Nihilistic Complex

Every word emptied from Cassian’s head as Nesta, too, emerged from the water, as if lifted on a pillar from beneath. A golden mask sat upon her face, primitive but embossed with whorls and patterns so ancient they’d lost all meaning.

Water sluiced down her clothes, her hair had been ripped from its braid, and in her hand, clenched there…

A kelpie’s head dangled by its sheet of black hair, torn-up face frozen in a scream. Exactly as the King of Hybern’s head had hung from her hand.

Only silver fire burned behind the eyes of the Mask.

Friday Night Witch and Bitch

Watercolor On Artboard

2022, 9"x 12"

Woman's Bane, Monkshood Aconitum

Title: The Afternoon Visit

Artist: Gustave Léonard de Jonghe

Date: 1829 - 1893