The Bracken Woods vii: curses

Kaali laughs, an acidic sound that sizzles on the faint breeze that passes between them.

"that's a funny little word, 'okay,'" she remarks, giving the slightest roll of her verdant eyes. "everyone's idea of okay is different. i suppose, by some definition. . .yes, i am okay." the words tumble out of her mouth, soft and bitter.

her modus operandi is her shelter, her safe space. here, with this man she is not allowed to touch, she feels vulnerable, exposed. she. . .

she cannot feel his heartbeat, smell the musk beneath his chiseled jaw. this is the closest she can come to the man without destroying him, ruining her reputation here for good. she will have to flee, she cannot stay--

"can i help you?" she asks, cool tone at odds with the blood in her eye.