting too close. You’ll burn yourself.”

“How did this happen?” Morgan asked. “I thought you said this place was protected. Maybe it was just a spark from the fireplace or something. An accident.”

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