One Insatiable(60)

“My art was my dream. It was how I was going to live my life on the coast, in the sunlight.” My eyes flash as I defy him. “Now it doesn’t matter.”

He waves a hand and goes to what looks like a fireplace. “There’s always an adjustment period following a change.” I watch as he holds his hands out, as if warming them by an invisible fire. Blue flames appear, dancing in the black hole, and he turns to me and smiles. “In any case, you know it’s there when you’re ready.”

My arms are bare. Cold covers them like a second skin, and I’m sure the flames are drawing the heat from the air. I shiver, and he returns to me.

“Here.” He lifts a filmy shawl from the back of a chair and wraps it around my shoulders. “It’s too soon, but I look forward to the return of that old spark. I miss your humor, my love. My little cabbage.”

My chest clenches, but I fight my tears. I have to hold on to hope. Koa will find a way. I won’t be trapped in this cold, dark prison forever. I will get back to my life and my dreams. I will find a way back to the sun.





Helpers





Koa


The trickle of water is in my ears. I’m cold, and I’m lying on a hard surface. Blinking my eyes, I sit up and look around, confused. I don’t know where I am or how I got here. The light is dimmer than it was before, but I can see I’m in a cave. I’m leaning against the wall, and I seem to be alone.

With considerable effort, I recall the man by the lake watching me. Again, a wave of dread moves across my stomach as I recall his face, his menacing expression. He was familiar — the identity so close, I can almost place him. Before I can do that, however, I have to remember why I’m here.

Clearly, I’m in a dark underworld. I’m cut off from the sun, but I’m not dead. Looking at my hands, I turn them over and stare at the backs of them. Making fists feels familiar. I’m a fighter. I can fight my way out of here, only I don’t know who to fight.

A scratchy hiss cuts through the silence, causing me to lift an elbow in defense. “Why have you come here, panther?” It asks me.

Straining my eyes in the darkness, I long to shift so I can see using my cat eyes. “Who are you?” My voice is strong and clear.

The stranger coughs and a shuffling noise above my head focuses my attention.

“Strong one, you are,” it rasps. “Haven’t heard a note that pure in centuries.”

“Where am I?” I don’t have time for games. I might not remember what brought me here, but my sense of urgency remains strong.

“Haven’t you figured that out for yourself?” More shuffling in the dark. “You’re in the underworld. Only, you ain’t dead yet.” A wicked cackle makes my skin crawl.

“I’m here for a reason,” I insist.

“A reason?” The voice is skeptical. “And what might that be?”

Forcing my mind to think, I encounter only mist. It’s as though I’ve taken a strong sedative, and I can’t shake off the hangover. “I can’t seem to remember—”

“Ahh, you drank from the Lethe. That’s good. Without your memories, you’ll adapt faster to your life here.”

“No,” shaking my head, I try again. “I’m not staying here. I’m here for something important. Something I lost…”

“Death is as important as life. You’re here now, panther, and here you’ll stay. No one leaves the underworld.”

Rubbing my face with both hands, I fight the growl rising in my chest. Frustration twists me hard, and I want to fight. My fists are back. I might not remember the details, but I know this is wrong. I’m not here to stay. I’m here to save something then I’m getting the f*ck out.

“Who are you?” I demand of the voice.

“No one of consequence.” More scratching noises above my head. “I’m here to keep you company.”

The voice is closer, but it seems to also be growing smaller. I begin to suspect I’m talking to a mouse or some other small creature. “Are you an animal?”

“No, panther. I’m not like you.” It’s near me now, on the wall of the cave, and I move away from it.

“What is your form? Tell me what sort of creature you are.”

“Shh…” The air seems to have closed in on me. Ribbons of cold filter down inside my skull. “Calm. Don’t vex yourself.”

“Why are you here with me? What is your name?”

“Some call me Hypnos, but I prefer Poppy.” The voice is no longer raspy. It’s smooth, a soothing monotone. “Relax. Listen to the water as it ripples past us. It’s like the purr of a cat. The sound you make in utter contentment.”

My eyes are heavier with each word. I’m unable to fight him off, but I don’t understand. “I’m not tired. I only just awoke.”

“You’ve had a long journey, traveler. Rest your weary head. Nothing will happen until you awake again.”

It’s a trick. I have to fight this spell. He’s bewitching me, and I have to fight against him. Only it’s no use. Even as I think the words, I feel my brain shutting down. The heaviness is back, and again, I can’t fight it.

“Who told you to keep me company?” It’s the last question I utter before the mist surrounds me, stealing my consciousness.