Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
Robick paused within the threshold and scanning the room. The cold hearth lay ready for the evening fire. The kitchen remained tidied.
Unchanged. Everything untouched.
The weight of silence fell over him, yanking his shoulders down. He stumbled into the room and stopped at the table, fingers tightly gripping the chair back.
Closing his eyes, he ignored the chores waiting. None of it mattered.
A breeze crossed his neck. Robick shuddered for two reasons. First, he knew it wouldn’t be Jayara. Second, the breeze had stirred from within.
“What do you want, Xelvir?” Robick asked.
A chair scrapped over the ground. Opening his eyes, Robick watched the demon seat himself. “I’ve come to visit you. As I did last night.” Xelvir’s casual tone pricked Robick.
“And the night before,” Robick grumbled.
Xelvir flicked his hand nonchalantly.
“And before that. And that.” Robick couldn’t recall a night Xelvir hadn’t made the offer.
“Will you accept this time?” Xelvir asked.
Robick paused, turning from the demon. His gaze fell on the cold hearth. He couldn’t tend it while he worked. And no one else would.
Yanking out his chair, he sat leaning toward Xelvir. “Sure.”
“Now don’t–“ The demon cut off, blinking at Robick. “You accept?”
“Yes.” Robick knew he’d gave in because he was lonely. At least this ended that.
“Excellent.” A parchment and quill appeared. “Shall we finalize our arrangement then?” Xelvir grinned, and, for a moment, Robick regretted his choice.
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