Take a look at the picture below, and share in a comment the first word that comes to your mind. I’ll get back at you with one important personality trait your choice reveals about you. What will it be?
Pic source.
Our #Bookreviews featured in January editions of Fleet Life and Elvetham Heath Directory #TuesdayBookBlog
So grateful to Rosie for this achievement. This feels real good 🙂
What do your Stories say about you?
Okay, what story do you think of when looking at this picture in combination this song? I for one wrote The Executioner inspired by pieces such as this.
So the story they inspire is – Girl falls in love with dangerous man, whom she desires like a forbidden fruit.
What’s your story? It will reveal things about you, so leave a comment with a few lines, and I’ll get back at you with traits of your personality. I’m looking forward to “meeting” you this way 🙂
Pic source.
Quiz – What do your Reactions say about you?
Welcome to a new kind of personality quiz – the Situational Quiz. Today will reveal what your Reactions say about you. This is different than the Theme Quizzes in a number of points, but mainly the variants are no longer images, but words. Our subconscious reacts differently to these elements.
The principle is pretty much the same as with the previous quizzes. You are required to read the question, then make your decision within the first 5 seconds after your brain has registered what each choice means. Do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice, and please be purely honest. And most of all, enjoy!
QUESTION:
When faced with a false accusation, which of these Reactions feel more natural to you as you read them?
- Cry; 2. Yell; 3. Demand; 4. Ask; 5. Coerce.
INTERPRETATIONS:
- Cry – you’re sensitive and sometimes vulnerable; you’re kind-hearted and empathic at the cost of your defenses; you’re soft and easy to hurt, but not necessarily easy to sway from your purposes.
- Yell – you can sense people’s intentions; you have a sharp sense of justice, and you go as mad over intention as you do over words or actions; you can make an impression and often get your own.
- Demand – you know when to be firm and your attitude rarely allows too bold behavior; you may have a feeling of entitlement; you’re straight-forward and people naturally respect you.
- Ask – you have special respect for your fellow humans, for their choices and freedoms, which makes you particularly liked; however, you may also be a good influencer, which means you can be manipulative.
- Coerce – you’re a hard person, and you have some experience with getting your way; sometimes the goal justifies the means, and you don’t shy away from darker methods; there’s secret to you, and maybe danger.
Enjoyed this quiz? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes in the Quizzes section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
ANNOUNCEMENT: A New Year has begun, and a new year means NEW STORIES. Hyperion, Saphira and Lila (available here) have opened the road for “The Marquis” – once a victim, now a killer pursuing an epic revenge, and “The Serpent God” – in which the woman who loved Hyperion and was loved by him in return is contacted to find him and unlock his secret, the secret of the Serpent God, and the meaning behind the title. Stay tuned for suspenseful entertainment starting this Tuesday and, most of all, enjoy!
Pic source: www.pinterest.com.
Theme QUIZ – What does your Fantasy say about you?
Welcome to the theme quiz! Tonight the theme is Fantasy. What does your Fantasy say about you? Take a look the images below and, as soon as your mind has registered and acknowledged all of them, please decide which one of the images best suits your fantasy world. Keep in mind that while more than one image can be suited, you should choose the one that feels more right for a correct assessment. It is also highly important that you do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. Ready? Here we go.
- Earth and Universe – You’re an explorer and a dreamer; you have vivid imagination and you are capable to envision worlds and scenarios; creative and artistic, you’re a visionary.
- Raven – You’re inclined to the forbidden and the dark, maybe the magical and the occult; you seek substance in yourself and others; you have little patience with the phony.
- Grand Walls – You believe in the grandness of man; you can imagine rebuilding from the ruins and truly feel there is diamonds in the mud.
- Fantasy Clock – You feel time is the master of the universe; you’re fascinated with it and respect it; you’re a wise person, patient and often cunning.
- Wolf – You’re a realistic personality and find it difficult to fantasize about things you don’t believe possible; you’re creative and imaginative, but your mind builds on what it knows exists.
Enjoyed this quiz? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes in the Quizzes section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
Please feel free to roam this site not only for Quizzes, but also for stories about hot crushes and mysterious missions. Check out Hyperion, Saphira and Lila here. Enjoy!
Picture sources: Earth and Universe; Raven; Grand Walls; Fantasy Clock; Wolf. Featured image.
Theme Quiz – What do your Sacred Jewels say about you?
Welcome to a new special theme quiz – What do your Sacred Jewels say about you? As always, please answer the following question with the deepest sincerity, making your decision within the first 10 seconds after your mind has understood what each image means. Also, please do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. And, most of all, enjoy!
