To Become the Collector

By Croyus

"To Become the Collector" is the continuing story started in "To Find the Collector."

In book two of the Collector series, Tabytha has died. Cyris is alone. He spends his days drinking, trying to forget their memories of happiness. However, as the enchanted creature he is, he can never get inebriated to silence his tortured mind. Moreover, he can relive their life together, from the beauty of their love to the horror of her death.

Cyris would give anything to touch her one more time, to feel her heart next to his, to hear her cry at night as the dead spoke to her.

The leader of the group that found him at the end of the previous book has a proposal for him, “Just make sure you give me all of your power. I don’t want to find out I can’t make my own food.” Perhaps the possibility of death will take his pain away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Croyus
• Release date: Nov 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310903045

Croyus

I've been alive for as long as I can remember. Before that, I don't remember. I've got 3 kids, 5 llamas, 4 goats, 5 dogs, 6 cats and a wife.

Book preview

TO BECOME THE COLLECTOR

By

Croyus

TO BECOME THE COLLECTOR published by Croyus at Smashwords 2015

Copyright to this eBook and content therein is held by Croyus. All rights reserved.

You can find out more about me at http://www.croyus.com

Also follow me on twitter @croyus or facebook at http://www.facebook.com/croyus to see my daily funny pictures. Also you can catch my comedy writing on Instagram @AsherTheWonderLlama and @DerTheCat and sometimes @BaconThePersian. Yes, there is a bunch of weirdness to me, so enjoy.

Finally, this eBook is the second book in THE COLLECTOR SERIES. The first, TO FIND THE COLLECTOR, is available on digital download and is highly recommended to be read first.

Chapter 18

Cyris asks Clareece for friendship

In an unremarkable apartment above an inadequate coffee shop, the Collector tried to hide from the world. There was nothing more Cyris wanted than for his life to be over and oblivion to embrace his soul. It would be peaceful and Tabytha would be a distant memory, if memories even existed in the final state of darkness, the final dreamless sleep.

You knocked me out, Clareece said sitting up in the bed pulling the blanket to her chest to hide her nakedness. Cyris sat in the closet where Clareece had started this interaction several hours before. Cyris slowly looked up at her. What did you do to me? she asked.

Cyris smiled. His head was spinning and so was Clareece. He had filled up a bucket he had found with water and had scooped glass after glass of wine into his mouth. There was a fog about the world now and he almost didn’t remember Clareece's name or why she was here. I did not do nothing, he said shaking his head.

You’re drunk.

Drunk enough for you to take advantage of, he said straining to stand. He awkwardly gained his feet and took a step. He tumbled forward and landed on the bed next to Clareece. His face planted in the sheets.

I’m pretty sure you can’t be taken advantage of. She pulled the sheets closer. Shit, I hit you with everything I had. She stood and pulled the sheets to keep it bundled over her chest. She had to yank it to get it out from under Cyris, but one good yank let the sheet loose and rolled him onto his back. Fuck. She went to the closet began to grab her clothes.

I guess you are going to leave.

Clareece stood and turned to look at Cyris. He was no longer sprawled drunk on the bed. He had his feet on the floor and his head was bowed. He looked like he may have just woke up. Excuse me, she said.

I guess you are going to leave. Probably need to go back to work. Let me help you with your clothes. He began to stand and Clareece took a step back from him. She felt a slight breeze and a whiff of spearmint. Then she saw he was seated again and her clothes had been put on her. Sorry about the stain. Red wine doesn’t come out easily.

What are you? she asked dropping the sheet.

Just a guy who drinks too much, he said standing. He walked out of the bedroom and Clareece slowly followed him. He went to the kitchen, found a glass and poured some tap water into it. Or maybe not enough, he said as his hand flickered with light between his fingers. Maybe not enough. He took a drink of the wine in his cup. With half of it drank, he opened his eyes and saw the small woman staring at him. He took the cup from his lips. Want some?

What are you going to do to me? she said crossing her arms around herself.

Last night, you were not too worried about it, he said drinking the rest of the liquid in his cup. You almost singed my hair with the blast of power you focused on me.

"And you knocked me out with a single touch. I remember that and I was worried last night.

Hmm, he said filling his cup again. Oh yeh. Sorry. I was pretty drunk when you popped out of my closet. You were afraid I’d make you forget my touch. He stepped past her and back into the bedroom. He sat on the bed, and took a sip.

You’re going to let me remember? she asked stepping farther away from the doorway.

The door is there. You probably would be able to get through it before I could stop you. He took another sip. Probably. Clareece took a step, but reconsidered.

You could wipe my memory from there, couldn’t you?

He looked up at her. Probably.

Then why haven’t you?

Maybe I did already and you are just dreaming. He smiled and put the glass to his lips. Maybe it’s all a dream.

Clareece took a step towards him. What do you want?

What do you mean? he said putting the empty glass on the night stand.

Everyone who is nice to someone wants something in return.

That’s a very bright outlook. Cyris looked outside. The sun was starting to light the day.

Just what I have found from experience, she said walking back into the bedroom and leaning on the doorway. What are you?

Cyris smiled and shook his head. Just a man. He ran his fingers through his hair. A very small tired man. He reached for the cup. Tired.

"What are