Page 26 of How to Dump a Vampire

I startle at the gentle yet commanding feminine voice echoing in my mind.

The fox meets my shocked gaze steadily, eyes swirling with ancient wisdom.

Gobsmacked, I struggle to rise on violently shaking limbs. What magic is this?

The fox trots at my heels as I stumble back home, its presence keeping me tethered to this world. Once inside, spent physically and mentally, I collapse on the hearth rug. My strange companion hops right into my lap, curling up against me as if sensing my need for living warmth.

“Um, hello? Just what do you think you’re doing?”

The fox stills, blinking up at me slowly.I’m here to help. The healing powers of a familiar are strongest with contact.

I frown suspiciously. “A familiar? Nope. No thank you. Never again will I be leashed to another being.”

The fox huffs, setting its head back down on my knee.Leashed? I’m not some pet pup! I chose you to guideyou out of darkness, but suit yourself. Wallow alone then!Its bushy tail thumps my leg in emphasis.

I hesitate, sensing truth in its words as wisps of warmth radiate from its touch, dulling my agony fractionally. Still, accepting a familiar means relinquishing control I’ve fought hard to regain. At least this creature seeks to comfort and not consume me, and if it can grant some small relief from this torment…

I stroke the fox’s lustrous fur, my walls crumbling. Its rumbling contentment vibrates through my weary bones.

This mate bond is stirring quite the chaos inside of you, hmm?Its sly mental tone reminds me of Granny Rona’s playful spirit.

My vision blurs with hot tears. Gods, I wish she were here to guide me. She could always outwit fate’s tricks, but no, I’m alone. My family was hunted, and I’m the last one left.

The fox nuzzles me delicately.There now. Dry those eyes. We will outmaneuver this curse yet. You’ll see! But first, breakfast is in order. What are you making? I do love pancakes and eggs. Oh! And bacon! But only if it’s crispy and not burnt.

Its single-minded enthusiasm startles a watery chuckle from me. “We just met literally moments ago, and you expect me to cook for you?”

The fox peers up at me beseechingly, golden eyes wide.But you’re in pain, and home cooking always helps! Don’t you feel a little better with me here?

I pause, realizing my crushing anguish has eased, if only marginally, in the creature’s presence. Even so, I’m wary of entangling my life with another so soon.

“I admit your warmth offers some small comfort,” I reply judiciously, “but a true partnership must be built on more than that.”

The fox seems to consider this, head cocked.You make a fair point. Perhaps we might find an arrangement that suits us both? I only wish to aid you through this trying time, as any friend would. What we become after that we can let time tell. Besides, I’m not a pet to keep. I have my own life. Fate has just woven ours together as well. Not something I asked for or expected either. You two-legged beings tend to complicate matters beyond what’s necessary, and that’s not a mess I want to be involved with.

Friend. Not servant, not master. The simple offer resonates within my weary soul, yet uncertainty gnawsat me. This fox appeared in my darkest hour unbidden, fate’s timing no doubt. Its aid need not become a leash if boundaries are set.

“Very well.” I meet the fox’s gaze evenly. “You may stay, for now, as an equal companion, but only if you swear not to control or coerce me, as others have tried.” My voice hardens. “I walk my own path.”

I sense the fox’s earnestness through our tentative bond.You have my vow. I seek only to guide, not command. Now then, let’s get something tasty brewing!

Despite myself, I huff a laugh as we both rise. “You are as single-minded as a gale. Very well. Let’s eat. What should I call you?”

Luna.

“It’s nice to meet you, Luna.”

While I fix a simple breakfast of oatmeal, berries, and tea, my new friend’s playful quips lift my spirits. The white fox observes my cooking eagerly, nose twitching at the aroma of cinnamon-sweetened oats.

When I sprinkle a pinch of dried Asrbloom pollen into my steaming tea, the fox’s interest piques.Ooh, intriguing scent! I believe that rare flower is said to have potent restorative properties, if the old legends hold true.The fox’s golden eyes gleamknowingly.

I lift the cup, breathing in the delicate fragrance. “Yes, this should help clear my head and diminish lingering shadows. I didn’t expect a fox to know plants and magic so well.” I sip slowly, letting the fortifying warmth and floral notes soothe me.

There’s much you don’t know about me, witch. Fate wouldn’t choose just any fox to be a familiar.

I only nod, taking a sip of my tea. No, of course fate wouldn’t just choose anyone. Why did that make me only feel worse?

We share the meal in thoughtful quiet. For the first time since I cast Draven away, my chaotic thoughts find some steadiness. The tea is muting our severed bond’s torturous effects. I can focus and think beyond reactive anguish. There may yet be hope if I proceed wisely.

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