Page 15 of A Soul to Embrace

“Why should we do anything you say, Demon?” she jeered, before pointing her sword up at his straight, pointed nose.

Those around them followed suit, and many sword or spear tips were pointed at his bored face. They glinted in the dim moonlight, and a grin curled his lips back to flash his fangs.

“Because I’ve purposefully not joined this fray.” A malicious glint lifted into his features as he eyed their useless weapons. “I’m not here to feast, only the Duskwalker is. Either lower your weapons and back away, or I’ll make sure this entire village burns to the ground.”

Such a threat would have been more powerful had he been able to use his magic, but his strong, muscular appearance should have been alarming enough. Especially as he towered over even the tallest man by over half a foot, and this woman by an entire one.

When the commander looked as though she planned to argue, Jabez sighed exaggeratedly and shook his head.

“I lured theDuskwalkerhere, and I can lure it away. Without me, that creature won’t leave until it’s decimated this entire village and consumed every moving thing it sees. Unless someone else is willing to be bait, and fast enough to get away, you have no other option.” Then, he raised his right arm to shrug with it, while also purposefully making his claw-like nails glint in the torchlight a soldier was carrying. “Choose, human, or let your death come. I need to evade the sunlight, but the Duskwalker does not.”

“Commander,” a man from the side said while lowering his sword. He eyed Jabez warily. “We’ve lost over thirty men.”

“It doesn’t attack while it’s eating, so long as we give it space and don’t move,” another stated, stepping back without lowering his spear.

“Are you all so stupid to believe amonsteris willing to aid us?” she bit at them.

Jabez didn’t bat an eye at being called a monster. He found it to be rather endearing, considering he’d been called far worse in his long life.

“Stupid or not, you have no other option.” Jabez lifted his hand and gently pushed away a spear tip near his left ear with disdain. “I approached you with the offer to spare more of your people. I’m just as formidable as the Duskwalker. Either do as I say or I’ll no longer offer you salvation, and I will aid in your demise.” He gave the woman another grin, this time allowing humour to light in his eyes. “Choose.”

With a rather adorable little growl, she stepped back with a nod. “Fine. Call back everyone.”

“I suggest you all do so slowly and quietly,” Jabez stated. “Any sudden noises or movement will gain her attention.”

She nodded upwards once more as a silent command, and a few of her soldiers moved away. She refused to take her eyes off his, so he tilted his head eerily, and his ears flicked as he listened carefully to the movement around him.

“Once we’re gone, do you promise to lead the Duskwalker away?” the commander asked.

“No,” he answered warmly, making her eyes narrow into a steely glare. “Once she finishes feeding from your fallen soldiers, I’ll lead her away before day breaks.”

“Bastard,” she bit out, but otherwise left with the rest of her soldiers.

The area grew quiet, and all that remained was Jabez and the Mavka as she ate, evolved, and grew. He found it rather serene and peaceful, especially with the hot flames of a nearby building flickering light over her body. He eyed the multiple arrows lining most of her body, her wounds, and the blood that dripped from her.

A dark sense of pride engulfed his chest as he watched her grow stronger with each bite. She’d been swift, agile, and deadly tonight. He needed a companion such as this.

And just imagine how dangerous she’ll be once she’s smart.

He could already conceptualise the possibilities.

I just hope she isn’t as ill-tempered as that red-orbed bear.

Not long before daybreak, Jabez easily gained the attention of the Mavka by simply throwing a large rock at the side of her body. Since he stood on top of the protective wooden spikes, she was quick to snarl up at him and the severed arm he waved to taunt her with. She chased after him the moment he jumped off and landed on the other side.

When she got too close, he threw the bloodied limb to gain more distance while she gobbled it up.

We should be fine once we’re a safe distance from the village.

When the smell of blood no longer perfumed the air, he climbed a tree to hide from her. Staying above the lowest branches, the heavy gusts of wind aided him, and she lost his scent. He silently watched her sprint throughout the forest, backtracking to where his smell last lingered before running off in a new direction.

The deep navy of the sky began to lighten as the new day encroached, and Jabez watched it with a sense of detachment.

Only when the huffing, snarling Mavka didn’t return did Jabez drop down and wander after her. He brushed his hands of thisnight.

So long as I follow her freshest scent, she’ll lead me back to her burrow.

During his travel, he avoided the growing sunlight as best as he could. He checked on his new supplies, rather proud of himself that he’d thought to collect them. The bag was overfull and impossible to close, and the cloak he’d taken swayed back and forth over his shoulder.

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