Page 4 of The Demon of the Wood

Melina’s eyes stuck on the candle. The one she used to read by was running out, and she didn’t know that she had anything to bargain with to get more. Sometimes she gathered enough nuts from the forest to use as currency, but she’d been eating them as her uncle had rationed her food more.

“I don’t need it this time,” she said. “And I don’t have any nuts to bring for it.”

Mr. Collie gave her a scrutinizing glance, then handed it to her. “Well, when you get more, you can bring them to me.”

“I can’t take it,” Melina said, fear gripping her.

She already owed Mr. Collie for the cloak, and she’d never be able to pay him back. She didn’t want to take more charity. Not for a reading candle, not when she might need it for something bigger later. If she knew one thing from living with her uncle, charity was only good for the ones giving it, as long as they didn’t feel imposed on.

As long as they could get something back from you, eventually. As long as it gave them something of greater value.

Her uncle initially had been lauded as a kind and forgiving man for taking her and her mother in. The townsfolk sang his praises. But over the years, people had spread rumors about her, unfounded and untrue, and her uncle was seen as harboring wickedness under his roof. His charity no longer gave back to him, and he tightened his grip on her.

She didn’t want Mr. Collie to resent her, either. He was the closest thing she had to a friend and the brief moments once a week she had to talk to the older man were some of her favorites.

Melina pushed Mr. Collie’s hand away. “Uncle gave me several candles the other day. I’m all set for quite a while.”

Mr. Collie didn’t seem convinced, but Melina just smiled until the older man nodded. “Well, get along with Gregory now. And be careful walking along the woods.” He leaned in, beckoning Melina to lean closer. “I know you are an innocent girl, but demons have powers of seduction you can’t resist. Keep your wits about you and listen carefully. Don’t look them in the eyes, and don’t let them speak to you if you can help it.”

Melina nodded. She wondered if she’d ever encounter the beast. She had a visage of a horrible demon, with teeth like razors, horns stained in blood, claws of a beast, and eyes dark as the pit of the dead itself.

Gregory was waiting for her at the door with the sack of flour tossed over his shoulder and holding the container of oil in his hands with ease. She ducked her head and led him out the door, hearing his footsteps behind her. They walked in silence for a long while, her heart pounding and her mind frustratingly blank.

“I’ve seen you around the market,” Gregory said, breaking the silence and startling Melina. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

She chuckled awkwardly. “I was lost in my head, sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. I think I’d like to know what goes on in that pretty head of yours.”

Her body heated, her face turning shamefully red at his words, and she blinked, glancing away at the surrounding forest. “Oh, nothing of interest, I assure you.”

“I doubt that. You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.”

A smile tugged at her lips, and she glanced up at him. He still grinned at her, and she looked away again. “Do you not own a mirror, then?”

He laughed. “See, I knew you’d be good at flirting if I could just get you to speak.”

She joined in his merriment, her body feeling light and fluttery, like she might just leave the earth if she didn’t tie herself down.

“How come you never come to the tavern?” he asked.

She shrugged. Truthfully, she knew her uncle would be beyond crossed with her if she did.

“I don’t really know anyone who does.”

“You know me.”

She bit her lip, trying to think of anything to say, wondering if it was an invitation. They were nearing her home, and she was afraid for her uncle to see them together. He would make a scene about it, so she grabbed Gregory by the forearm and steered him towards the back. His eyes flashed with some emotion as he saw where she was taking him, and it made her feel dizzy.

“My uncle doesn’t like me talking to men,” she said. It felt pathetic to say, but she needed him to know.

“Then don’t tell him, because I want you to keep talking to me,” Gregory replied, following her into the kitchen and setting the things down for her. He stepped up close, making her back against the counter, her hands gripping into the wood as she stared up at him. He gazed down at her, his eyes hungry as they raked down her face, her body. His hand went to the clasp on her cloak, and he deftly unclasped it, letting it fall behind her. Her chest heaved as she swallowed in surprise. “I knew you were hiding a nice figure under all that.”

She thrilled at his words, her body gravitating closer to him, when she heard her uncle and cousins in the next room. She shoved her hands against Gregory’s chest, and he backed out the door reluctantly.

“When can I see you again?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I don’t know. Next time I’m at the market?”

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