Page 33 of The House of Whispers

Chesmu clenched his jaw as he walked past me and slowly climbed the stairs in defeat. I turned and watched him as he approached Madame Chepi.

“Casper,” her eyes remained on Chesmu, “get your rest. Tomorrow you work your shift, but I need you to also handle some house chores. With your sister leaving us during the night,” she looked at me with disgust-filled eyes, “someone needs to carry her weight.” Madame Chepi then motioned for Chesmu to follow her. He turned back, quickly winking before following her as she made her way to her room.

The urge to run away from this house, from Madame Chepi, had grown more than ever before in recent days.

Casper entered her room, a cloud hovering above her head as she locked the door behind her. Her injuries had faded substantially, leaving her beautiful face lightly bruised. Her brands were exposed as she wore a lower cut blouse that complimented her body quite so. She slumped against her door and threw her head back, groaning in obvious displeasure.

What has happened to upset you?

I continued to watch her, invisible to her sight, as I lurked in the corner of her room. She exhaled, throwing her hands down by her side when I noticed her usual lip stain was smeared. Rage and jealousy boiled deep within, taking control as I rushed to her without a second thought.

I snapped my fingers, revealing myself as I pinned her body hard against the door. I couldn’t control my temper. “What game do you think you're playing?” I growled down to her as she gawked at my sudden appearance. Her eyes were wide with anger and fear.

“Game? I’m playing no games. You are!” She tried to fight my strength but failed. “I want nothing to do with you, Jakkal—or whoever you really are!”

Interesting.

“I demand you leave me be!”

“Oh, Casper,” I leaned down, our eyes level, “haven’t we been over this before?” Her breathing increased as I stared through my mask into her magikal eyes. “I am a part of you now. A shadow that can never leave. You cannot escape me, Casper. You aremine.”

The sound of approaching footsteps caught both our attention as she became increasingly anxious.

“Let’s see who is coming to your door. Let me play.” Casper wriggled beneath my grasp, desperate to warn whoever was approaching her door.

“Get out of here now!” Her temper was raging. “Leave or I’ll kill you myself!” She was beautiful in her anger.

“I’ll make you a deal.” Casper froze. I leaned down to her ear as she tried to move away from me. “I’ll allow this person to live, but you must take a life in their stead.”

“No. No! I willneverkill for you again.” She growled through clenched teeth, furrowing her brows.

Hard knocks on her door bounced behind her head. “Ah, but you will.” I reached into my trenchcoat and removed a handful of my concoction. She began to plead softly, begging me to stop. “You now owe me. And remember, little ghost,” I quickly blew the orange, glittery fairy dust into her face before she could react. “Tick-tock.”

Jakkal vanished before my eyes. My head slowly began to spin as my vision slightly blurred.Fight it, Casper, fight it!I forced myself to remain standing as hard knocks banged against the door.Remember what Chesmu said, you’re strong. You can fight this.

I struggled as I turned and unlocked the door. I cracked it open to see Chesmu standing, looking down at me. “Casper, I—” He furrowed his brows and leaned closer. “Are you alright?” I struggled to remain standing as my body began to fall. Chesmu burst through the door, catching me before I hit the floor.

Words scrambled in my brain as they slurred from my lips. “Dust—he—careful,” were all I managed. Chesmu sighed, carefully cradling me in his large, warm arms. “Chesmu—” I faded in and out as he held me.

“Let’s get you to bed.” I could feel my body tucked into his, his scent hugging me as he walked across the room and laid me atop my bed. “Rest.” He spoke softly, his hand stroking my cheek. “Rest, wild Casper.”

Darkness folded over me as my head spiraled into madness. I drifted off for what felt like hours, wading through flashes of memories and nightmares. Everything began to speed up when the slam of my door jolted me away. “Chesmu?” I called out into the solid black room. My heart was racing and my body had broken out in a light sweat. I felt anxious. My hands reached for him, clawing into the silent darkness.

Warmth met my hands as his fingers looped through mine. “I’m here.” The sound of his voice comforted me.

“I fear I had a nightmare.” I whispered to him as he sat next to me on the bed. His other hand tucked my stray hair behind my ear.

“Where I come from, nightmares are demons preying on you in your sleep. They gnaw at your mind and feast on your darkest fears. If you speak the nightmare out loud, they lose their power, casting them from you.” He kissed my hand that was wrapped into his. “Tell me, what fear is haunting you?”

My brain ached as I tried to recall what bothered me so. My words couldn’t form as I struggled and strain to explain. “I-I can’t remember?”What had tormented me in my sleep?

Chesmu’s hand gripped my chin delicately and turned my face toward him. “Would you like me to wash away your fears?” The look he gave me was enchanting, pulling me as he slowly leaned closer. “Just say the words, and I’ll pull you from the darkness and into the light.”

My head crackled like lightning as he leaned closer. My body became engulfed in an invisible flame as I leaned my face closer to him, closing the space between us. “Save me, Chesmu.” I whispered upon his lips.

He smiled, almost touching my mouth with his. “You got it, hexer.”

Darkness flashed again as Chesmu leaned over and kissed me. Dark, orange sparkles flickered in the night as he slowly rolled to the bed, carefully positioning himself over me remaining on his knees. My arms wrapped around his neck as we kissed with such fiery passion, my legs spread wide by his knees. His scent filled my lungs as I deeply inhaled the musky sage and lavender combo.

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