THEME QUESTION:
Which of the following jewels are you most inclined to call your Sacred Jewel?
- Crystal – you feel compelled to seek secrets, the hidden, the true and the authentic; you have a visceral need to discover what lies beyond pretenses, and you’re mostly successful; you have a talent of seeing through façades right to the core.
- Ring – you show people how much you value them, and appreciate being valued in return; you cherish relationships and love to bring joy into a loved one’s life; you love to give, but also to receive in return; if you’re only on the giving end for too long, you will desist and retreat.
- Crown – you’re a decision maker, a doer and, under the right circumstances, a ruler; you can be a leader; you’re strong-willed, bold when necessary, and sometimes stubborn; you truly believe some things must be done only your way; you’ve probably had your measure of success to boost confidence.
- Dagger – you’re a fighter and a protector; you will go all the way for the causes you believe in; you’re reliable and very strong, resilient and often feared; you’re probably a very nice person, and your other face may come as a shock to many; you’re dependable, and you do everything in your power to keep your promises.
- Necklace – you often feel chained by the world, a prisoner in your own life; you’re very creative and imaginative, and you’re determined to make yourself a worthy adornment if you’re doomed to be one; you’re interesting and intriguing to people, but also complicated and sometimes demanding; you have a highly pleasant way of loving.
Enjoyed this quiz? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes in the Quizzes section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
Please feel free to roam this site not only for Quizzes, but also for stories about hot crushes and young women falling in love with dangerous individuals that can be any kind of villain from evil scientists to murderers. Check out Hyperion, Saphira and Lila here. Enjoy!
Pic sources: Crystal, Ring, Crown, Dagger, Necklace. Featured image.
One Word – What does it say about you?
In one word, what is the feeling this picture gives you? Leave your answer in a comment and I’ll get back at you with one important personality trait your subconscious hides.
Pic source.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ – What do your Fairy Tales say about you?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
And because tonight is the big night, Santa has allowed me to assist him with a special gift: a special Quiz for you tonight – What do your Fairy Tales say about you? Your choices in images and what these trigger have the power to reveal secret sides to you that you yourself may not have discovered yet. This is what I wanted to assist you with these past quizzes, and what I intend for the New Year as well – discover more of yourself.
As always, answer the following question with the greatest sincerity. The time for the decision is of 10 seconds. It is also very important that you don’t read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. And, most of all, enjoy!
CHRISTMAS EVE’S QUESTION:
Which of the following Fairy Tale Pictures do you identify with best?
- Surface and Cave – You’re always looking for the hidden, for what lies beyond and beneath; you have a talent for discovery, whether you call it bad@$$ sixth sense or not; you’d probably make a good detective or therapist.
- Tale Venice – You’re schooled in the fine ways of the world; you’re a scholar and a fighter; you have a noble heart and relevant knowledge of the world; you’re wise, protective and kind, fascinating and often compelling.
- Window and Book – You have a rich and reliable imagination; you’re creative and productive, an optimist but you may sometimes feel limited by the outside world; you express yourself, but have certain self-imposed boundaries.
- Prince and Kids – You’re realistic but optimistic, solution-oriented but creative on the foundation of your own childhood fairy-tales; you believe in the good and ultimately, in your best moments, in the supernatural; you’re a people-lover, a good soul.
- Knight and Dragon – You’re a strong and dangerous fighter with inner demons; whether hero or antihero, you have a rich inner world, you’re profound and brave; you can be a leader and really take forward a cause you believe in.
Enjoyed this quiz? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes in the Quizzes section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
Speaking of fairy tales, I for one miss the stories that engaged my imagination so much as a child. I’m often able to enjoy the very same, but, being an adult, I do crave a bit more, more suspense, more refinement, more mystery, more “bold”. If you’re in the same boat, check out the Christmas Stories – Suspense & Mystery for Adults, available in as e-book on Amazon here. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more quizzes until the New Year’s Eve, with an explosive one on the big night itself.
Pic sources: Surface and Cave; Tale Venice; Window and Book; Prince and Kids; Knight and Dragon. Featured.
Personality Test – What do your Bridges say about you?
Welcome to the Theme Personality Test – What do your Bridges say about you? First of all, thank you Marta Frant for the quiz idea! Indeed, bridges and pathways do say a lot about the human psyche, and Marta realized that very well. Please feel free to come up with ideas and requests, I’ll most probably oblige.
