Colder Than Stone

Chapter Six

Medusa sat next to Brontos's grave staring up at the stars, the wind blew lightly and she enjoyed its gentle caress.

"I wish you were here still." She said glancing down at his grave and then back up at the sky. " You made everything less complicated."

"May I sit?" Came a Plutus's voice from behind her.

" Sure," Medusa said, waving her hands at the space beside her.

"How did you make these benches?" Curiosity was clear in his voice as he dragged a finger across the bench.

"Dead branches, Twine and a lot of time. " Medusa said trying to ignore the warmth radiating from him. It had been a while since she'd remembered the warmth or embrace of another and although their shoulders were barely touching, she could feel the difference in the air. She felt nervous for the first time in her life, she wanted to speak to him openly but her mouth remained shut.

" How long more until you leave?"

" A week, maybe two? I still haven't been able to fully transform and when I have its only been for a few minutes. If I were to take off and probably end up where I started... with you taking care of me."

Medusa didn't mind the idea of that, it was nice to have company even if the company wasn't entirely human.

" How long have you been down here?" Plutus asked, already knowing the answers.

"Too long to remember." Was Medusas reply.

Plutus remembered the stones he had seen near the pelt that morning.

"Who were those carvings of?"

Medusa put her head down and dug her fingers into the palm of her hand, causing small cuts. " My mom, Brontos and Chimera."

"And the carving behind them?.

Medusa looked toward the sky wondering whether he'd believe her or not. " It's someone I used to know," Medusa said, standing up, not wanting to talk about it.

" Sorry if I offended you..." Plutus grabbed Medusas hand. "Stay? Please..."

The touch was so foreign yet pleasant that she felt a tinge of sadness when he let go.

Medusa sat back down and wrapped her hand around her where he'd grabbed her, wanting the warmth to stay, but her hands weren't as warm as his and it just forced the heat away faster.

" Would you ever want to leave this place?" He asked looking directly at her.

"I used to wish for nothing more, but that's impossible. I'm probably safer here than out there where people would be ready to slay me..." Her voice just above a whisper as she recalled all the stones that littered the labyrinth that told of unsuccessful conquests.

"Thank you for saving me." Plutus smiled warmly at Medusa. " I've only ever heard of the terror you instill and the men you've possibly killed." He paused and looked down. " They're all lies."

Medusa was taken back by what he had said, she felt the wall around her heart crack a little and it frightened her.

Its just pity and gratefulness. That's all it is! Don't be fooled by his smile.

She'd warned herself, feeling her heartbeat quicken. It was no thump or beating out of the chest feeling. Instead, it was a steady but noticeable difference. She felt something in that moment and against her better judgement, she leaned in and hugged him.

It was scary, she needed to feel it and she acted without thinking which startled her. When she realized what she had done and felt Plutus tense against her, she let go.

" I'm sorry!" She blurted out, her eyes permanently cast down in shame. She stood up and slithered away leaving behind a stunned Plutus who unknowing to her felt a change of heart as well.

Plutus ran a hand through his hair and watched her retreat. He knew he would find it harder to leave her and he was shocked at the shot of electricity he felt between them at that moment.

I'm sorry. He thought as she rounded the corner.