Page 117 of A Soul to Embrace

I can’t help it. I like the way he smells.She wished she knewwhathe smelt like, other than him giving off an earthy aroma.

She also liked that he was the one assisting her, rather than the cranky attendant.

When he was done, she wiggled her free toes and inspected the apparatus he’d put on her. The strapping started just behind the pad of her foot and stopped right before the heel.

“What is the point to this? It barely covers anything.”

“Better foot support, and it stops rocks and sticks from stabbing into the sensitive arch of your foot. The open toe and heel design is better suited for those who are more active or have feet that don’t sit well inside an enclosed shoe.”

She placed her foot down and pressed it multiple times, finding it comfortable. It did feel odd to have something fixed to her, but she figured she’d get used to it, like how she’d gotten used to wearing her dress.

“So how about it?” Jabez asked, crossing his arm over his stomach while placing an elbow onto his bent knee. “Did I make a mistake in bringing you here?”

She lifted her skull up and away from him. “Okay. Maybe it isn’t so bad.”

“Cheeky.” He obtained the second piece of leather so he could wrap her other foot as well. “I’m glad you like it. Many start off with these and eventually switch to shoes or boots after they are used to wearing something. I was worried my efforts would befor nothing, especially since the shoemaker over there walks as slow as a snail.”

“I heard that,” the attendant grumbled, folding his arms with a huff.

“You’re lucky your store is the best one in the village,” Jabez answered as he stood and walked over to him. “I don’t remember you being this aged the last time I saw you.”

“The fact I don’t remember your face shows how little of an impact you make. Hurry up and trade so I can shoo you out of my store.”

Zylah didn’t see what Jabez gave him, but he didn’t look entirely pleased. Yet, as they were leaving, Zylah peeked over her shoulder to see he had a small smile.

He gave her a wink when he noticed her looking at him.

Okay, so maybe the surly old shopkeeper wasn’t too bad.

Although tiredness truly began to weigh on Jabez, he decided one last adventure through Spiral Haven was warranted.

He noted the spring in Zylah’s steps as they threw themselves back into the throng of people. His gaze drifted down to the specialised strappings on her feet, and he was pleased that she seemed to be adapting to them already. They were dark brown and highlighted her little bunny toes more than before.

It really should help cushion her feet.Unfortunately, it did little to protect her toes from being squashed under hard-soled boots, which she hissed about. She never complained, now understanding this was just a normal part of being in a crowd.

She’s very adaptable.Had she been another Mavka, she would have been overwhelmed by their visit so far. It was hard not to be proud of her, especially as he considered it a respectable quality in another.

They stuck with the flow of people heading deeper within the village. There were far fewer than before, as most were likely heading home to tuck themselves into their beds or nests.

They had about an hour before shops would start closing, andhe was taking them the long way to their final destination.

A small, knowing smile curled his lips.I think she’ll be rather fond of the last place.Humour tickled his chest at her awkwardness in both Goldie’s Garments and Baret’s Leather Shoes.

Baret had always been a grump. With the help of his parents passing on evolved genes, he was a human-eating Demon who had quickly reached completion in his younger years. He liked working with leather and hated greeting customers – he just wanted people to buy his shit to continue funding his hobby, without them annoying him. Alas, he couldn’t have the best of both worlds, but he could often be found working at the back of his shop when one entered.

The conversation within his store hadn’t been one of interest to Jabez, but he made sure to note Zylah’s reaction to it. He cared little about what people thought of him as king, but it was a dark cloud that hung above his head when it came to her.

Knowing she likely hated him as the unnamed king of Demons, but was fond of him as just Jabez, brought on a wave of problems. Ones he didn’t foresee going away easily. It was a reminder that the intimacy between them within the pocket of earth beneath this village shouldn’t have happened.

There’s little I can do to change it now,he thought, as they came to a string of carts selling wares.

Since there were fewer people around, it allowed Zylah to peruse what was being offered for trade at her own leisure.

She bypassed those selling fabrics, paints, games, weapons, and even knick-knacks. She also seemed to have little interest in those offering crafting supplies, such as beading, charms, and embroidery equipment.

She stopped at a cart selling herbs for various things – some for teas, others as spices for cooking. The cart next to it appearedto be run by a companion, who had contents that would be best for incense and essential oils.

Zylah smelt everything that was new to her, and both attendants were helpful in naming items and explaining their properties. If they had calming or sleeping qualities, they were quick to add in charming notes about them.

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