Nocticadia

by Keri Lake

“That is the tragedy of women, isn’t it? We deny ourselves beauty for the sake of misleading men.”

They stare because you’re the only thing worth staring at.”

“May I ask a question?” “That is a phrase that will echo in death,” he said, not bothering to look up, and I smiled.

“How are you not creeped out when you leave at night?” “I’ve a reputation as Doctor Death. Seems most would be frightened of me.” “I suppose. Though, I don’t find you all that frightening. Grouchy, but not frightening.” He slid me an unamused glance. “My grouchy nature serves a purpose, Miss Vespertine. Unfortunately, you seem to have some inexplicable resistance.”

“And so the moth befriended the flame.”