The Monster Within

A Heartbeat Away

Oberon turned, slow and unconcerned, to stare down the barrel of the rifle, a nefarious smiled plastered to his face. Hollis' heart leapt into her throat as Winston startled, edging backwards. She peered around Oberon's shoulder, mouth agape as she took in the sight of the sinewy, angry woman. She was skinny, muscled, and had to be in her sixties, with long gray hair playing in the wind. Her keen brown eyes were locked on Oberon, finger poised on the trigger. Hollis prayed she wouldn't pull it—she didn't want this woman to die for angering him.

Oberon leaned forward again, casual as ever, but Hollis doubted the woman would miss the wickedness he was exuding.

"And show her what she's been missing," he said.

"I ought to shoot ye right between yer eyes, you piece of scum—"

"No!" Hollis gasped, eyes wide with fear. Oberon whirled, throwing a dark look of warning her way, but she continued, ignoring him.

"He was just...he was teasing me, miss, he meant no harm...he's, uhh...we are...erm...together," Hollis stammered, face a flaming shade of red. Her eyes flitted between the woman's and Oberon's, and she didn't miss the smug grin plastered to his face. The woman considered a moment before lowering her rifle.

"We're sorry, if we trespassed, we've never been this way before..." she trailed off, earnest in her explanation. The woman nodded, considering the pair.

"S'pose yer hopin' I'll take ye in for the night," she said, collecting a wad of brown tobacco to spit at Tyr's feet. Oberon sneered down at her, barely able to contain his disdain. Hollis wished he would take her lead on this; after all, he was the one who'd needed help acting more human.

"Y-yes, if it's not too much trouble. We have money, or goods to trade—"

"You look familiar, girl," the woman said, squinting up at Hollis. She blanched, wondering if she should divulge her parentage.

"I've never met you, I'm Hollis, I—"

The woman shook her head, shrewd brown eyes still squinted up at her.

"Who's your mother?"

Hollis felt her heart crumble in an instant.

"Sarry," she said, voice a bit breathless. The woman's eyes widened a bit, and she allowed her tanned, lined face to smile.

"I know yer mother, comes to town every once in a while. How's she doin', sugar?"

Hollis searched for words as Winston swayed beneath her, Oberon's golden gaze watching her, drinking in her pain and sorrow.

"She...she was killed," Hollis muttered. The woman's face fell a bit.

"Sorry to hear that, hun. Come along, I've got mutton stewing," she said, ushering them down the small game trail. Hollis cast a nervous glance to Oberon, who's jaw seemed to be ticking. His gaze was difficult to decipher on a regular day, but now it was devoid of anything. Fear clawed at her ribcage like a beast searching for freedom. She prayed her choice to follow would be wise.

The cabin was cramped, longer than it was wide, with a loft, a couch, and one bedroom. The washroom was outside, but Hollis didn't mind. She hated mutton, though, but wouldn't turn down a free meal and offend their host. The entire time they worked to unpack their necessities, Oberon's eyes followed her possessively. Something wasn't quite right, but the feeling was shrouded, drowned by Hollis' loud emotions. He'd become too attuned to her, and now shutting her out was impossible. As a compromise to himself, he wouldn't let her out of his sight.

They took turns showering before seating themselves at the small dinner table, night having fallen, the wind picking up its speed. Thunder rolled in the distance, and Oberon watched the woman with keen eyes as he devoured his meal.