Paper Birds

 

Paper birds. That's what greets me as I stroll through the mansion doors, or at least what's left of them. 

I can recall the last time I was on business here; the mansion and the estate it sits on were grand and immaculate, a stark contrast to its present decay. I'll never forget that day, the bloodshed, and more importantly, the servant girl who had survived.

The paper folded birds flutter down from the rafters over the foyer. Their wings are washed in the streams of grey light filtering through a slowly crumbling ceiling.

I can't help but crack a faint smile as I reach out to touch one of her creations hovering in front of me.

"My, my, I thought you hated my 'foolish' enchantments."

I glance up to see Galyna perched upon the grand staircase, her chin resting on her arms as they lay crossed over her knees. Her long brown hair is loose today, spilling over her shoulders and cascading along her black and dark blue lace gown. She grins mischievously, though her forest green eyes are more somber as they lazily meet my own.

Despite checking in on her from time to time for the past three years, it never ceases to amaze me that a mortal can see me. Then again, how could I expect any less of a witch.

I scoff, "When have I ever said those words?"

"I believe it was right after you made an attempt on my life," She waves a hand as she tilts her head and makes a half-assed attempt at mimicking my voice, "'Flying paper? What a foolish thing', that was, of course, after you cursed them out."

I chuckle, running a hand through my hair, sweeping aside the black tendrils that had fallen into my face. "The little nuisances were getting in the way of my work." I only acknowledge that part. I'm still treading dangerous waters for having allowed her to live well past her natural fate. The other immortals are already becoming suspicious. Too many untimely deaths follow Galyna; the universe's method of restoring balance.

Her eyes drop to the ground. Her voice is hollow. "Well, they're doing a fine job of helping your work now."

My attention finally drifts to the metallic smell lingering in the air. I match her grim tone. "Speaking of which, I've come to take care of that very work."

She stands up from her step and grabs ahold of the rickety banister. "I suppose you'll be wanting to tend to that right away. Won't you come in?"

I feel my jaw clench. Not many mortals are so quick to welcome Death.

…

After I finish collecting the most recent batch of Galyna's souls, I find her in the courtyard, seated on the ground basking under the full moon.

She's glowing silver in the moonlight. I can almost pretend that she's the same fiery, lighthearted woman I had butted heads with when I met her three years ago. 

I don't know what exactly made me keep her alive. For someone destined to meet me so soon, she was so full of life. Maybe I felt refreshed that not only could she see me, but she wasn't afraid of me, the God of death. She had even fought back with her "foolish enchantments".

The years of being targeted by other mortals, however, have really worn her down. After the massacre of the Duke's family and servants, the mortals found her being the sole survivor suspicious. Her powers were soon discovered.

The war they've waged on the witch has darkened her once raging fire, and left her eyes weary and her skin dull. Yet, she's still the most beautiful mortal I've ever encountered.

"I am aware that the gods are upset with you," Galyna announces as I step closer to her. "A goddess has already approached me."

"A goddess? Which one?" I feel I already know the answer.

"Lady Nyx; but worry not, I mentioned no word of your letting me live."

I can't help but snort and shake my head. "My mother won't bother herself over a mortal escaping death; Chaos is in her blood. No, she asked if I'd taken you as my lover, didn't she?"

An odd sense of satisfaction washes over me as I watch the ordinarily unperturbed woman tense up and look away from me. Clearing her throat, she quickly replies, "As a matter of fact, she did; and now I can very well see where your lack of propriety comes from."

I burst into a fit of laughter. Something only Galyna ever seems to get out of me.

Blushing, the witch speaks over me. "Truly, have you no sense of urgency?"

"What about?"

"The gods will punish you if they discover what you've done."

"What of it?" I stop her just as she's about to further protest. "I would be punished a thousand times over- no, I would be wiped from existence, if I could continue to keep you happy."

"But I'm not happy!"

I'm silent now. Tears are beginning to roll down her scrunched up face.

"I am a witch, the whole world wants me dead! Everyone believes me to be evil, no one will listen," she's sobbing into her hands, pouring her heart out in between breaths. "I'm so lonely. The paper birds keep me company, but it's not the same. And you only show up when I kill someone! It never ends, when will I stop having to kill people?"

I clench and unclench my fists. I have to actively keep myself from holding her. With a deadly touch, physical contact with mortals is reserved for the dead.

"Don't you see?" She finally gazes up at me, the moon reflecting in her reddened eyes. "I don't belong here."

I've been desperately trying to deny the truth. Yet I can no longer escape it; she'll never be left alone, she'll always have to kill in order to survive. How could she be happy that way?

I stoop down in front of her. "Are you certain you cannot find happiness here?" My voice is a whisper, my words mingle with the wind as it ruffles the hyacinths and rose bushes around us.

But somehow, she hears me. "I am certain that I belong somewhere else." She reaches out a trembling hand.

For once, I take her hand in my own. I taste salty sea air, burning wood, and the earth after a thunderstorm. Electricity tingles over my skin as I finally touch her.

Carefully, I guide Galyna onto her side on the stone ground. I lay down beside her, her pulse trickling into my fingers.

"Can I stay by your side?"

With my free hand, I brush strands of her hair out of her face and tuck them behind her ear. She seems so small now.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Her eyes flutter closed, a content smile resting on her paling lips.