Kai's Memories
Once a small goblin, now something else.
Don't Let Go
The man's seeking eyes probe her suspiciously as Dezzy reaches up, squeezing her hand.
"We won't let her go in there alone."
Her voice is firm and suddenly Kai isn't shaking anymore. "I’ll do what you need me to." Whatever happens, she'll be okay, she knows. But even so, she can't bring herself to let go of Dezzy's hands.
The man regards them a moment, then sets the purring black cat down, rising and pulling a book out of the shelf. It rumbles and opens, an ominous staircase leading down.
He gestures to it as they approach, staring down the maw of darkness. "If you will."
Alistair isn't afraid of the dark, and he starts down without a second thought. Kai only hesitates a moment, reaching out and taking his hand too. He glances at her but doesn't pull away, and the knot in her chest unwinds.
Down the stairs, into the basement, a secluded room painted with circles and stars. The man tells her to stand in the middle, alone.
And she's scared. But this time, it's easy to let them go. In the center of this circle, as the magic lulls her to sleep, she can still feel their warmth in her hands.