Page 48 of The House of Whispers

“It’s alright.” I tried to soothe her. “I’m here.”

She began to cry, noting the blood that had streamed down my skull. “What happened?” She frantically looked around us.

“A group of Others.” Her eyes returned to mine, glistening in the darkness. “Everything is okay. We’re going to be okay.” Together, we helped each other to our feet, leaning on the other for support as we made our way toward the back stairs of the brothel. “I got you.”

Chesmu had discovered Min and me as we tried to quietly re-enter the house. He helped us both duck into the basement away from the wandering eyes of the house. Once we descended the stairs, he tried to tend to me, but I shoved him away, demanding he help Min first. Chesmu examined Min and quickly began to treat her with a small kit of remedies from a cupboard in the basement. She remained awfully quiet, checking out the minor injuries that decorated her delicate frame.

Chesmu looked from Min to me, placing a small bandage on the cut along her neck. “A delicate flower like yourself shouldn’t be getting involved in scuffles outside the house.” His statement wasn’t laced with anger but instead annoyance.

“She did what she thought was best.” I snapped instinctively.

Chesmu glanced at me from the corner of his eyes as he moved Min’s head around searching for additional cuts. “Nonetheless,” he stepped back, crossing his arms, “flowers tend to wilt easily.” He tilted his head at me and smiled. “You’re all set, little Whisp.”

Min lightly nodded her head, thanking Chesmu before returning to silence. The whole scenario seemed to really shake her. I felt guilty, blaming myself for the pain and fear she experienced tonight.

Chesmu moved to where I was sitting atop a table and stood directly in front of me. “And you,” he moved my head to examine the wound atop, “you know better.” He looked me in the eyes as his hands gripped my thighs. “You both could’ve been hurt—more than this.”

I scoffed. “Even without Min’s help, I could’ve handled them.”

Chesmu watched me as my eyes peeled from his. I stared at the dry, crusty blood that caked my naked hand, the memory of the flesh ripping from the man’s face scared into my brain. “I need to fetch a few things,” Chesmu squeezed my thigh, releasing them as he stepped away. “I’ll be right back.” We exchanged a nod before he scaled the stairs into the belly of the house.

I glanced over at Min as she remained seated, absent of any expression. I hopped down from the table, my head ringing at the pressure of my movements as I slowly moved to her side. “Min?” Bending down, our faces became level. “Min? Are you alright?”

Her eyes remained fixated on her hands. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” A single tear rolled down her cheek, glistening as it trailed. “I was scared; I didn’t want to leave you.” Her cries whispered off into the air.

“Min,” I softly turned her face to mine, “what you did was brave. You risked yourself for me. Was it stupid? Yes,” she released a soft laugh, “but brave.” I smiled at her, watching the warmth return to her metallic eyes. “Just, promise you won’t make this a regular occurrence.” Min wiped her eyes, grinning as she nodded her head.

Heavy footsteps stomped above us as I stood, expecting to find Chesmu, my eyes still on my sister. “I think that—”

“Min?!” Nathair’s voice moved my sights to him as he rushed down the stairs.

“Nathair?” Min’s posture straightened in the chair. He clung to her side, examining every inch of her closely, fussing over her.

“What’s happened?” Min attempted to speak, but Nathair spotted the bandage along her neck. “Who did this to you?” His entire presence shifted into something almost animalistic. His green eyes shot to me. “You.”

“Nathair, no,” Min tried to grab his arms as he stood, “wait!”

He tore his police coat from his arms as he moved toward me. “I warned you.” His words deepened as a hiss rolled from the depths of his throat. I tried to step back, moving toward the wall as he mirrored my every motion.

“Nathair, please.” My hands flickered, magik fading in and out as I was exhausted. “It’s not what you think.”

Nathair raised his hand high as my spine slammed into the wall. I shut my eyes, too hurt and tired to fight, bracing for his punch. He groaned, followed by the sound of something heavy slamming into the wall next to me. I peeked my eyes open to find Nathair on the floor groaning.

“Now, that’s no way to treat a lady of this house.” Chesmu was standing where Nathair stood, all sorts of herbs and medical supplies in one hand. “Might want to fix those manners, Scaly.” He looked at me, carefully taking my hand. “Let’s get you fixed up.” Min fluttered past us to Nathair as Chesmu helped me back onto the table. He began mixing a few strong-smelling herbs into a bowl, crushing them with a mortar and pestle as he spoke, his words intended for Nathair. “The love and devotion you show for your Whisp is honorable.” Min and Nathair stood. “But you will not lay a hand on Casper”, he ran his fingers through the thick paste, “not while I’m around.” His eyes shot straight at Nathair.

“She is the reason for Min’s injuries.” Nathair growled as Min dusted his clothing.

“She,” Chesmu pointed to Min, “is the reason for her injuries.” He placed a small portion of the paste into a square cloth, twisting the fabric around as he dipped it into a bowl of water. “Foolish choices create foolish consequences.” He gently pushed my head down and tossed my hair aside, placing the damp cloth onto the open wound. I winced, the touch of the damp cloth stinging as the herbal paste soaked into the gash. He moved my hand to my head. “Hold that in place.” Chesmu winked as he stepped from me and turned toward Nathair. “I suggest you adjust your anger and be thankful Casper was present. Who knows what might have occurred had your Whisp been alone.” Nathair growled, aiming toward Chesmu.

The two men began to charge one another, Min flying between them. I quickly threw the cloth down, rushing to help keep them apart. Min’s back pushed into my own, her wings moving against the fabric of my blouse as we held the two men back.

“Enough!” Chesmu’s eyes landed on me. “Look,” I turned back to Nathair, “this isn’t going to solve anything.” Chesmu’s muscles flexed as he huffed, ready to strike.

Min’s hands gently held Nathair. “Please, my love,” she softly begged him, “your anger is misguided.” His expression snapped as he looked at her with a puzzled expression. “Casper told me to run—to find Chesmu. I did not listen.” His presence softened as he stopped pushing against her pale hands. “I was stunned, too scared to move. But when I saw those men holding her down,” Chesmu’s body hardened at the description of me in danger, “I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t let them hurt her.” Her hands cupped his face. “She wouldn't have hesitated to risk her safety for me if it were the opposite. I had to do the same.” His scale-covered hand held hers as he nodded. Chesmu had stopped trying to push forward, my hands resting on his bare chest.

Nathair looked up at Chesmu, nodding that he was good. He then reluctantly looked at me. “Apologies, Casper.” I nodded back.

“My shift is over. Let’s head home.” The sound of Min referring to Nathair’s house as home knocked the air from my lungs. The two of them gathered their things, bid us goodnight, and climbed the stairs back into the house.

---