The Afterlife Academy Saga

Chapter 24

24

“Huh?” I shot awake, woken abruptly by a nasty dream.

It took me a moment to place my surroundings and realise I was looking at the ceiling of Var’s hut.

“Hfff.” The dust bunny next to me shot me an indignant huff, clearly upset that I woke her too.

“Sorry,” I whispered, giving Pickles a little stroke. She was such a character, but I couldn’t deny that I had a soft spot in my heart for her.

Once I was sure she went happily back to napping, I stretched the strain out of my muscles and pushed myself up from the lumpy couch. If I could help it, I’d never do that again. What a terrible way to sleep.

With my head clearing up, I turned towards the rocking chair. The low snoring told me everything I needed to know about Var. He was still sleeping off the alcohol from last night.

I wanted to wake him up, but that probably wouldn’t help with his mood. I’d just have to be patient, maybe fix the fire and make something to eat. Surely, that would put him in a good mood.

I tiptoed over the wooden floor, trying not to hit any creaks. Both Lick and Hyde opened an eye, but neither of them moved. Lazy boys. So much anger and sass but when it came to sleep, they were as harmless as dogs.

Careful not to make too much noise, I poked the ashes in the hearth, searching for any smouldering coals that I could use to spark a new fire. The grey dust fluttered up and revealed some hidden cinders that, with a little encouragement, would surely flame up again. I just needed some tinder to get it all going.

“Mmflug,” sounded from behind me.

I turned around, conflicted about Var’s awakening. Would he be glad to see me? Or would he curse me for my abandonment?

“Var?” I didn’t want to spook him, but then… I was inside his house. He’d be surprised by my presence one way or another.

The man didn’t react, but someone else did. Lick perked up from the sound of my voice, staring at me intently. In the daylight, he didn’t seem nearly as scary as before. Especially when his ear was twitching and he put his nose in the air, snuffling curiously.

I crouched down next to him and hovered my hand in front of his snout. I didn’t have anything to offer him, but he looked interested in interacting with me.

With a nervous huff, he sniffed my hand and tipped his head to the side. “Awrr?”

“Good boy.” I crawled a little closer to him, making sure to take it slow and steady. “Can I pat you?”

He whined softly but gave no signs that he was uncomfortable with me so close. I took that as an approval to reach out and scratch him between the ears, just how dusk wolves liked it.

A happy rumble emitted from his throat and he pressed his head harder into my head, clearly desperate for some attention.

“Aww, who's a good boy now?” I coed, getting more into it. I raked my hands through his fur, surprised by how much he was letting me stroke him. Maybe it had been a while since he had a proper cuddle.

“Grrrr…” A low growl came from behind me and Hyde’s jealous head landed on my shoulder.

“I didn’t forget about you, silly wolf.” With my attention divided between the two beasts, I gave both as many belly rubs and chin scratches as they wanted. If I could get on Lick’s good side, that would definitely help soothe my nerves.

Lost in playing with the wolves, I almost forgot why I was here. It was nice to just relax after all the stressful days, even if I couldn’t fully rest until my friends were free.

I wasn’t sure how much time passed until Var started moving and coughing his lungs out. “Water…” the man croaked, his voice hoarse and rough.

“I’ll get you some water.”

With the two wolves running after me, I barely made it to the table and back in one piece. Their excited barking and yipping for my attention was both cute and a little hindrance. But I managed to push a glass of water in Var’s hand without spilling it all.

“Boys. Sit,” I commanded, but only Hyde semi-listened. When he realised Lick was still rubbing against my legs and fishing for attention, he jumped back up in demand of more fuss.

“Sit!”

The two plonked their butts down on the wooden floor, the soft whining tugging on my heartstrings. I knew Hyde was adorable, but a couple of scratches had transformed Lick, a monstrous beast, into a cuddly pup.

“Water,” Var groaned, waving his empty glass at me.

Demanding…

I went to refill his glass, which wasn’t very easy with the two wolves dancing and bouncing as if they hadn’t seen a person in years.

“Awroo!” Hyde howled, happily bumping into my knees and making me spill some of the water.

“Hey, be careful.”

Another grumble emitted from behind me. “Water!”

“I’m not your maid!” Before I could stop myself, I splashed the water in his face.

The sudden coldness shocked him up from his rocking chair, his eyes rolling maniacally. “Who did this?”

Maybe not the best decision considering I was here for a favour, but he needed to shape up instead of being a rude drunkard.

“It’ll help with your hangover,” I said, sitting down opposite of him.

It took Var a moment to recognise me and his eyes flashed dark. “Ylva?”