Of Feathers and Thorns

by Kit Vincent

My eyes widened as I realized what Oi meant by dessert. “You’re going to eat the ship, aren’t you?” I asked, astounded. Yes, Oi said smugly. Has glass. Nom-nom.

I felt weightless and sort of bodiless. Like there were no edges to me, no border that separated me from the rest of the world. I was floating in an ocean of light that consisted of all colors of magic.

“Owww!” I howled, unable to stop myself. There were sparks in my vision. Well, at least if it hurt this much, it probably meant I wasn’t dead yet, which was good news, all things considered.

“But then, doesn’t that mean that as long as we continue the way things are, we’re going to have to keep the lie intact? You already said the truth is destined to get out someday. What happens then? If we don’t prepare for that, it will be the end of everything.”

It was soft and lovely and wanted. Esten was right; this was the best use of our time.

I could’ve sworn I saw the faint glow around Oi expand with the promise of adventure and pie.

But somehow, with Oi being his usual spirit self, making strange deals in exchange for pie, and Esten huffing indignantly by my side, for the moment everything felt right in the world.