Foxheart

Chapter Forty

Fox scarfed down the fried sausages, egg and tomatoes Catriona offered while trying his best to ignore Dupont's unhappy scowl. She pushed her food about with her fork, not once attempting to eat it even as her stomach gurgled and simply held out bits of sausage for Absolon to eat. After a second argument over Catriona being a Witch this morning, Fox had decided to ignore her. He couldn't it through to her that, right now, the Witches are far safer than any Wizard and that it was worth any risk to get her glamoured again. She wasn't having it though. She thinned her lips and narrowed her eyes, declaring again that he knew nothing of magic. It put him in a bad mood.

So he ignored her sulky way of not-eating and focused on Catriona who was currently cleaning up the oily frying pan. 'You're sure you're happy to take us out there?'

Catriona nodded and pushed her blond her back over her shoulder. Fox couldn't help but eye her neck. It was long and slender and curved into her shoulder nicely. 'Aye, it's good. Better I guide you than you fall into some sinkhole.'

Fox readily agreed but Dupont grew increasingly sullen and huffed. Fox felt a pang of annoyance. Catriona smiled at Dupont's hostile stare then glanced at Absolon who scoffed merrily beside her. He was a lot brighter today, his body far less translucent and he sang and wiggled merrily as he usually did. Fox wondered if he was getting used to the heat now.

'I hadn't noticed him yesterday. Does he follow you everywhere?'

When Dupont shuffled closer to Absolon protectively and didn't utter a word, Fox answered for her. 'Yeah.'

'That's rare for non-magic folk. Sprites like feeding off excess magic, it's why they cling into Spirits and can get attached to magic-folk without wards or whistles, but he seems to really like Vic.' She said with a smile and reached out to touch him.

Dupont however grabbed Absolon and pulled him into her chest, squeezing him tight. While Absolon jiggled happily at the attention, Catriona obviously looked a little offended. Fox wanted to hit Dupont round the head for upsetting the only person who was willing to help them out their predicament. Catriona however didn't press and backed off instead.

'Grab what you need and meet me in five. I'll wait by the front of the store.' Catriona said as she threw her apron on the chair and scuttled off.

Fox was instantly on Dupont.

'What was that for?'

'I do not want her touching him. She has no right.'

'He's not even tied to you.'

'He's my best friend and I will not have a Witch try and take him from me.' Dupont said as she settled Absolon on the table.

Fox scowled. She was being insufferable at the moment.

Her stomach gurgled noisily, breaking the brief silence.

'Eat somethin'. Your stomach won't shut up.'

'I do not trust her.'

'You think she's gonna poison you in her own house?'

Dupont just glared at the food but her face did start to go pink from embarrassment, a quiet acknowledgement of how petty she was being.

'Look, I get Witches aren't great news.'

'They are not.' Dupont grumbled.

'But we have a chance to get you hidden which will make gettin' you to the Granite Tower alive a lot easier. Do it.'

Dupont's eyes glanced at him, clearly showing she wanted to say something, but she oddly held it back. Fox was suddenly very curious what nearly blurted out from her mouth. She wasn't one to hold back. Dupont remained silent with a haughty gaze on her features but instead of eating, she pushed the plate towards Absolon, letting him have full rein over what he ate. Fox rubbed his face as he groaned at how stupidly stubborn she was being but at least she wasn't arguing anymore.