Chapter 6

Chapter

Six

R ewd

This dimension is cold. My new skin is vulnerable and thin. Useless in battle.

But I have to make the best of it.

At least in my human form, my horns no longer bang into the ceiling of this too-small attic.

I didn't like the witch at first. And yet, now that Portia is calm, I see something intelligent in her eyes that interests me.

She's not quite a person I would willingly jump through a swirling, twisting portal to get to. But Bragg jumped through the portal, and so did I.

I wish to know more about this world. And about this pretty witch.

Bragg says she smells like peaches, but all I detect is lilacs and something darker.

The fragile little Portia is tucked against Bragg's chest, his one arm supporting her like a babe. She seems limp and unresponsive ever since collapsing after seeing us switch into human form. Even with the mild sedation that Bragg applied, she still could not handle it.

"Is she dead?" I ask.

Bragg chuckles and smooths a lock of her shiny hair. "You are as precious as a puppy dog. Don't worry; our friend here is very alive. I just helped her relax."

"So what do we do now? Someone will have heard her screaming. They will come for her any minute now," I say.

Bragg goes to the window, the little witch still snug against him. Jealousy stirs in my chest, and I tamp it down.

He peers out the window and says, "Rewd. Do you hear that?"

I stick my head out the window, my horns catching on the frame. "Argghh. Dammit," I curse under my breath; this world is not built for me in any form. And then, I hear it.

Loud screams emanate from the neighboring house down the hill. Across an open field, the sounds of demonic laughter peal out. A replica colonial village lies beyond the clearing. A line of children dressed in costume makes its way from building to building, collecting candy from witches in period costumes.

I think I understand. On Halloween, there's nothing to distinguish who is screaming for help.

Tonight of all nights.

What a curious place this is.