THE TEMPERATURE RISE came with twilight. "I did not think weather to be this dynamic on Corynthia. Islands are usually tropical all year round," said Rafel stroking his nurse's cool platinum hair. He was feeling much better after her delicious serve.
"The isles are rumored to be the only spot in the continent where Demeter's unfeeling coldness for humanity doesn't reach. In order words, we do not miss winter here. But you're right, the island's air is always tame—or should be. Huh?" Sekhmet fell silent for a moment, thinking.
Rafel had pulled the blanket off their bodies and he could feel the rising warmth of Sekhmet's body spreading into his. The door to the huge cabin was open, and kept that way with a long mop stick. The fireplace only had embers now smoking in the pits and Rafel was glad: he didn't need added heat to his breaking fever.
Just outside the oak door, a great dire wolf lay on all fours, like some guardian of the forest. It was quiet too, watching the creek some distance beyond with blinking grey eyes.
"That your dog?" Rafel hushed in Sekhmet's hair.
Her cheeks flushed under his gaze. "Yep. All anima in the tropics are bonded to the high witch."
"Hmm, I took you for a cat woman."
"Why?"
Rafel grinned—"cause when I see you, I THINK. . .pussy," she smacked his chest. "Aren't you glad you're topless now?"
Sekhmet finally laughed, noting that the pinkened rosebud tops of her boobs were still pebbled. "Quit trying to make me laugh. There are many shades to you, Apollyon."
Outside, the blue [Guardian] wolf lifted up its great head and howled.
YOOOOOOWWL!
The sound stunned both Rafel and his supple witch nurse to look out. Their eyes' trained on the foliage running up the cottage's clearing into the stone bridge—just as a mighty shadow crossed over it. It blotted out the pouring moonlight, and in the brief umbra, Rafel made out the shape of bat wings and a massive spiked head. The wolf was still howling.
He stole a glance from the open door to peer back at Sekhmet. She jerked off the bed with a start.
"Dragon!"
She ranted as she hopped off the spring bed and grabbed her tossed shirt.
"—that explains the sudden heat wave. Shit! How did I miss all the signs? The beast must be a rover from Titans Landing, sent to patrol the Cold Sea. To search. .
.for you." She turned back to Rafel, and all of her pupils went bloodred. "But I'll be damned back the Lazarus pits before I let the Usurper have a chance to finish what he started. Stay here!" She commanded.
But Rafel was stretching up to a seating position before she ever left the door.
"Like hell I will!"
He found a cane a foot away by the bedside. He tried to reach it. It hurt as a motherfucker.
"Fuck. That won't do."
"System!" He grunted. "Purchase a rolling chair for mystic cripples from the Arcane Shop. Quickly please."
[Ding!], came the vibrating feedback.
"Her!" The red dragon spoke proudly.
"What?"
"Pardon?"
Rafel and Sekhmet uttered at the same time. The fact that the creature could talk meant it was very high up in the beast system. Only true [Epic] beasts like Sphinxes, Totem Bears, and few dragons could talk; the others just breathed fire and stomped around. But not this one.
"What do you mean 'HER'?" Sekhmet questioned.
The dragon licked at a talon. "I MEAN I AM A SHE. You said earlier, 'let it go', you should've said 'let her go'."
Sekhmet scoffed. "Really? That's your fucking worry—gender assign?"
"It's alright," said Rafel: a voice of reason. "She is a mystical body. I understand where she's coming from. I am a Titan in my true form; some might call me it when they see me in that nature." He nodded to the red dragon and detected something of a smile on her snout. "Go on, tell us! Who are you?"
The red dragon folded her legs under her, and took what could only be described as a creature's bow of obeisance. Behind, the blue [Guardian] wolf pestered her forked tail. She ignored the animal.
"I am Myreen of Thrasos, my Prince.
I am bonded Familiar of Hèla Tirnanoc: goddess of death. Had my lady, Sekhmet here been so nice to let me speak first, I would have told the reason of my trespass." Her mismatched eyes darted to the high witch for a moment. Sekhmet blinked once in apology. The red dragon went on,
"The Fallen rule Eldoria. Her Eminence, Lilith heads the Court of Whispers. Lord Morningstar has his signet on every banner and letter from here to the western fronts of Rocasus. They had no hand in my mistress, Hèla saving your life. Nor have they any idea. Hèla wishes it to remain as such; for right now in Titans Landing, a city wide search had begun in the polis to comb out your hiding place.
Though Her Eminence, Lilith wishes to reunite with you for love and blessings, I doubt the others among the Fallen share her sentiments.
Last night, [Spectres] and we, Dragons were dispatched to rove the Cold Sea. Hèla got me in to keep an eye on this isle and ensure that the others stay clear off. If my Prince assents, I will keep watch while pretending to serve the interests of those that would see you hurt.
I am glad that you are doing well. I have heard many great stories about the Lioness of Ra, but you, my lady are one damn good nurse.
Do I have your permission, my Prince?" The dragon finished.
Rafel looked from his sleek mobile wheelchair to Sekhmet. "I mean it doesn't hurt to have a red dragon as a sentinel to the island?"
Sekhmet looked long at the crimson she-beast, and then smiled. "A friend of Hèla's is a friend of mine. My home, your home."
"Well there you go," said Rafel. "You have your answer; we would be honored to have you, Myreen of Thrasos."
"What's with the wolf?" The dragon shook the dog off her tail.
"I think he's horny," Sekhmet laughed.
"Well, he's not my type," replied Myreen.
Rafel and Sekhmet were still chuckling when she opened her great red wings and lifted into the hot air, bounding for the gray skies above the Cold Sea. The [Guardian] wolf whined and stared up. And in just moments of Myreen of Thrasos' flight, the tropical temperatures were restored. The heat wave passed.
Rafel smiled into the forest and let Sekhmet push him back to the cabin. His Automaton softly whirred in the silence.