Page 10 of Magic and Mayhem

This has to be a dream.

“Fantasy and reality are only separated by a thin veil, my dear. Some of us here are powerful enough to cross that veil.”

I look around the room, destruction in every corner. But what’s surprising is that the tent walls are still perfectly intact, and the ceiling above didn’t fall on top of us.

“How did everything not burn down?”

Before Lilu can answer, Eryx pulls back the fabric on one side of the tent and walks in with a pile of clothes.

“Put these on,” he says in a harsh tone. They land in my lap, and he turns his back like he might stay here while I get dressed.

With a quick glance at Lilu, it’s apparent that both of them aren’t going anywhere.Great.

Lilu stands and walks over to Eryx while I pull on the soft, long sleeved shirt and baggy pants, trying to keepmy back to them and the blanket around me until I’m covered. They talk in hushed tones, but it’s clear there’s an argument happening that’s likely about me.

The clothes are a bit big but really comfortable, and something about the scent of them makes me want to fall asleep again.

I pull the fabric close, inhaling deeply. Eryx turns around, and the hard demeanor I’ve seen in him softens the slightest bit.

“Do they fit okay, Evolet?” he asks gently. My name sounds strange coming from him. It’s oddly…comforting?

I nod, assuming Lilu told him what I told her and his posture relaxes. Maybethisis the brother Lilu was talking about and not the man with fire in his hands who yelled at me.

Lilu leaves the room with a small wave. When she exits, I stare at Eryx, not knowing what to do.

He looks like he can’t breathe, and as he turns in the space, I can see his frustration begin to return. If I had known that him finding me in his room would have led to all of this, I never would have wrapped myself in that blanket.

Yet, as I think that, I realize I didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter. It was like I was drawn here, that voice in my head insistent on this being a safe place for me. Maybe this is a weird twist of fate.

“I want to make a deal,” I say, boldly stepping forward. I faced my villain today, and if I have to face another, then I will. I’ll do anything for my freedom from the man who tortured me for twelve years.

When he faces me again, a broad smile lights up his features.

“Reallynow? What kind of deal?”

I think about that for a moment because I know this will have to be worded carefully. I’ve read about demons and genies being tricky with their wishes and deals. I need to do this right so that he can’t back out if things get difficult.

“I want your protection from anyone who wishes me harm, and I want to stay here.”

He tilts his head, eyes squinting as he assesses me. “If you stay, you’ll have to perform.”

I nod. “Lilu told me that. I’ll find something to do here.”

Even as I say it, my throat tightens. I’ve been hidden away or paraded around as a beaten trophy for as long as I can remember. I have no idea what I could offer here.

The books I read gave me so many ideas of things I might like to do, but I don’t have any real skills. Anytime I wanted to learn something that didn’t involve me sitting and reading, my keeper would refuse.

Worry rises in me at fulfilling my side of the deal, the fear that I might actually never be good at anything aside from a victim trying to take hold of my very soul.

Eryx moves towards me, surveying my body. His chest visibly rises and falls as he looks me up and down. For some odd reason, my breathing syncs with his and the worry building inside of me begins to fade. That comforting scent surrounds me and I close my eyes to inhale. It’s a mixture of smoke and earth, but something sweet lingers there too reminding me of a meadow of flowers.

When I open them, Eryx is directly in front of me, taking hold of my hand. When our skin touches, my breath catches in my lungs and my flesh heats to the point that I worry I might burn, but I don’t dare move.Something seems to pass between us, and I assume it’s the gravity of the deal we are about to make.

“I will keep you safe from anyone who would want to harm you and give you a place to sleep fit for a queen.”

I smile, willing to offer him my soul for that alone. I can’t imagine having anything fit for royalty, and just as I open my mouth to try and get clarification on what that means, he stops me from speaking.

“In exchange, I want you to perform with me as my assistant on stage every night that we are required to perform.”

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