Fang-Kissed

Chapter 25

I found out something about me today that I'm not so sure I'm proud about.

I'm a coward.

Once in Ironwell, Ren and I had to do a basic search online and I found Raphael Fang Gold's work address.

He was located at the Fang Gold VIP Hotel, which was still in existence and close to a theatre. It was currently filled with travelling actresses and actors who were performing for a show about 'Witches in Jail'. It seemed to be a theme running around Ironwell, shops selling gimmicky magical themed merchandise, while no one believed in the supernatural anymore. So, it seemed all mortals were unwittingly celebrating the Wizard's victory, as they remained in the forests, while the idea of magic was now considered cool and trendy.

Raphael was the hotel owner and manager. I didn't know if he lived there or not, but I wrote down a note, placed it in a letter and then delivered it to the receptionist. I requested for the perplexed man to pass it onto the owner. I just called it 'feedback'.

Inside the note was simple.

'Come find your book nerd princess, she's waiting for you in your castle'

Ren was astounded that I didn't just ask for him, but I guess she strangely respected my choice not to ask for her father directly in that moment. She had been quiet and looking a little nervous herself.

In the city she had been completely bamboozled into silence, overwhelmed by the people and the buildings. I had to find us proper clothes, which we found in a charity bin. Even with material not from the forest, Ren was awkward in her movements.

Perhaps meeting her father that day would have been too much for our daughter anyway.

So, we returned to Fortitude.

72 hours later, nothing of value had really happened.

Ren spent her days chasing small game through the forest, or singing, or climbing trees.

She entertained herself, while Kami was tending her Garden always. Occasionally Ren helped her, but not for long.

And me?

I stayed in the tallest ramparts of Fortitude. I climbed to the top, found a half-built tower wall, crumbling from the elements. It curved nicely and I liked to sit there, looking over the forest waiting for movement.

I figured I'd need to be patient.

I also felt intensely anxious.

I was so scared about Raphael's current standing in life.

I was scared that he'd have forgotten all about me.

And perhaps the magic was so strong, that he would never remember any of our interactions.

Maybe he had fallen in love again – because I was certain he had loved me and was capable of it.

My thoughts are one big circle. Around and around and around.

I wear clothes of moss that Kami crafted for me, the magic held it all together. I had a bra made of moss and a skirt made of Fall leaves. It was Ren's favourite too, and I understand why. This outfit is comfortable and easy to move around in.

I now watch the sunrise over the horizon.

I could barely sleep. I could barely eat.

I couldn't even bring myself to consider where Raze had gone. In truth, I was angry with him the most. It could be the highest form of flattery, to have sacrificed so much just to spend a day with his mate. But fuck. Why?