Page 6 of A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn

“Take your time,” he says. “I’ll have some food ready when you’re done.”

I nod my thanks and close the door, leaning against it for a moment. The idea of running crosses my mind—surely there must be a window I could climb out of? But then I remember the howling wind and swirling snow outside. No, for now at least, I’m stuck here.

Sighing, I strip off my dirty clothes and sink into the steaming bath. The hot water is heavenly against my battered body, and I feel some of the tension begin to ease from my muscles. As I soak, I try to make sense of everything that’s happened.

Magic is real. Mythical creatures exist. There’s an entire hidden world out there that I never knew about. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Part of me wants to dismiss it all as impossible, but I can’t deny the evidence of my own eyes.

By the time I emerge from the bath, clean and dressed in fresh clothes from my bag, I feel marginally more human. The smell of something savory wafts through the air, making my stomach growl. I can’t remember the last time I ate.

Cautiously, I make my way back to the main room. Bram is at the stove, his back to me as he stirs something in a large pot. The domesticity of the scene is almost comical given his monstrous appearance.

He turns as I approach, those amber eyes warm with concern. “Feeling better?”

I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. “A little, yes. Thank you.”

Bram ladles whatever he’s cooking into a bowl and sets it on the table. “Sit,” he says gently. “You need to eat.”

I obey, sliding into a chair that’s slightly too big for me. The bowl in front of me contains a thick, hearty stew that smells divine. My stomach rumbles again, loudly enough for Bram to hear. His snout twitches in what I think might be amusement.

“It’s mushroom stew.” He takes a seat across from me with his own much larger portion. “Should help warm you up.”

I take a tentative bite, then another. The stew is rich and flavorful, warming me from the inside out. We eat in silence for a while, the only sounds the clink of spoons against bowls and the crackling of the fire.

Finally, I set down my spoon, having eaten far more than I thought possible. “That was delicious. Thank you.”

Bram nods, looking pleased. “You’re welcome. How are you feeling now?”

I consider the question. Physically, I’m still sore and bruised, but the worst of the cold has left me. Mentally...that’s another story.

“I’m not sure,” I say honestly. “This is all so overwhelming. I don’t know what to think.”

Bram’s expression is sympathetic. “I understand. It’s a lot to take in. Is there anything I can do to help? Any questions I can answer?”

I laugh, a slightly hysterical edge to the sound. “I have about a million questions. I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start with the easy ones.” He shrugs “We have time. I think the town conjured this storm, since it was so sudden and unnatural. No telling when it will end.”

I can’t process the idea of the town conjuring the storm, so I ignore that and try to organize my thoughts. “Okay. You’re a Minotaur. Are there others like you in Evershift Haven?”

Bram shakes his head. “Yes, and there are plenty of other magical beings.”

“Like what?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of my fear.

“Well, there’s Grizelda, our town witch, whom I’ve mentioned. She’s unique. Green skin and wild purple hair that moves on its own. Then there’s Throk, an orc who runs the local garage. He’ll be able to fix your car with magic and regular mechanics. The vampire couple who own the inn...” He trails off, seeming to realize he might be overwhelming me again.

I blink, trying to process this information. “Vampires? Are they...dangerous?”

Bram chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound. “No more dangerous than anyone else in town. They’re actually quite charming, if a bit old-fashioned, and they drink synthetic blood.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “This is insane. A few hours ago, I thought I was going to die in that storm. Now I’m sitting here talking about vampires and witches like it’s normal.”

“It’s normal for us,” he says gently. “I know it’s a shock, but I promise you’re safe here. No one in Evershift Haven will harm you.”

I want to believe him. Despite his fearsome appearance, there’s a gentleness to Bram that’s hard to ignore, but years of skepticism and caution are hard to overcome.

“What happens when the storm clears?” I ask, voicing the question that’s been nagging at me. “Will you...let me leave?”

Bram’s eyes widen in surprise. “Of course. You’re not a prisoner here. Once it’s safe to travel, you’re free to go wherever you wish.”

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