As always, answer the following question with the greatest sincerity. The time for the decision is of 10 seconds. It is also very important that you don’t read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. And, most of all, enjoy!
THEME QUESTION:
Which of the following bridges is more representative for your life?
- Bridge – Hanging – You often feel your way in life is hard and bumpy, but also beautiful; riddled with hurdles, but mostly you wouldn’t want it any other way; you’re creative when it comes to problem solving.
- Bridge – Arch – You’re industrious and crafty, you think big and have a rather majestic personality; you have an eye for the big picture, you have vision and you have a feeling for the mechanisms that move a small or a big universe.
- Bridge – Moon – You’re introspective and often baffled by the wonders you encounter in your own inner life; you’re more aware and accepting of the inner workings of the psyche than most people, and you’re creative with them as well.
- Bridge – Green mist – You’re attracted to the unknown and sometimes to the dangerous; you’re adventurous and often fearless, even though not necessarily reckless; forever young at heart and hopeful, many people feed on your good energy.
- Bridge – Clear – You’re realistic and dependable; you have strong opinions and rarely change your mind; you have an eye for detail and a deep respect for the world of the senses; you rarely fantasize about things you consider unachievable; reality inspires you.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other personality tests in the Personality Tests section on this site (above), and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
Also, there’s a big ANNOUNCEMENT I have today. Tomorrow is the big day! In the evening of the 22nd of December, tomorrow evening, the Christmas Stories – Suspense & Mystery for Adults will be available in Amazon Kindle Store! I must announce that in addition to the episodes that have been released on this site of Hyperion, Saphira and Lila, the final episodes to two of the stories have some steamy scenes of intimacy, so please make sure the book reaches only the hands of suitable audiences. Enjoy!
Pic sources: Bridge 1; Bridge 2; Bridge 3; Bridge 4; Bridge 5; Featured.
Personality Test – What do your Gems say about you?
Welcome to the Wednesday Personality Test – What do your Gems say about you? Please answer the question below within the first 5 – 10 seconds after you have registered all five images, with the greatest honesty. Also, please do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. Enjoy!
WEDNESDAY’S QUESTION:
Which of the following gems to you identify with most?
- Pearl – you’re a child of the night; you love the moon and the sea, the sound of waves and mystery; the night energizes you and gives you pleasure; you’re not a party person, but rather an introvert or even a recluse.
- Diamond – you shine bright, you have charisma and love to be in society; you’re often attractive to the opposite sex and admired or envied by the same sex; you’re desired as trophy as well as partner.
- Ruby – you’re fierce and a bit of an aristocrat; you don’t tolerate betrayal, but may be prone to it if you felt it’s for a good reason; you’re vengeful and devious – some of your plans may make even Macbeth envious.
- Sapphire – you’re clear but profound, still but potentially overwhelming like a destructive wave; you’re mostly bright and patient, pleasant and accommodating, but you can become a nightmare for transgressors.
- Emerald – you’re imaginative and entertaining; you have an intriguing personality, colorful and witty; you have a gift for keeping people hooked somehow, at least for a while; you’re fresh and refreshing.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other personality tests in the Personality Tests section on this site (above), and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
An announcement: Stay tuned for the last episode of suspense & thriller story Hyperion tomorrow, when Hyperion is faced with a battle that might claim his life. Enjoy!
Pic sources: Pearl; Diamond; Ruby; Sapphire; Emerald; Featured.
Personality Test – What do your Spirits say about you?
Welcome to the Monday Personality Test – What do your Spirits say about you? Please answer the question below within the first 5 – 10 seconds after you have registered all five images, with the greatest honesty. Also, please do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. Enjoy!
MONDAY’S QUESTION:
Which of the following Spirits do you feel represents you best?
- Spirit of the Wind – you’re as hard to pin down as air; you love freedom and tolerance, diversity and enterprise; at your core you’re gregarious and friendly, innovative and spontaneous.
- Spirit of the Water – you’re elusive and profound, you’re interested in matters of the soul and have a talent for the occult; you’re a creature of the senses; your energy is the energy of night and moon, of deep and mysterious oceans.
- Spirit of the Woods – you’re physical and strong; your body and mind are aligned; your personality is cohesive but diverse, and your interests grounded; your intelligence is sharp; you’re determined, reliable and often a born leader.
- Spirit of the Fire – you’re majestic, domineering and powerful; you have a competitive and even combative nature; you’re impulsive but control your fears; your passion consumes and your love possesses.
