Page 120 of A Soul to Embrace

“Black Cat’s Bookstore,” she read out with a thoughtful hum, then a gasp ripped out of her. “Wait! Does this place have books inside it?”

His eyes crinkled as a chuckle flittered past his lips. “The sign gives away the surprise.”

Visibly vibrating with excitement, she almost pushed him out of the way when she bolted to get inside. He winced when the door swung open and bashed against the outer wall from her carelessly tossing it like it weighed nothing. The bell above chimed and smacked against its metal holder, and after ducking beneath the small doorway, he reached up to settle it so it didn’t break.

Rows upon rows of books were brightly lit up by glass lanterns, all of which were bolted to the walls so they couldn’t accidentally be knocked over. Each section was separated into genres, from books pertaining to the history of humans and those written by Demons, to those of fiction of great tales, adventures, and romances. There were multiple academic sections for geography, geology, and psychology, as well as those for cooking, baking, crochet, and even paper folding.

Many more were labelled with painted plaques.

Zylah was quick to go to the first free-floating section and pull out a book to see what it was about. The plaque above stated it was an autobiography.

“Hello, welcome to my bookstore,” the male attendant greeted warmly, disregarding the book he’d been reading and hopping down from a stool behind the counter.

The black feline ears poking up from the top of his head twitched in glee as he approached. His face was entirely cat-like, to the point that he had a feline, upward-pointing nose and muzzle. His body appeared humanoid except for his digitigrade legs, but it was hard to tell due to his long suit trousers and enclosed black boots. A nice black suit jacket sat over a lighter grey shirt.

Although it may have been difficult for most to see, Jabez could tell the void-like aspect of his Demon flesh had actually changed to appear like normal black fur. It was almost similar to Zylah’s, except it lacked the glossy shine of blue like hers.

If he’d continued to eat humans properly, he could have transitioned into a more humanoid form by now.Instead, he was one of the few who stunted the change by relying mainly on animal meat once he’d developed proper intelligence and humanity, making him appear more beastly.

Still fucking short as ever, though,Jabez thought warmly, seeing he still came to his waist height.

“My name is Rook, and I’ll be happy to assist you however you need,” he continued, flashing them a fang-filled smile.

With her hands on her thighs, Zylah leaned down a little, so they were at a better head height – not realising this was rude.

“I’m Zylah.” She lifted back up so she could look across the top of the floating shelves. “You have so many books here. I don’t even know where to start.”

His red, feline eyes filled with easy tenderness, overjoyed to meet someone who obviously liked the same hobby as him.

“Well? What interests you?” Then, as if he didn’t wish to leave anyone without a greeting, Rook leaned around her to look at him. “And what about you, sir? Do you also need assistance today?”

Jabez answered him with a grunt and waved his hand. Figuring they’d be here until the bookstore closed, he sat next to the door where there was an empty spot that didn’t contain books and wrapped himself up in his cloak to contain the sickly chill starting to rush through him. He propped the hood over his head to shield his face and hide from the light.

Seeing as Jabez had no care for the conversation, the two of them began to go through what may interest her. Jabez watched her intently, ensuring if she needed his help, he’d be able to jump in.

She immediately forgot about his presence, her focus solely on Rook and the hundreds of books around her. “I wish I could read them all.”

If Jabez had been able to speak without detection, he may have joined in on their fun. Especially since Rook ran around his store like a maniac, wanting to show Zylah everything – and most of all, his favourites. His long tail curled here and there when he obtained a book, its erratic movements an indicator of his glee.

But Jabez couldn’t talk, as the feline Demon was exceptionally perceptive. Those big ears had heard his voice time and time again in this quiet bookshop from before he’d began hiding his face behind glamours, and he would immediately be suspicious of it.

I can’t properly glamour around him.Rook was aware that Jabez wore different faces, as he remembered all those who came to his store – he never forgot a person. Because of that, Rook was always able to figure out who he was by the sound of his voice, even if he couldn’t see past the magic.

So, for now, he was merely a quiet spectator.

I must admit. I’m enjoying myself, though.

Zylah was even more animated than when they first entered the village. Not once since they’d entered the store had her orbs stopped shining the brightest yellow he’d ever seen from her. They even flickered with bright pink, and he truly did wonder what it meant now that he was seeing it again.

Adoration?That seemed like it fit.

Whatever it was, he found himself letting down his guard while he peacefully watched her. She even plopped that cute tail of hers against the ground with a pile of books next to her so she could go through them. Rook joined her on the wooden floor, opening the contents of one book to show the best part while she skimmed through another.

Jabez couldn’t tell if the second pile she was making was a rejection stack or an ‘I wish to take this home’ stack. They had more than enough room in their satchels for her to buy multiple novels. So, whatever amount she settled on, he would try to procure for her. He had plenty of trade left, and Rook took almost everything with contentment.

The trade he found best was the joy of a fellow bookworm leaving his store pleased. He had a room in the back wherehe sometimes kept certain pieces to remind him of favoured customers.

With the door to the back room slightly ajar, Jabez noted an amethyst crystal reflecting the low light. Next to it was a tiny wooden figurine. Neither meant anything to him, but he found that sentimental quality about the feline Demon endearing.

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