Kelly had no intention of staying, Her bags were packed, cell phone charged and a cab was on the way. This was the end. After 5 years, she knew there was no point in trying to make changes. He refused change.
Initially, it was a wonderful relationship. There were loving words, dancing, affection,long walks and breakfast discussions on everything from politics to nature. A tenderness emanated from him. She felt enveloped by his gaze, like a hug from his eyes.
Then the lights went out.
There was no singular event that occurred, but it was not a slow fade. One day his words dripped with love and empathy and the next he spewed poison. She use to bask in the light of his love but now there was nothing but darkness.
****
He stood in the garage waiting for her to enact whatever plan she had up her sleeve. After all these years, all this time, everything that he did for her, this was the thanks she gave. She was a traitor in his eyes. It was her plan to abandon him.
Henry took out a cigar and lit it with a match.
There must be another guy, he thought as he puffed on the cigar. I wonder if she will even say good-bye.
****
Her phone beeped. The cab had arrived. Kelly grabbed her bags and headed downstairs, constantly looking to be sure he did not see her. The house looked empty.
He must be out back, she thought. Working on another stupid car. Once I make it out the door, I am all clear.
Henry saw her before she noticed him in front of the garage.
“Where are you going?”
Kelly jumped a bit. There he stood in front of the garage, arms crossed, smoking a cigar. His eyes flashed in anger.
His eyes.
She did not consider what she would do or say if he caught her leaving. Instead, she had thought we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Now here was the bridge and a giant troll demanded she pay the toll.
“I’m going to my mother’s house. You know she hasn’t been feeling well”
The only thing Henry hated more than a traitor was a liar.
“Ok, let me know when you get there. That you got there safe.”
Kelly walked over and kissed him. He made no movement. In fact, he was eerily still. She tried to hug him but his arms were limp. It was then when she knew there was no fooling him. The only thing she felt was fear.
****
Manuel watched the exchange from his cab. He had his orders. Escort Kelly to safety. Do not engage the succubus.
****
Kelly stepped away from Henry and headed for the cab.The driver stepped out to give her a hand with her bags. Do not look back. Do not look back. Her mind repeated the warning over and over. As hard as it was, she listened.
Something about the driver looked familiar to Henry. Familiar and heinous. He wondered was this the man she was secretly seeing? This thought angered him and he lurched towards the car intending to find out more about this mystery driver. As he walked forward he felt his legs grow heavy as if made of lead. His arms stiffened at his side. Try with all his might, he could not move.
Manuel gave the man a knowing look. He closed the trunk and jumped into the driver seat, ready to get out of there.
Thoramyn. A blessing that temporarily bound cursed creatures. Higher level work, above and beyond Kelly’s little pagan spells. This was not magic.
As the car drove away, Henry slowly began to regain feeling in his limbs. He clutched at the amulet hidden under his shirt and swore. That winged being would pay.
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