- Spirit of the Stars – you’re imaginative and inquisitive, ethereal and intriguing; you feel infinity and believe in fantasy; the world of your mind is vast; you love mysteries and dreams, and often become one yourself.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other Personality Tests in the Personality Tests section on this site (above), and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
An announcement: Stay tuned for the last episode of suspense & thriller story Lila tomorrow, when Lila will discover a terrible truth. Enjoy!
Pic sources: wind; water; woods; fire; stars; featured.
Personality Test – What do your Castles say about you?
Welcome to the Friday Personality Test – What do your Castles say about you? Please answer the following question as always, with the greatest sincerity. The time for the decision is slightly longer this time though, 10 seconds. It is also very important that you don’t read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. And, most of all, enjoy!
FRIDAY’S QUESTION:
Which of the Castles below represents you best?
- Fortified – you’re structured and organized, defensive and often forbidding; you’re wary of the new and intimidating; you have a strong sense of duty, and you’re sometimes domineering; your value system may be Spartan, and you do well in a disciplined environment.
- Misty mountains castle – you’re impressive and mysterious, powerful and fascinating; you have a complex personality, yet you’re elegantly cohesive; you’re secretive and maybe with good reason; you may be in possession of some very disturbing truths; you may have a talent for the occult.
- With wood and lights – you’re private and romantic; you enjoy your fairy-tale world, your dreams and wild hopes; you’re attracted to secrets and late-night revelations; there’s a lot about you that’s endearing, especially a certain innocence and kindness.
- Imposing old mansion with garden – you’re classy and even a bit aristocratic; you take pride in your complexity, value tradition and taste, style and authenticity; you see the importance of history and you trust the filter of your mind; you may be cultivated and often erudite, but you can be grounded in a very business kind of way.
- Ice castle – you’re a tough terrain, and only the worthy make it through; getting to know you is a long, hard road in harsh conditions; sometimes you feel you’re out of your own reach; intriguing and a bit eccentric, you’re very imaginative and aim high; you’re still a mystery to yourself in some ways; some people see you as a challenge, and desire you as trophy.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other personality tests in the Personality Tests section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
Stay tuned for another suspense & thriller episode of Saphira tomorrow, and enjoy the rest of the stories on the Stories for Coffee Breaks section above. I have ambition to win the Best Santa prize from you guys, so I can show the old master reindeer is his only competitive advantage. So feel free to roam the site for goodies, and let me know what you liked best – it may just slide down your chimney on Christmas.
(Pics from Pinterest and Google Images)
Personality Test – What do your Landscapes say about you?
Welcome to Wednesday Personality Test – What do your Landscapes say about you? Please answer the following question, making your decision within 5 seconds, with the greatest sincerity. Don’t ponder on it, just let instinct decide – and please relax, there’s NO pressure. Also, do not read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. Ready? Here we go.
WEDNESDAY’S QUESTION:
Which of the Landscapes below do you feel represents you best?
- Mountains – you’re well grounded and you love nature; you have a special relationship with nature and respond well to its challenges; even though you may have a mind and a heart for fantasy, you find the hardships of natural life often healing; you’re a bit mysterious and have a rich inner life; you may have a special liking for books.
- Path in forest – you’re not one to fantasize about the impossible, and you like things clear; you have an eye for detail, and love the light; even though you have a vivid imagination and can work well with its products, you’re anchored in the real world and can make a good life in it.
- Light of universe – your inner life is very rich; you’re creative and have a strong sense of beauty; you feel the infinity of the soul in yourself and in others; your imagination is on steroids; you’re fascinated with the vastness of the universe, and find it mirrored in yourself and others; you’re often a fascinator yourself.
- Sea and rock – you’re determined; you value freedom and dream of dizzying highs, but also of delicious lows; you’re calm but strong like the tide; you’re a dreamer, but also a doer; you may love the universe, but you love Earth more; water energizes you; you have a reliable sixth sense.
- Fire rocks – you’re molten and intense; you’re not afraid to call the devil by its name and face it head-on; your inner life is like creeping lava, and people sense that; you’re dangerous in many ways; you understand and tolerate much; very strong sexual aura; you attract people like a magnet – those you like and those you don’t.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other personality tests in the Personality Tests section on this site, and please share your feelings in a comment. I’m always happy to read from you.
I also have some announcements to make: Since CHRISTMAS is knocking on the door, I’m preparing a story book containing the three on-going stories on this site, suspense & mystery Hyperion, Saphira and Lila. The date is finally set – The Christmas Stories for Adults will be released on the 22nd of December.
