Page 50 of Kiss for My Kraken
Ben’s nose twitched with annoyance. “Wasn’t a suggestion. Go get some air. And take this.” He pressed a small object into her palm—a special whistle that carried for miles. “Just in case.”
The gesture, gruff yet undeniably concerned, touched her. “Thank you, Ben.”
Outside, the crisp October air filled her lungs, carrying the scents of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. Main Street had been transformed for the festival, with orange and black banners strung between lampposts and shop windows displaying elaborate Halloween scenes. Townspeople hurried back and forth, carrying decorations and supplies, talking excitedly.
She wandered towards the town square, where most of the festival would take place. Even though there was still a day and a half to go, workers were already setting up booths and stages, their cheerful banter floating across the space. Despite her lingering anxiety, she felt a tug of genuine excitement. This would be her first real Halloween celebration—The Chosen had forbidden the “pagan holiday” entirely and she’d been sick the previous year.
“Magnificent, isn’t it?” a familiar voice asked, and she jumped at Flora seemed to materialize from nowhere, as usual. She was in orange today, a jack-o’-lantern with glowing eyes adorning her shirt.
“It’s wonderful,” she agreed, watching as a group of children—a mix of humans and clearly non-human Others—practiced a dance routine on the central platform. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Of course you haven’t, dear,” Flora said matter-of-factly. “That’s why you’re here now.”
Before she could parse this cryptic statement, Flora continued, “I hear our Sam is coming to the festival this year. “
She gave the old woman a startled glance. “How did you?—”
“Know?” Flora cackled. “Oh, child. I know everything that happens in this town.” Her eyes twinkled. “He’s breaking old patterns for you. That’s significant.”
“Is it?” she asked softly, her heart warming at the thought.
“Of course. Creatures of habit, krakens. Once they establish a territory and routine, they rarely deviate. For him to willingly enter a crowded space…” She trailed off, giving Nina a significant look.
“He’s worried about me,” she explained, her voice dropping. “Because of Jed and the others.”
“Ah, yes. And speaking of unwelcome visitors…”
Nina followed her gaze and froze. A man in a plain, dark jacket stood at the edge of the square, watching the festival preparations with visible distaste. Though she couldn’t see his face clearly from this distance, something about his stiff posture sent ice through her veins.
“Is that—?” she began, her voice catching.
“Yep. He’s one of them. They’ve been circling for the past few days, watching, asking questions. Trying to find you. Not that anyone will tell them anything, but they are persistent little weasels. I’ve a good mind to call in Gladys.”
“Gladys?” She frowned at Flora, but the old woman only shook her head.
“Never mind. I’m afraid this is something you will need to face. Just remember that the town is behind you.”
Flora skipped off into the crowd, leaving Nina rooted to the spot, her earlier enjoyment evaporated. The festival preparationssuddenly seemed too bright, too loud, the cheerful bustle at odds with the cold dread spreading through her.
They’re here. They’re really here.
She needed to get back to the tavern, to the safety of its familiar walls. As she turned to go, a van pulled up at the edge of the square—a large, dark van with out-of-state plates. The same type of vehicle the Elders used for official Haven’s Grace business.
Her heart plummeted. She ducked behind a nearby booth, peering out cautiously as the van’s door opened.
A tall, lean figure emerged, and even from behind, she recognized him instantly—the rigid posture, the severe haircut, the way he held himself as if perpetually braced against sin.
Jedediah.
Panic closed her throat. She pressed herself against the booth, praying he wouldn’t turn in her direction.I need to get out of here. Now.
With shaking hands, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Ben:Emergency. Have to leave. Sorry.
Then, keeping her head down, she slipped between booths and decorations, taking the long way around the square to avoid Jed’s line of sight. Her heart hammered against her ribs, blood rushing in her ears.
Once clear of the square, she broke into a run, not towards the tavern but towards the river. Towards Sam. Towards safety.
CHAPTER 22
