Fuse by E.L. Todd

 

One

The balanceof the dagger was unparalleled. No matter how it was gripped, the weight remained uniform, spinning around a center of gravity that was placed directly between the edge of the hilt and the blade itself. Naturally, the blade could roll off the wrist and slice through the air without being seen by the naked eye.

It was a masterpiece.

Cora set it on the counter and admired her handiwork. The metal gleamed under the candlelight and shone like the sun first thing in the morning. As she was the village’s most skilled blacksmith, her weapons were simply the best.

The door flew open, and heavy boots thudded on the floorboards.

Cora already knew exactly who it was, judging by the lazy way he shifted his gait as he walked. She had the misfortune of dealing with everyone in the village, including the slime bags she could hardly tolerate. “I just made a new crossbow. Would you like to see it?”

Seth approached the counter then rested his thick arms on the surface. His brown eyes examined the blade before he turned his look to her, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smug smile. “I’d rather see you.”

Bile rose up her throat. “The feeling isn’t mutual, Seth. Now tell me what you want so you can be on your way.”

“Come on, sugar.”

Her insides burned with molten fire. “I’m not sugar. I was given a name for a reason, so use it.”

That stupid look on his face never disappeared. “Going to the bonfire tonight?”

“Not if you’re there.”

The smile slowly dissipated. Apparently, he’d had enough insults to finally be offended. “You’re colder than metal, you know that?”

“Maybe I just don’t like you.” She turned away to grab her hammer but was forced to a halt.

Seth grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her toward him. “You better start. Because you’re going to be my sugar whether you like it or not.”

The feel of his hand was more repugnant than burning lava. Every fiber of her being screamed in agony from the unsolicited touch. Without thinking twice, she snatched the dagger and prepared to stab him right through the palm.

“Cora.” Dorian’s voice sounded from the doorway. The power in the word alone was enough to stop her.

Seth pulled his hand away and stepped back, fear emanating from his eyes. He massaged his hand as if Cora had landed the blow. His arrogance no longer rang like a loud bell.

Dorian slowly walked into the shop, discontent obvious in the hard lines of his face. “Seth, leave. I can control Cora for only so long.”

Seth cast a dark look at Cora that clearly said, “This isn’t over.” Then he walked out, his heavy boots sounding against the floorboards once more. When the door shut behind him, Cora and Dorian were finally alone.

Dorian approached the counter, disappointment clear in his eyes. He hadn’t said a word, but it was obvious what he was about to say.

Cora returned the dagger to the counter. “It’s the finest one I’ve ever made.”

“It’s impressive.” He rested his elbows on the counter, his eyes glued to her face.

She wouldn’t meet his gaze because she knew what was coming.

“Stop fighting it. You need to pick a husband.”

“Why?” Anger rose out of her throat like fire. “I’m perfectly happy with the way things are.”

“You need someone to look after you.”

“I look after myself,” she snapped.

“You can’t be a blacksmith forever. People in town say—”

“I don’t care what they say. I’m the finest blacksmith for leagues. No one questions that. If they really want to have dull weapons in the line of duty or in the midst of a hunt just because of what’s between my legs, then they are idiots.”

Dorian ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair, pulling it over his eyes before he pushed it away again. “I can’t look after you forever. I have my own family to think of.”

After she had been abandoned in the street, Dorian took Cora in as an orphan. He fed her, gave her housing, and taught her the craft. But he’d stopped taking care of her a long time ago. “You don’t look after me. I support myself with my weapons. Frankly, you’ll never find a better blacksmith or cheaper help. I’m the one who’s doing you a favor.”

He shook his head slightly. “But how long will that last? No one minded your skill in the beginning. But you’re a lady now, Cora. You’ve been one for a long time. It’s proper to take a husband and start a family.”

“But what if I don’t want a husband and a family?” Cora had no interest in any of the boys in town. They were exactly that—boys.

“That’s too bad,” he said coldly. “That’s the way things are.”

“Says who?” she questioned. “Society’s rules aren’t actual rules. They’re opinions. And I have my own.”

He looked down at the counter and sighed like this conversation was giving him a headache. “Cora, you’re a smart woman. Maybe you disagree with what I’m saying, but that doesn’t make my counsel wrong. The road ahead will be nothing but difficult if you continue to resist. I suggest you pick a husband while there are still good ones to choose from.”

“Please don’t tell me you think Seth is a good choice.” He was an arrogant bastard. Cora wouldn’t consider him if he were the last man on the face of the earth.

“I think he’s better than some. His family owns the cotton fields. You would be well taken care of.”

Cora couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes.

“Cora.” His deep voice sounded again. “I admire your independence, but don’t be childish. You’re smart enough to understand how the world works. If you don’t marry, you’ll be sold to the brothel.”

“I’d rather die.” She’d slit her own throat if she had to.

“Then marry Seth. Or pick someone else. It doesn’t really matter. But you can’t stay like this forever.”

She picked up the blade again and admired it under the dim light. Weaponry was the only thing she had any passion for. Concentrating on molding the metal and getting the forges to the exact right temperature was what made her feel alive. Romance, marriage, and babies… They simply weren’t her thing.

“Cora.”

She slowly looked up at him, hiding her thoughts deep behind her eyes.

“I wish my sons were half as tough as you are.” Dorian looked after her when he didn’t have to, and even though his family didn’t have much, they somehow managed to feed another mouth. While he wasn’t particularly affectionate with her, he was never cruel. “Maybe the rest of the village doesn’t admire you, but I do. I taught you the trade, but somehow, you outshine me. You don’t take bullshit from anyone, and you hold your head high in pride, not arrogance. And you’re beautiful without being vain. But those qualities don’t mean much if you throw them away. Marry a good man and make the sacrifice. You can continue to do all the things you love without the grief. I know you’ve trusted my counsel in the past, so trust it now.”

Marriage was repulsive. Being legally bound to a man she didn’t love would be torture. But she was running out of options. Dorian always had her best interests at heart, and he treated her like another son. If there was anyone she trusted, it was him. “I’ll think about it.”