Page 110 of A Soul to Embrace

It helped that he’d recently come, finally expelling much of his need. He was sexually sated for now, with a gut full of tasty food, and he had an alluring person fuelling him with high spirits.

Nights like this were non-existent in his life, and he’d try to savour it without regret.

He was uplifted despite the tiredness that began to weigh on him. With his weaker than normal mana waning from the creation of their scent masks and glamours, and his excessive use of teleporting, as well as the lack of proper sleep in nearly a week, everything was waning his strength.

Jabez ignored his exhaustion for now, for her sake. He could rest later.

There’s much more I can show her here.And, for the first time in a long while, he was actually looking forward to it.

Zylah wasn’t vain, she wasn’t self-centred, nor was she high-handed. He’d never courted a female like that, someone who didn’t exude confidence, and he was surprised to find he liked it.

I think taking her shopping will be nice.

It hadn’t originally been in his plans for tonight, but he had a feeling she’d be charming and appreciative.

Zylah looked up at a painted wooden sign nailed above a door frame. “Goldie’s Garments,” it read in big white words.

She hesitated to enter until Jabez placed his hand on the small of her back and gently pushed her forward.

From the scent coming from the azure door, there was at least one female Demon inside. Walking through a street of them was one thing, but her past experiences told her she wasn’t wonderful at making conversation. She doubted her books that detailed such stores would actually be beneficial.

A bell chimed above as they both ducked beneath the tiny door frame, informing the attendant of their entrance. Zylah startled at the unfamiliar noise and spun to inspect it, tapping at the golden bell with a claw so it would make the noise again.

Her head twitched when the female said something in greeting, but she didn’t understand the language whatsoever.

She turned to a Demon behind a large wooden counter who looked completely like a human except for her red eyes and the sand-coloured ram-like horns that curled behind her ears. Her blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun fully revealed her lightlytanned complexion. She was obviously beautiful with her small lips, sharp features, and darker blonde brows.

Zylah brought her gaze to the back of Jabez, who was deeper within the establishment, when he responded in the same unfamiliar language.

They spoke among themselves momentarily, and she was able to understand two words:EnglishandNyl’theria.

The Demon pursed her lips, then turned and curled them up in Zylah’s direction as if she wanted to appear inviting. Zylah clasped her hands near her chest as nervousness skittered beneath the surface of her flesh.

“My apologies. It’s rare to find Demons of your heights who don’t know Elysian. My name is Madame Goldie, but you can just call me Goldie.”

“This is Zylah,” Jabez stated, while taking off the cloak he’d placed around her shoulders, as if to fully reveal her, before clipping it back around his own throat. “She’s the only one you need to worry about. I’m just the trade pouch tonight.”

Goldie laughed so brightly her eyes filled with mirth. “We like males like you; ones that understand their place in my store.”

“What does she mean?” Zylah whispered to him.

He glanced at her. “There is no male clothing here.”

“Unless you, sir, wish to buy something for yourself. If so, I have no objections, and I have much that will fit your frame.”

A small chuckle fell from him as he waved his hand dismissively near his temple. “No, that will be fine. Just attend to Zylah, and I’ll sit in the waiting area.”

He stepped to the side and sunk into a long lounge that could have fit three of him side by side. The brown leather cushions squeaked as he made himself comfortable, throwing his arms across the backrest while he placed his right ankle on top of the opposing knee.

He looked all self-important in his cream tunic, mauve pants with a front flap, and his cloak spread out across the chair. Some of his long hair had settled against his wide chest, and with his ears upright and his black horns catching the light, he appeared overconfident and relaxed.

Having no idea what to do, Zylah chittered with both their gazes on her. Her shoulders turned inwards, and she distracted herself by looking around.

The direct area she stood in was open and square. With the door behind her, and the seat to her right, clothing hung from horizontal poles against every available wall. To the left had more space and garments, and a long supporting wall cut the area off.

Above, and offering plenty of distance from her antlers, hung a simple iron chandelier full of candles. It provided plenty of light and ensured the store was bright and welcoming.

There was room to go further into the establishment, and the counter Goldie was situated behind partially blocked it off. Two sets of white drapes hung to the ground, both open, with booths behind them.

---