Page 11 of I Dated a Retired Hero

“Thanks. I think I just hit a wall. All hope is gone. I am going to stop trying and just tuck into working from home and let Drin be my hands at the lab. I don’t want to see people anymore. I am so tired of trying. It is easier to be alone if you are the only person in the room.”

A clawed, scaled hand reached out and touched her shoulder. “I would hug you, but I am both naked and grubby.”

“And stuck in a lizard-woman shape?”

“That, too.”

Litha put her hand over the claws. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome. Are you going to dance?”

“What?”

“Nelith wants you there for the dancing; that means you will dance.”

“Oh. With whom?”

“I am sure they will let you know.” She chuckled softly.

Nelith looked her way and waved her over.

“That was a fast twenty minutes.”

“I suppose everyone is together. That is what normally happens.”

Litha smiled. “I will talk to you soon.”

Feral chuckled. “Oh, yes. I do so enjoy visiting. How is the farm?”

“Quiet. It is between growing seasons.”

“Dang. I miss it when it is lively.”

“Me, too. Well, I guess I have to go. Take care.”

“You, too. And don’t be too sad. You will still have your time.” Feral chuckled. “He’s waiting for you somewhere. I am sure you will find him soon. Coming here was the first step.”

Litha looked over her shoulder and stared at the midnight scales and golden eyes. “You have seen something?”

“I have seen many things.” Feral chuckled. “That is how I roll. I am glad you are on your path, though. It is about fucking time.”

“So, you see someone for me? No other seers have. They all said there was nothing visible.”

“That was then; this is now. Now you were at a party with people who don’t know who and what you are.”

Litha smiled. “Thanks. Hope is something I haven’t felt in a while.”

“I know. Go and dance, and then head off wherever Dmitri has in mind for you. That’s your path. Just be yourself.”

“If I do that, people die.”

“They did when you were a child. You aren’t a child anymore. You have internal shielding and decades of practice now. Check it out; I got a tail this time.” Feral turned and wagged her scaled tale.

Litha was startled into laughing and nodded. “Thanks for making the effort.”

“Litha, thank you for being worth it.”

Feral chuckled and darted into the shadows, leaving Litha to face the dance floor.

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