Page 15 of The Other Side

“Why did you make a deal with her?” I asked. His smile immediately fell as a darkness overcame his face.

“That is a story for another day. You carry too much on your shoulders, don’t add my burdens to yours.” I nodded, feeling emotionally and physically depleted from all that had occurred. Tuft’s mood slowly lightened as shook his blue hair. “Now, where can a guy like me get a nice glass of absinthe? It has been ages since I had a taste of that toxic delight. And I’d say after today, we’ve earned a couple of drinks.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Chapter

Five

CYPRESS

Hellfire rose from my fingers as I waved my arms and formed three separate ovals, each a fiery framed glimpse that showed me a different point of view into three separate places. The first was of Tuft, sleeping next to my pet Bastien inside Iris-Marie’s shop. He seemed at peace, unlike his usual gloomy self. It was an odd change but humorous to watch the two puppets together. My eyes moved to the second glimpse, showing me Iris-Marie. She was asleep in her room as the glow of a single candle reflected on her dark face.

What a beauty, even in sleep.

The glimpse into the human world rippled as I directed my attention to the third and final glimpse, one that soured my mood entirely.

Ozias.

The final glimpse peeked into the sleeping heavens, gazing at my brother as he snored lightly. He was draped across a grand bed, his ethereal form glistening in the starlight while still emitting a weak and warm glow. Like my nephew, his flesh was splattered with overwhelming flakes of gold, nearly covering his entire body. His hair was woven with threaded platinum andgold strands that constantly shimmered like the sun. Thankfully, being asleep, I didn't have to worry about his eyes, their light so bright, it was like staring into the sun itself. I shivered at the recollection of his perfection, one I never seemed to possess.

“Enjoy your sound sleep while you can, little brother. Soon, with the help of your fallen Pegasus, my witch will grant me my favor. And when she does, I will take back everything you stole and see to it you geteverythingyou deserve.”

The sounds of Iris stirring yanked my focus back to the middle glimpse, the one still observing her. I peered closer, noticing she was stirring, a light sweat coating her forehead as she tossed and turned.

“It seems my witch is experiencing a night terror.” My hands waved, brushing the first and third glimpses away as I beckoned the middle closer, expanding its size, large enough to walk through. “Perhaps I can help ease your dreams, dear Iris-Marie.” As her name dripped from my tongue, I stepped forward through the veil and dissolved into the fiery glimpse.

“Yes,” I exhaled, adjusting my posture as I breathed in the air of her room. My skin prickled as my body morphed into my mortal form, the fire of my hair fading to midnight strands that fell along my shoulders and across my bare back. I wasn’t too fond of my mortal form, but I knew from the way her eyes studied me before, Iris-Marie admired it.

Iris was whining softly in her sleep, kicking the thin sheet partially from her body as she lay in her bed, wearing only a thin, silky, maroon night dress that covered little but highlighted her curves and features.

“You would think a goddess lay before me with such beauty. But alas, it is only a human, gifted enough beauty to rival the infamous goddess of love.” I stepped closer, stopping at the side of her bed, her arm draped over the edge. My fingertips gently touched her hand, the warmth of her skin nearly burning me. Icontinued to glide my touch along her, reaching her elbow as she released a soft moan. “My poor witch,” I whispered, kneeling at her side. “I shall elevate your nightmare.”

My hand gently moved hers to my mouth, her skin touching my lips as I kissed the inside of her soft palm. I couldn’t stop myself, embracing her open hand as I pressed my face to it, gripping her arm and kissing her harder, inhaling her delicious scent. My lips traveled along her forearm, showing her the affection she deserved as my hunger for her began to grow.

“Iris-Marie, why do you entice me so much?” I whispered against her flesh in weakness. “Is it your beauty and appeal?” I leaned closer, pulling the sheets further down her body, admiring her closely. “Or is it that dangerous darkness I can smell embedded in your soul?” My mouth returned to her arm as she stirred once more, pleasantly moaning in response. “Yes,” I whispered, watching her body move, telling me was enjoying my touch. “What a weakness I have for you.” I released her arm and stood, bending over as I whispered into her ear. “Dream of me, Iris-Marie. Dream of my touch and my taste.” Smoke drifted from my mouth and slithered into her ear as I continued to speak. “Give yourself to me and surrender to your desires. Even if we cannot be in this world, let us be in your dreams.”

She rotated her head, her back arching as she slowly moved in her sleep. I could hear her heart racing as her breathing increased. Her fingers curled as her lips parted, and she exhaled a single word.

“Cypress,” she moaned.

Yes.

I stepped away from her bed and slithered into the shadows, taking a seat in a chair concealed by darkness. My hands gripped the armrests, my nails digging into the wood as I watched, listening to the whispered sound of my name falling from her tongue, consuming the erotic thickness that hung over her.

Let me show you what it truly means to be touched by a god.

Chapter

Six

IRIS-MARIE

My body felt like it was on fire, burning from the inside out like a ravenous fever, consuming me. The feeling of pressure—something touching my hand—startled me. It trailed down my arm and traced my collarbone. My breathing increased as the temperature became overwhelmingly unbearable. I tried to sleep, to ignore my nightmares and this odd, sick sensation, but it was impossible. My nightmares morphed as darkness flooded my brain, the image of Cypress’ true form snapping towards me as I shot up with a loud gasp.

Sweat rolled down my temples as I stared ahead, the flickering light of my candle playing tricks on me. I watched shadows dance around the room, thinking I saw Cypress sitting in the corner of my room. As I blinked, the vision dissolved, relieving me. I clutched my chest, noticing the sheet tangled around my feet, as though I had fought some monster in my dreams.

“It was just a nightmare,” I whispered to myself, exhaling. “Nothing else.” My body eased as I laid back down. My hands covered my face as I tried to steady my breathing, the image of Cypress’ frightening form still burned into my brain. “Just a dream,” I whispered once more, beginning to drift back to sleep.

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