Patrons Only: Trick or Treat!

Last Thursday, I wrote a story for the FlashDogs weekly challenge. However, on reflection, I believe that story could be greatly improved with the addition of one word. So, for you, my patrons, here is that story with the added word. Can you spot what it is? 🙂

Mikela put the finishing touches to Andreus’s face. A thick black mark below the hairline, down past the ears, following the curve of his jaw. A bold border to the white paint that covered his cheeks, chin, brow, nose, and bruises. Her brush tickled slightly, but Andreus could see the effect in the mirror behind her, and was willing to put up with the slight annoyance.

She pulled back to admire her work. The dark eyes and lines on his lips, a creepy allusion to a skull face. The design was not life-like, but was all the more chilling for the suggestion.

Most importantly, no-one would be able to tell it was Andreus.

“Very good,” she said, the “r” rippling through her lips like a drum roll. “You look just the part, my boy.”

He wore a dark one-piece costume that wouldn’t have been out of place on a gymnast, but with white gloves and plain white slip-on shoes. He pinched and stretched the material to make sure no skin was visible. That would spoil the illusion.

“Now, we don’t you to be late for the party,” Mikela said.

“No, Maegistra,” said Andreus. “Have you my treats?”

Mikela handed him a small black cloth bag, tied at the top with a crimson ribbon.

“Don’t use them all at once,” she said.

“No, Maegistra.”

“And remember, be careful. Only give to the deserving.”

“Yes, Maegistra.”

“We look after our friends, do we not?”

“Yes, Maegistra. But our enemies—”

“Our enemies we treat.”

Andreus smiled.

Thank you for your support!! 😀