Wolves

15

(Y/N) recounted the events of the evening to her mother as soon as she returned to the palace. By the time she finished, guards were already on their way to examine the area.

That night, (Y/N) found it difficult to sleep. Even with Bill trying to help, her mind raced too much. She had a plethora of unanswered questions about who and why, most of which had the potential to be solved the next day. It was exciting and terrifying all at once, but (Y/N) knew it was unlikely she'd piece every bit of the puzzle together. She'd still have many concerns that remained unaddressed.

She and Bill slipped out of the castle early the next morning. The sun was barely up and Bill still had his bed head, but it seemed demons were already out to party. Either that, or they didn't go home the night before.

The pair navigated through the crowd as discreetly as they could manage. Bill knew how to get to the apothecary from memory, which startled (Y/N) the slightest bit. She doubted they sold medicines at all and rather believed the shop was instead a poison dispensary, so she wondered what type of business Bill had there before they met. However it didn't surprise her in the slightest.

When they arrived, Kasdeya was waiting in the shop window. Her face brightened upon seeing them and she waved cheerfully before pulling herself up to race to the door.

"You really came!"

It was nice for (Y/N) to see a smiling face after the night she had. She hardly even realized she was smiling as well. "Of course we did,"

(Y/N) was barely in the doorway when Kasdeya latched onto her hand. She pulled her into the cozy shop, leaving Bill to be hit by the door. It smelled of incense and cinnamon and the lighting was dim. The wall was adorned with tapestries with unrecognizable markings. There were shelves lined with books (Y/N) couldn't read, but looked like something she shouldn't touch.

"Papa! They're here!" Kasdeya called to the back room.

There was a distant thump and a few things clattering before the older demon pulled himself out of a doorway. "Your Grace, I–!" He straightened and brushed himself off, smiling apologetically as he took off his gloves. "I was just finishing up a brew,"

The statement made (Y/N) feel she was in a witch's domain, though as far as she knew, she very well could be. She didn't feel unsafe or alarmed, instead the shop made her feel rather secure. Though, it could've just been the incense.

Bill finally caught up to them, still rubbing his arm from where the door hit him. He looked vaguely annoyed as he shot an unnoticed glare at the little girl.

"Papa makes poisons so people die." Kasdeya looked up at (Y/N) in excitement. "When I grow up, I get to do it, too!"

(Y/N) and Bill exchanged a look, and Bill smiled in excitement. "Very cool,"

"You said you had questions," Her father spoke. "Something about investigating?"

"Yeah, actually could we—"

"Papa!" Kasdeya called out to her father in an accusatory tone. "You can't talk to the princess without sitting first!" She let go of (Y/N)'s hand and bounded over to her father, pink locks bouncing with each step. She tugged on his arm until he bent over so she could whisper something to him.

Her father laughed, completely at ease. It was as if he forgot (Y/N) and Bill were there. (Y/N) thought it was wonderful to see, and once again, their relationship reminded her of her own father.

"Kasdeya has insisted on tea," He said with a warm smile. "If you'll follow me upstairs,"

As they went deeper in the shop, the smells became more pleasant. It was if they were pulling (Y/N) into a trance and forcing her into relaxation. She had no opposition. In fact, it was quite welcomed after all she'd been through. She didn't know if her relaxation should be attributed to the aromatherapy, or her hosts, both of which were as soothing as the last.