The Filth

Elbrus issued orders to the guards outside his chambers while I nursed Mariana on the sofa by the fire. It had been crisp outside when I escaped to stop the black ops team from poisoning the water system, but during the walk here I could glimpse puffs of frozen breath. Unsure of how long it had been since I dozed off, I shot up, clutching Mariana tight to my chest, which frightened her and made her cry.

The noise that startled me was Elbrus, who had reentered the chamber. I soothed Mariana without magic, changed her, and swaddled her. Standing by the fire, I swayed and hummed to her while I waited for Elbrus to speak.

“Do you plan to hold Mariana to the fire to sway my decisions, Witch?” Elbrus growled at me and stalked forward. Instead of cowering, I held up my palm in offering.

“I would never consider such a thing, I remain open to your connection, check for lies if you wish.” When he didn’t move to make contact with me, I returned to swaying and rocking Mariana, humming softly