Page 16 of Drawn in Blood
Cormac laughed as he nodded. “Between carving first year Vegvesirs and fixing broken pendants, I hardly have time to sleep.” He leaned against the counter as he rubbed the back of his hand against his brow. “Anything I can help you with today?”
“Aye,” Otto nodded, “my daughter seems to have broken her ring. Do you have time for a quick repair today?”
Ember winced as her nails dug into her palms, swallowing dryly at the word.
Daughter.
Otto would gladly pluck the moon at out the sky if she asked him to, and she was having a near panic attack about him calling her his daughter. Did she really deserve people as wonderful as the Kitts?
“Of course.” Cormac nodded with a smile.
Ember shook away the rising panic and fished the ring out of her pocket, gripping it tightly in her hand as she bit her lip. Otto gave her a gentle nudge and nodded toward the counter with a smile. Ember took a shaky breath and dropped the gold ring in the man’s hand, quickly wiping her sweaty palm on her jeans.
“Now let’s have a look, shall we,” Cormac said, as he slipped a pair of glasses out of a pocket on his shirt and over the bridge of his nose. He turned it over a few times in his blackened fingers, mumbling to himself as he squinted. “Hmm, how interesting,” he whispered. “Give me an hour, and I’ll have it good as new.” He smiled as he slipped his glasses off and put them back in his shirt pocket.
Ember tilted her head and nodded, letting out a breath. Relief washed over her like a tsunami as Otto thanked Cormac, and they made their way back out into the sun.
“How does some fish and chips sound?” Otto said, as they walked down the street.
Ember laughed. “We just had breakfast an hour ago,”
Otto shrugged as he put his arm over her shoulder. “Fish and chips goes to a different part of your stomach,” he said. “It’s a well-known fact.”
Ember laughed at the way he smiled, seeing so much of Fen in him. They made their way toward the docks where a small cart stood on the weathered wood. Otto put in their order, handing the owner a handful of coins while Ember leaned over the railing and kicked pieces of wood into the water. Otto brought over the food wrapped carefully in newspaper, and Ember walked beside him as she stuck salt and vinegar chips in her mouth.
“Are you excited to see Thea tomorrow??” Otto asked, as he stuck a piece of beer battered fish in his mouth.
Ember nodded silently. She loved seeing Thea, the woman would always have a special place in her heart. The way she lit up any room she walked in and never hesitated to check on Ember always made her feel safe. But that wasn’t what Otto was asking. The unasked question lingered in the air between them as Ember felt her stomach sour.
“Have you decided to go ahead with the adoption?”
He smiled down at her, almost as if he could read her thoughts, and he ruffled her hair. “She’s only coming to answer your questions, Mo Chroí,” he reassured, as he stole one of her chips. “We meant what we said when we told you to take your time. It’s a big decision and not one we want you to make lightly.”
Ember swallowed the lump building in her throat as she nodded, unable to think of a reply. They continued and finished their food, stopping to look inside shops as they went.
“Ah, Mr. Kitt,” a voice said from behind them.
Ember stopped in her tracks and turned to see Chief Thornsten walking up behind them.
“Good morning, Chief,” Otto nodded. Ember noted the way his smile turned serious as he took a small step in front of her, straightening his spine just a hair.
“It is a good morning, isn’t it?” Chief Thornsten smiled. “And this must be Miss Lothbrok.” He looked down at Ember. His smile was unnerving and sent a chill up her spine. She couldn’t put her finger on why, but she didn’t trust him. And from the way Otto was now standing, he didn’t seem to, either.
“Aye, this is Ember,” Otto replied, as he placed his hand on her shoulder. She felt his grip tighten, and she almost winced.
“I knew you had a foster child in your custody,” Chief Thornsten replied, “but I don’t believe I realized it was Torin and Aoife’s child. How interesting.”
Chief Thornsten’s gaze raked over Ember, and she was so thankful she still had those green contacts hiding the lavender in her eyes. She hadn’t found out any more about herself, no matter how many late nights she spent curled up with ancient books, but she knew better than to reveal her secret to the rest of the island. The chief smiled, and Ember bristled as she stiffened under the weight of Otto’s hand. He squeezed her shoulder gently, and she let out a shaky breath.
“We are in the process of adopting her actually.” Otto smiled as he looked down at Ember. Ember did her best to force a smile back as she nodded.
“Well, congratulations,” Chief Thornsten replied. “I’m sure it will be a delightful day.” He turned to Otto, changing the subject, “And your wards? Have you reinforced them?”
“Aye, Chief.” He nodded. “Reinforced them yesterday.”
“Good, good.” Thornsten nodded. “If you need a ward breaker to come by, please Helio the office and let them know.We have several that specialize in warding against Fae and halfbreeds.”
Ember choked on her breath as her eyes widened.
