. : HELLACIOUS : .

The Escape

Kash woke up spitting fire.

Literally and metaphorically.

Once the effects of whatever drug Billy used cleared, Kash could focus through the pain just enough to glance around the tiny shack for something to crack Billy's skull open with and dash out to freedom.

Flames slithered out of Kash's mouth with every labored breath.

Hints of Kash's capture flickered through their mind like fireflies.

Laundry day.

It was a sunny day, good for drying sheets. The sky was a cheery azure.

Kash counseled a couple that morning, anxious about their strict parents discovering their secret affair.

The young women were so distraught they could hardly explain their situation. Kash had never seen a more contrasting pair. The younger woman was decked in fine robes, coral corset playing brilliantly against her umber skin. The other was so pale and large she nearly took up the entire doorway. Her copper hair was as thick and eye catching as she was, though her clothes were rather drab and plain.

They introduced themselves as Mariona del Fausallion and Cher Smith, the former having barely swept into Kash's modest hut before breaking down into fierce tears. Cher hung by the doorway, worn hands politely tucked into her apron. Judging by Mariona's thick accent they'd travelled a mighty long way to speak to Kash.

"We heard you work wonders and we just had to see if the rumors were true." Mariona blew her nose into her dainty handkerchief. "Cherry and I just had to know if there was a chance of the two of us finding a happily ever after."

Cher quietly nodded, eyes wet with unspoken emotion. She was a woman of few words.

Kash immediately switched into Matchmaker Mode, leaving their breakfast behind on the stove.

"What seems to be the issue, ladies?"

"My parents, the Duke and Duchess of Bastan of all places, are so pig-headed it's a wonder we haven't lost the estate generations ago. They want me to marry some hideous Earl from the next county over and they refuse to call off the arrangement! Cher's parents are near destitute and if she doesn't marry one of those nasty tax collectors her family will be forced to sell the farm. Her brothers and sisters are too young to work, and they can barely afford daily necessities as is. We're at wit's end, I tell you. Wit's end!"

Kash raised an eyebrow. "What's stopping you from running off together? Can't you pay off Cher's parent's debt, Mariona?"

The young duchess wrung her manicured hands together. "I'm on an allowance. They'd notice if I started dipping from the family pot. Besides, Cher doesn't want me to risk it. I could steal a rather large amount from our treasury only once, but afterwards they would know it was me."

Kash sucked on their bottom lip before nodding.

"Alright. Close your eyes, you two."

Mariona and Cher obeyed, their faith in Kash unshakeable.

Once free from their stares, Kash's eyes glowed a tame red, light burning in their sockets. Kash examined the invisible bond hanging between the lovers like a lifeline, as solid and steady as it could be with such a young relationship.

Cher and Mariona were honestly, truly, in love.

Kash deactivated their Sight, irises returning to black, and gently instructed them to open their eyes.

"Well?" Mariona leaned forward. "Will we make it?"

"Anything the two of you will endure can be overcome if you trust in your love. A little work'll be needed, but it's not impossible."