But there’s more goodies for you here. Stay tuned for the next episode of Hyperion tomorrow, a new personality test (What do your Castles say about you) on Friday, and a new episode of suspense and thrill with Saphira on Saturday. ON SUNDAY there’s the cover reveal for the Stories in plan – I got the goose bumps, I’m so excited about this. Enjoy!
(Pictures from http://www.pinterest.com)
Personality Test – What do your Elements say about you?
Welcome to the Saturday Personality Test – What do your Elements say about you? This is a new kind of personality test. The rules are very much the same as until now, even though this personality test is more visual than the ones before. You’re still required to make your decision within the first 5 seconds, with the greatest sincerity. Please do NOT read the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. Ready whenever you are.
SATURDAY’S QUESTION is:
Which of the following pictures resonates with you most?
- Candle – you’re intense, but also cultivated; you’re elegant in self-expression and often romantic; you’re introspective and hard to know; you don’t offer yourself on a silver plate – who wants to know you needs to work; a scholar, refined but hot; often fascinating to the opposite sex.
- Fire – you’re fireworks and sparks; your passion bursts and rustles, and it can become dangerous for whomever stands too close; you’re a fighter and dazzler, often physically active, attractive to the opposite sex not only through looks, but also a personality; competitive and often combative.
- Dripping branches – you’re majestic and demanding; an artistic soul, but you can do well in business as well; sociable, you make an impression; you often stand out, and you take style seriously; you’re interesting and often cunning, intelligent and creative; your effect on the opposite sex is often obvious.
- Water bubble – you’re profound and calm, but turmoil can reign under the surface; you’re empathic and caring; you have a way of seeing the whole picture, and not get blinded by details; you’re recharged by water and cherish emotion, have vivid dreams and are strongly spiritual; you are capable of the most profound kind of love.
- Lightning – you’re a leader and a doer; often an inspiration to others, even though you can be impulsive and aggressive; there’s a power in you that’s hard to define but impossible to miss; you can be fearsome, and you’re relentless in your pursuit of your purposes; as a kid you may have often been referred to as the one with “great potential”.
Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes on this site, and tell us your feelings in a comment.
As promised, tomorrow I’ll post the schedule for next week (personality tests and stories). Since CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, I’m preparing a promotion of my novel The Executioner – a review of which will be posted on Rosie Amber blog on the 8th of December, in just a couple of days. I was very honored that Rosie enjoyed the book and posted such a positive opinion of it on both Amazon and Goodreads. But that’s not all.
The suspense stories released in episodes until now – and which I’ll be posting more of next week – will become a Christmas Story Book for Adults, that will be relased within two weeks max. Stay tuned for the cover reveal next week, and many more gift goodies. Enjoy!
(Pictures from http://www.pinterest.com)
Hyperion Episode 8 – In the Moonlight
BLURB:
Hyperion is on a mission to slay the Swine, a powerful Night Wraith. Yet in the last episode he found himself compelled to save his target’s wife, Ligia, from rape by one of her husband’s men. Hyperion killed the attacker, and now he has to dispose of the body, which he takes deep in the woods. Yet in the moonlight there’s more than Hyperion’s wraith that comes to life. Enjoy the story as secrets even Hyperion doesn’t expect reveal themselves “In the Moonlight.”
***
The Weasel’s body now lifeless at my feet, I hide my face deeper under the hood. This is the part where I become a real monster, and I don’t want Ligia seeing it in my eyes. I don’t want her to know I’m no better than her husband.
Without a glance at her or the widow, I grab the Weasel by his ankles and drag him over the sill. The adrenaline is still alive in my blood, and I must take advantage of it while it lasts. I jump over and sling the body over my shoulder, but as I advance into the darkness my feet begin to sink in the thick snow, the cold and the strain catching up with me. It’s been a draining night.
By the time I reach the heart of the woods I can’t feel my toes or my fingers. My lips are split and start to hurt. The ground is too frozen and too hard to dig anything resembling a tomb, so I give in to my other monster impulses. I take the Weasel’s knife – dented and blunt – and start around his face, applying more strength than I would with a good blade, and more skill.
He’s already rigid and barely bleeds as I cut around his forehead and cheeks, making sure he’s unrecognizable. I rip his shirt open with the same bad temper he ripped Ligia’s, shred his pants and underwear, and I chop him open. The cold neutralized his smell, but the warm insides of his body are an odor bomb.
