Shady

“Oh…” she said weakly. Fuck, fuck, fuck— “…did something… happen?”

Ky smiled a little. “Must be a humble person… I bet they’re well liked.”

The hairs on the back of Ky’s neck stood on end. “But he’s here ? In the Keep?”

Ky couldn’t focus; how was she supposed to? This was… insane . Studying next to her fathers abuser. “…is Michael here.”

Who knew Gaius Sr. was even more irritating to study with. “Okay…” she hesitantly stepped forward again, still well out of arms reach, and pulled a book from the shelf.

Ky glanced back at him slightly irritably. She didn’t have ‘intuition’ about ghosts and being attacked by the gods. “…right.”

“Oh… sorry.” She took a hesitant step forward but stayed well out of reach. “What should I look for? I still don’t know.”

Ky smiled. “High praise indeed. Is it specific to this village?”

“Mm.” She buried her hands in her pockets, still watching the book.

Ky gaped, eyes fixed on the book. “…oh?”

“That sounds absolutely heavenly,” she said in admiration.

“…yessir,” she blushed and dipped her head. “Apologies. I meant no offense.” Although this was the man that abused her father and uncle. So. It wasn’t that unreasonable of an ...

“…like you?”

Ky watched him warily, resisting the urge to inform him that it was, in fact, dismaying. No point in inviting abuse. And he… wasn’t? Coming for her? At least not ...

Ky involuntarily took a step backward in retreat, heart pounding in her throat. She wanted absolutely no trial or error with this man. Should she run? “Yes. They both know. ...