When We Were Still Human Vaughn Foster (the kiss of deception read online .txt) 📖

skin glowed like it was still lit by a thousand stars. When she got closer, Avia realized other than skin color, there really wasn’t anything too different. She still had long black braids, high cheekbones, and large green eyes. Perhaps the biggest difference was that she looked more organic. Gemini typically appeared as a male or female outline of outer space. The rise and fall of breasts, or even just the form fitting sweater, made Paris a completely different person.

Catching herself before she started all-out gawking, Avia focused on Paris’ eyes and reminded herself why they were there. “You guys find anything?”

“In sorts,” Paris said quietly. “We haven’t gotten any concrete leads.”

“But,” Castor whispered, “everyone’s saying this annual festival is the life of the Southern Kingdom.”

“Weird...” Avia glanced to the side, nervous about being overheard, but that didn’t seem likely. The roar of the crowd crashed around them as people surged past into the Big Tent.

Avia snapped back to Paris to realize that the Celestial had said something. “What about you?” she repeated.

“Oh.” Avia's eyes drifted back to the crowd as she thought over her encounter. “I made progress. They really are the Norse twins, and they really are undead.”

Avia was still unsure what to think. They seemed normal. She had never met a god before, retired or otherwise, but they weren’t what she had expected. Their power still rested over her like a mist, but there had been no lofty air of self-importance or indicators of who they were. Just two people who loved the circus. Normal, or as close to it as undead ex-deities could get to it. The zombification was still something she had to wrap her head around.

“How sure are you on the sempiternus part?” Castor asked, concern tinting his voice.

Avia grimaced. “The open wounds and corpse-skin was too realistic for a glamour. Plus, a sword fell and cut off Freyr’s hand. Freya picked it up and reattached it.”

“Shit,” the twins said in union. Castor sighed and Paris ran a hand down her face.

“Well,” she said, “let’s just get in there and find seats. Maybe we’ll figure something out from the performance.”

Avia nodded and followed her through the stone archway. She could barely believe her eyes when they entered the big top. There was evidence of the stone foundation through the carved-out bleachers and rock floors, but the rest of the area looked like a genuine circus tent. Blue and red striped material draped the perimeter.

In the center was a circular stage the size of a football field, complete with steel pillars and supports for the lights and high ropes. Avia felt a pull on her arm. She looked up to see Paris motioning towards the closest seating section. As they scooted past the row to get to their seats, Avia was thankful to see that the stone had been covered in a thick cushion.

When they sat down, she tried to listen in on conversations around them.

“Long lines at the restrooms.”

“Incredible cotton candy.”

“I’m so excited.”

Nothing of interest. Already tired of the escapade, Avia decided to lean back and close her eyes until the show started.

She used to love the circus. That’s where she had gotten Yoni, the stuffed yellow elephant she based her first imaginary friend on. But when the dreams—or what she now recognized were visits to the aether—stopped, everything about the circus twisted. It was nothing but hordes of people, smelly animals, and loud noises. Those were then paired with stupid costumes and pointless tricks. And that’s not even including the animal abuse veiled by flashing lights and “skilled” tamers.

“Even if I’m not a ‘real’ feline, I can’t support circuses!” Cheshire defiantly flipped his blue and black hair with a cross of his arms. “Work the family tree out yourself, but lions and tigers are still cats.”

“Ches…”

Before her mind could unravel from the memory, the crash of a gong silenced the room. A large drum roll filled the space. Avia blinked, pushing back whatever had tried to get out, and sat up. The room was black, save a single spotlight on center stage. The ringmaster looked just like he had in the poster: a small man with a thick mustache that curled up on the sides. He still donned a towering top hat, and red coat tails trailed behind him. Disproportionate furred paws—something she now recognized as a trademark of many Selkie—held the microphone.

“Welcome! Ladies and gentlemen, mirage of all kinds!” Avia raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by his deep voice, free of the thick Selkie accent.

“Welcome to the 576th Festival of Ys! Last year was Disbelief, a gathering of the Western and Northern Kingdoms’ most renowned magicians, sorcerers, and charlatans—leaving all with the question of ‘what was magic, and what was a trick?’ The year before brought the greatest fighters of our generations in tribute to the mighty gladiators. This year, we hope not to disappoint. Tonight, folks, we bring you Circ D’Undead!”

The crowd went wild and the ringmaster waited before continuing.

“Were you here last year?” a voice asked, startling Avia. The selkie woman behind her had spoken. “It was so good, but I’m really excited for this one.” Before Avia could answer, the man center stage started talking again.

“But I’m sure you didn’t travel all this way to listen to me.” A wicked grin flashed across his face and a chill went down Avia’s spine. “Let the show begin.”

At that, he vanished in a cloud of smoke. The billows spread across the circle, then rose up to the audience seating.

Avia looked at Paris, who wrinkled her nose. “Sulfur,” Paris said, confirming her thoughts.

A loud sucking noise roared to life from the circle, and all the smoke siphoned back to its source. Seconds later, a tiny, yellow car sat center stage. The car bounced twice before the