When no “notice” popped up on Thursday, I figured there would be no Thursday Threads for the week, hence I would have to go searching for something suitable. Then lo and behold, I discovered that the flash fiction challenge is celebrating it’s anniversary and would actuall come on two days–Friday and Saturday–for extra time to write and be creative. There are also lots of awards involved. The prompt is: *“Didn’t you hear me?”* I had the perfect spot for this prompt. It’s not actually time for it in the story yet, but it will come up soon so…yay!

****
“Didn’t you hear me?” Despite her best effort, Aisling hyperventilated.

Carla held her hands out in a soothing gesture. “Breathe, hon.”

“But…he’s…” She wrung her hands, eyes darting around her apartment. She inhaled sharply as something twined around her ankles. Recognizing the orange cat, she sighed then bent to pick him up. He curled into her arms, purring.

“Sit down, Ash.”

She did. The cat settled on her lap and she continued stroking him. 
“I saw what I saw, Carla.”

“I’m not doubting you, hon.”

“He was all…glowy. And his ears…they were all pointy.”

The cat turned unblinking green eyes to the door. The man standing there held a finger to his mouth, shushing the animal.

“We already knew he was a Magick, Ash. Now we need to figure out which side he’s on.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, first, I’m guessing your Errol is Fae, not Elvin.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Depends. Elves are…well…elves.” Carla thought a moment. “Have you ever played Dungeons and Dragons?” When Aisling shook her head in the negative, she explained the Law/Chaos axis then added, “Elves are usually Lawful or Neutral Good. Fae cover the chart depending on which court they owe allegiance to.” 

“Is this like a good witch, bad witch situation?”

Ariel stepped from the shadows. “No, this is a Seelie versus Unseelie situation.”

The women screamed. The cat went flying, giving the Fae a death glare promising retribution. Ariel smirked. He and the cat would have words. Soon.
****

On a side note, I’d “featured” Loki in the last Penumbra Papers book, GHOSTS AND THE ANCIENT STONES. I’d planned, before he crossed the rainbow bridge, on using Pete in this book. It took me awhile but I figured it out. So yes, the orange cat is Pete and there will be shenanigans. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve shared a previous snippet featuring Pete. It was a fun one too. Sort of. Anyway. There have been new words to share and new words to just add to the story. S’all good. Writers, grab the prompt and write. Readers, what have you got to say? I’m listening. 😉

Edit update: As y’all may or may not know, I get these prompts from a friend’s flash fiction contest she hosts weekly on her blog. This is the 14th year and to celebrate she awarded category winners. I am pleased to announce that I made her spit her drink out as she was reading the above snippet.