Star Blessed

Light and Shadows

MERIBELLA

"And that's all he said to you?"

"Lincoln, what's with the interrogation?" Thorne rolled her eyes and popped him on the back of his head before taking a long swig of her beer.

He'd been grilling Meribella on her conversation with Caspian for the last forty-five minutes, and he kept prodding for more details. She had to give it to the werewolf; he knew when someone was holding back. Or maybe it was because of her justly earned reputation for being less than forthcoming. She'd tell him everything. Eventually. But Caspian's despicable behavior seemed a small thing when compared with their current situation.

"Any updates?" She asked, hoping to distract him and hoping for good news. She got one and not the other.

"No. They followed his trail about a mile east, and then it fucking vanished. I don't get it. They have to be working with a witch."

"Watch what you're saying," Thorne lashed out. "Witches do not work with the Fae Queen. We fought against her in the Uprising."

"And you think a thousand years later that holds true for every witch?"

"I have to agree with him on this one Thorne," Meribella said, the admission tasting bitter in her mouth.

"Well shit, miracles do happen," Lincoln proclaimed, earning twin slaps from the women seated across from him. "Damn the crazy women."

"Maybe you could talk to Vivian about it," she suggested to her friend. "She gave me something that masked my scent when I went to Cutler. If we could figure out what kind of ingredients are used for that kind of brew, maybe we could do a little detective work- figure out who is making them for people."

"Yeah, I guess so. Vivian has always been skilled with potions. They say she was taught by one of the best sorcerers. If anyone would know, it'd be her."

"Good, then we at least have a place to start."

They were quiet. Joe's pub was beginning to fill with the evening crowd. The laughter and shouts began to grate on her nerves, but before she could announce her departure, Thorne questioned, "Did you speak to your mom?"

The Orion pack Beta tried to look anywhere but at Meribella. It didn't matter that he hadn't impregnated her mother. He felt guilty for the burdens that came with loving his kind.

"I haven't. I think I'm going to walk down to the beach and collect my thoughts. I'll need that before I speak to her. Will you tell Joe that I appreciate him keeping an eye on Aurora. I'd hoped to see him, but I can't stay in here right now."

The witch nodded, her lips curved in a kind smile. "Of course. Just come back to the loft before dark."

"Yes ma'am," Meribella said with a salute. She was thankful they didn't insist on sending a bodyguard. Perhaps they knew she needed space, or maybe they trusted that she could take care of herself. Especially with the ocean at her command.

The pace she set was brisk. Strolling through Mainstreet felt a little bit too much like having her heart put in stocks and heckled. Oh- that corner. Yeah, you kissed Raff there. And that smell- that's the restaurant he took you to the first day. And under that light, he copped a feel.... Alright you copped a feel. Be honest.

No, Meribella didn't need physical reminders of what she'd lost. The sound of the ocean reached her ears, and she broke into a sprint. Her feet navigated the sloping hill and the jutting rocks. Shoes were discarded on the shore along with her pants and shirt. Pausing to take a look around (a little too late), she shimmied out of her underwear after confirming she was alone. The water would be cold; it always was here, but she wanted nothing between her skin and the sea.