The Ossuary: Soul and Bone

Chapter 2

Ingrid woke to find the day had faded into night.

"How long did I sleep?" she wondered as she pulled herself up on her elbows.

Suddenly a chill ran down her spine as she noticed a man standing in the dark corner of her room. He was tall and thin, but she could see the outline of muscle through his clothes. His long dark hair framed his sharp jaw, and a strip of moonlight shone through the window illuminating his sea green eyes. Ingrid's breath caught in her throat. She found herself frozen. It was as if she couldn't move; couldn't scream. She took a deep breath, and gathered her thoughts. There was something about this man that she was drawn to. Something primal sparked within her. She felt a heat forming in the pit of her stomach and her face felt flush. Time seemed to stand still for a moment. Ingrid felt every inch of her skin prickle as the man took a step forward. He smelled of rich smoke and earth.

"Who are you?" she thought out loud.

Just then there was a soft knock on her bedroom door. The door creaked open and Pa poked his head in. Ingrid turned to the door, suddenly released from whatever spell she had been under.

"How are you feeling, Duckie?" said Pa as he made his way into the room.

Ingrid glanced back to the corner where the man had stood, but he had disappeared. She sat up, rubbing her face. She must be experiencing delirium from the fever, she reasoned. Pa cleared his throat, bringing her attention back to him.

"I am well, she lied," realizing she had forgotten to answer him.

He sat on the end of the bed with his brows furrowed.

" You don't look well he said," placing a bowl of porridge in front of her.

She hadn't realized he was holding anything now. She again rubbed her temples, sitting further up.

"I'm afraid I just don't feel present at this moment" she said.

"Here," Pa countered, handing her a small wooden cup.

"Drink this tonic, it should make ye' feel better."

She drank it slowly, the bitter taste coated her tongue.

"Thank you Pa."

He stood from the bed lingering. He'd had such a difficult time since Ma died. Despite the composure he held, she could see the sadness in his eyes. She longed to give him a hug, but knew she could not risk cursing her family with such a terrible plague.

Her father cleared his throat again, "rest Duckie. Tomorrow..."

''we rise with the sun", she said finishing his sentence.

It was a sentiment her father said often and it brought her comfort. Though her stomach sank as her father left the room, as she wondered how many more suns she would rise with.