I wait for a while in the frosty shrubbery to see if wild animals take a chance on him. They don’t – they prefer their prey wounded but fresh. They will devour him eventually nevertheless. Food in the winter woods is scarce. Still, if he doesn’t fall prey to fangs, by the time anyone finds him he’ll be long forgotten anyway.
The break helps refill my tanks just enough to start back towards the old widow’s house. I remember the story about the orphans in the widow’s barn, and I decide to seek shelter there. For that, I have to take a path through the village to cross to the other side of the woods, and so I have to pass by the well. When I do, my heart leaps in a way no wraith could ever cause it to.
Ligia stands in the moonlight with her back at me, her blond locks falling free down to her waist. I approach, the snow crunching under my feet. Apart from the sound of it there’s an unfamiliar pounding in my ears. Maybe I’m worried about the consequences of her leaving her house. What I know for a fact is that I can’t believe she honors the midnight meeting she suggested even under the circumstances.
“What if your husband returns and doesn’t find you?” I admonish when I’m close enough. Not too close, I don’t want her feeling the stench of death on me.
Her frame straightens and stiffens at the sound of my voice. She spins round, and her bright blue eyes meet mine, the blush in her cheeks like roses on porcelain. The sight stirs me, and I feel the urge to shield against it. I square my shoulders, putting on a forbidding face.
“He’s –,” she babbles a bit and gathers the afghan around her like a shy child. “He’s not coming back until morning. It’s not the first time he goes out like this.”
I give a stiff nod.
“I mean he’s at –”
“No need for explanations,” I interrupt, doing my best to sound unfriendly. It makes her feel embarrassed, and my stomach clenches. Not what I aimed for. “He’s seeing other women, I understand. You don’t have to give me the details if they hurt you,” I add a little softer. This encourages her.
“Hurt me? No, they don’t hurt me. I’m happy to have him away.”
She walks closer and looks me right in the face. I take a step back and she stops.
“I’m sorry about the first night at the citadel,” she says. “I didn’t realize you were . . . You’re not going to tell him, are you?”
“I just killed a man in his house, right before your eyes. Do you think I’m in any position to expose you?”
Her eyes wander all over my face, greedy and relentless, and I realize my hood is off. I want to pull it back on, but it seems awkward and pointless. It’s too late.
“Then we keep each other’s secret.”
I don’t reply, and keep my gaze fixed between her eyes. It helps me look distant, but something very strange happens inside of me.
“The widow’s lips are sealed as well,” she whispers. “She said she prepared the old Father’s chamber at church for you, it’s warm and cozy now, and she will be attending to you. I will as well, if you wish.” Her cheeks go even redder and hotter despite her breath turning to steam in the cold. I’d like to breathe in that steam.
“No. It would cause trouble for the both of us.”
Now she feels embarrassed again. She sinks her head.
“No it is, then. But if I may ask – why did you do it? Why did you save me?”
“Just an impulse. I came to see your husband, and –”
“You came to kill him,” she cuts off. It doesn’t really surprise me, the widow must’ve told her. I decide to restrict the answer though.
“It’s not that simple.”
“I understand. No need for explanation on my side either. Just know that whoever seeks to free this place of the Swine – freeing me of him in stride – has my complete and purest loyalty.”
She walks by me and stops by my side. She’s too close.
“Father Jacob. Is that your real name?”
“It’s the name they gave me in the monastery.”
“But not the name your mother gave you?”
The words make my jaw lock, but Ligia is patient. She doesn’t move until I speak again. “My mother was young. She had big dreams and daring ideas. She picked a more pretentious name.”
“Tell me. Even if it’s the last word you ever address me,” she pleads, her voice sweet and broken. It blows my shield into pieces.
“Hyperion,” I hear myself before I think it.
“Hyperion,” she repeats. There’s a kind of reverence in her voice. She seems to take my name with her as she departs, while I remain motionless by the well under the moonlight, my heart pounding, my face burning. The adrenaline races through me, but this time it isn’t anger or bloodlust. It’s something different. Something new to me. And strangely pleasant.
To be continued.
***
Liked this? Share your thoughts and feelings in a comment. Hyperion’s whole story will be published in a Christmas Story Book for Adults, so stay tuned for Gift Promotions and other goodies. This Story Book for Adults will also be quite fit for a Christmas present – stay tuned for the reveal of the cover versions next week, and you’ll see how come.
Enjoy Hyperion’s former episodes on this site 1, and my muse for Hyperion’s fabulous works here.
Picture from www.pinterest.com
Buy Hyperion’s whole story here.
Ana C. Blacklace 