A Victorian Lady's Guide to Killing Gods and Monsters [ONC 2023]

Chapter IV: Never go into a viper's nest

London, April 5th, 1852

Mr. Ben Swift was in her dream. They were in the middle of a meadow, the sun setting behind her. His grape-colored eyes were staring at her in the most uncomfortable way possible. His mouth muttered something she could not understand.

At least she did not see Mister Mysterious Man again, but Ben's eyes weren't calming her tormented soul. Something was off, she could feel it. She sensed a drop running down her chin, only to discover her nose was bleeding.

No, this dream was stranger than usual. Not only because Mr. Swift was looking at her like a pervert, but also because she could feel... a presence, perhaps? What words do you use for something so new yet so familiar?

"We don't have much time, miss," the boy said in a hurry. Then, his tone turned deeper, as if it was a real adult talking through him. "We must part our company right now if you don't want to get to the Erebus the fast way."

"Why?" she heard herself imploring. "There is nothing wrong. I can keep the secret. The gods will not let that happen—"

"It already has, Miss Rayburn."

Before she could say anything, an unknown voice spoke. "You had the opportunity to end this war before it started. Why have you condemned the gods?"

For some reason, Hattie knew it was the Presence's voice. It was not as full of anger as their words suggested. It was more like... Disappointment. Who were they? The Voice was a male's, but she wasn't confident enough to make an assumption about It.

Hattie's dream ended without warning when her eyes opened. Her mother had already gotten up, and the sweet smell of bread rolls called her like a siren's song. Downstairs, Mistress Rayburn was enjoying a cup of tea in silence.

"So, are you going to explain anything?" Hattie demanded, entering the kitchen without bothering to take a roll for herself.

"That is how it is now?" her mother asked back. "'How was your sleep, Mama?', 'Hello'? 'Are you feeling better today?' Young lady, not because I hid you something you ought to be rude to me. I am still your mother, after all."

"I know. I am very sorry, Mama. It is just... Why do I have to go to horrible Auntie Simona's house? How long has it been since the last time you saw her? Perhaps she is dead already."

"Why would she be dead? She is the healthiest woman I know, and is not even close to old age."

"Why would I know?" Hattie fired back. "There are a lot of things floating around, did you know that? Tuberculosis, fevers, explosive diarrhea—"

"Ah, dear me! If you go on like this, you'll like a whack on your bonse as well, won't you? Simona is alive and well. She must be up by now. It would be better for you and me if you got on the road right now."