Page 88 of To Free a Soul
“So you are willing, you are informed, and you are pure of disease.”
The tension in Lindiwe’s shoulders eased. The last thing she’d wanted was for someone to be forced into this role or be ill-informed of the potential terrors they may face. She also didn’t want the humans to pass off the sick, and for them to die before Orpheus could gain their trust.
They may not even survive the journey.
“Then alright.” She gestured for Orpheus to come forward, and he tilted his head at her waving hand before doing as instructed. Lydia came forward upon request, and they came face to face with each other. “Hold each other’s hands.”
Lydia’s hands shot to her chest when Orpheus’ came forward, and she hesitated. For the first time, she looked unsure, but then gingerly placed her own in his. His touch was gentle as he wrapped her hands in his much bigger ones, and Lydia’s posture unstiffened.
Lydia laughed dryly. “It feels like I’m getting married to a Duskwalker.”
Lindiwe appreciated her attempt to unravel the awkwardness they obviously both felt. It also made her heart twist.I like her a lot.She could only offer the woman a sad smile.It’s unfortunate that she’ll likely die.
She may have been perfect otherwise.
The Veil was far, and Demons loitered above the surface and in it. How Katerina had made it alive to the house Orpheus hadbuilt was purely luck,badluck, and Lindiwe was sure fate would rear its ugly head once more.
“You’d be a very pretty bride,” Lindiwe said to play along.
“Bride?” Orpheus asked, tilting his head as his orbs shifted to dark yellow in curiosity.
“It’s what we call a woman when she’s about to bond with her future husband. They’re always beautiful, and often in a lovely dress.”
“I... see.” His tone came across pensive.
“Do you remember how to do this?” Lindiwe asked, and he nodded in answer. “I think it’s best if you breathe through your mouth.” Then she met Lydia’s gaze. “This may hurt a pinch.”
The woman’s eyes widened right as Orpheus’ claws shot forward. Two slipped beneath the thin skin of her wrist, and she gasped in shock and yanked her hands from his. But it was enough.
A few drops of blood touched the dirt, the bargain for the spell was given, and blue light shone from it. Within seconds, his magic spread across the ground as shimmering, sparkling blue made the air swirl around them. A protective dome began to form over the village.
Lydia, holding her nicked wrist, gasped softly as her eyes lifted to follow the magic’s path. The soldiers, Harry, and the Anzúli also looked up, the azure light highlighted upon their faces. The initial brightness dulled when it was complete, enough to show it was there, but it wouldn’t be overly distracting.
“The bargain is complete. In exchange for this offering–”
“Bride,” Orpheus cut in. “She is my bride, yes?”
Lindiwe paused and gave him a perplexed frown before continuing. She hadn’t expected him to say that, nor to speak over her.
“–your village now has a protection ward that will last ten years. He may, or may not, return to place a new one here, orupon the other village and town nearby.” Lindiwe brought her gaze to the black mesh eyeholes of the Anzúli’s mask. “Now that you’ve seen the truth, and what his power can do, I expect you’ll share this information with the other mayors?”
“Why will he not return here?” Harry asked, his light-brown eyebrows furrowing. “We are happy to continue this arrangement if it keeps the Demons from attacking us.”
Because expecting Orpheus to remember which village, when they’re so close together, is asking too much.If he forgot, or mistook which one he was supposed to approach, Lindiwe had prepared all three.
“This is what has been agreed upon,” Lindiwe stated. “It’s also not up for discussion.”
He grumbled and folded his arms, but remained quiet, and that’s all she cared about.
It was unwise to remain for too long, especially as she could see a few heads beginning to poke from windows and doors, all curious about the new protection ward. She ushered Orpheus and Lydia from Staton Village as quickly as she could.
The gates closed behind them with a boom when they’d traversed halfway across the meadow. When they made it into the tree line, Lindiwe stopped them.
“This is where I leave,” she announced.
“Y-you’re leaving?” Lydia darted her gaze to Orpheus before stepping to the side. “I thought you’d be remaining with us.”
“Orpheus will take you there by himself. I can’t join you on this journey.” Then she turned to Orpheus, who dipped his skull to greet her gaze. “This is also where my help ends. This is the last time I will intervene. From now on, you will do this on your own.”
