Where the Dark Stands Still

by A.B. Poranek

“I underestimated you,” the Leszy remarks. “When I met you on Kupała Night. I expected you to be a harmless thing, staying away and doing as you were told. Imagine my surprise when you led my manor and my house-spirit into what I can only call a mutiny.” “I didn’t mean to—” Liska starts, but he shakes his head. “I’m complimenting you. I chose the field of battle, and you disarmed me nonetheless. You do that frequently, I find. It’s actually quite annoying.” A sudden frustration boils up in Liska. “You trapped me in your sentient manor, and you find me annoying?” “It was for your safety,” he says calmly. “And not just yours. I couldn’t take you back to Orlica only for you to tell everyone what you found here, could I? Your kind would love to come after a wood-demon with pitchforks, and that would end horribly for both parties, I assure you. Besides, not-so-clever fox, you did make a bargain.” “You forced me into it! That’s hardly a binding contract.” “It was your choice.” “You said the demons would eat me,” she says flatly. “You made it to the manor—you really think you couldn’t have made it back to the border?” “Could I have?” He steps closer, eyes glinting devilishly. “We will never know, will we?” She fights the urge to slap him. “You’re terrible!” “I won’t deny it.” The corner of his mouth tilts up. “And I don’t think you hate it.” “You have a very high opinion of yourself for someone with a pet moth named Mariusz.” The Leszy raises an eyebrow. Liska crosses her arms. “...