Arabesque
A/N: With Christmas today, I sincerely hope you guys are enjoying this work as I'll be taking a little break to focus on publishing my second book and spending time with family. Happy holidays!
Sandy pulled her shawl tighter around her, wishing the rain would at least let up some so there wouldn't be thick fog in front of her with each step she took. The sign of Spirits and Demons Pub creaked in the wind as she glanced at her wooden leg. Hopefully, she could make it back to the manor without it getting weighed down by the water.
She entered the tavern, swallowing as a hush fell over the lower floor of the pub. She hadn't stepped in here since her accident and she wasn't sure if she could look these people in the face after being gone for so long.
A hoot rose from the back as the barkeep, Rodney grinned, saying, "Well, look what the cat dragged in. How's our favorite shut-in?"
"Aye, how's that leg of yours?" one man asked, reaching out to touch her wooden leg before someone else stopped him.
Sandy let out a shaky breath. "It's fine, I'm jus' lookin' for Valen." She said, walking towards Rodney.
"He's upstairs with some other louts," he answered. "You should visit more often, we miss you around here. Have a pint when you're done with him."
Sandy shook her head, offering an apologetic smile. "Can't even if I wanted to, you know how Randy is." She replied, heading upstairs and fighting back a pained groan. She huffed, looking into the upper hall and spotting Valen at the far end table surrounded by his friends. She made her way towards him, quickly exchanging pleasantries with other patrons of the tavern.
One of his friends looked at her, sliding out of his seat and stumbling by her. Valen turned, a grin on his face as pulled her close. "I never thought I'd see the day, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"We need to talk," Sandy said, meeting his watered, glazed grey eyes.
Sandy sat in bed, candle still lit and slowly waxing. Not only had Valen had the nerve to pick her up, he made it worse by drawing attention to them. Yelling about how he was troubled about her injury while dragging her back to the manor.
The door creaked open as Sandy picked up her book. "I don't want to talk about this anymore, Valen, you should rest." She said, not looking up.
The floorboards groaned as he walked further into the room, snuffing the candle out and sitting beside Sandy.
She suddenly felt his hands pushing her down, the weight of his body against hers stifling and burning. His breath was close, lips against her cheek as he mumbled, "You don't have a choice about moving in with me, understand? I'll have your things packed by the end of the week."
Sandy took in gasps of air as he rolled over to the empty side of the bed. She needed to contact her doctor and Shadow immediately.
