Page 203 of A Soul to Embrace

“I want you to know,” Merikh started quietly, his tone dark and deep as he leaned his head down to Jabez’s level, “I advocated for yourremovalfrom the city.”

Merikh purposefully sunk his razor-sharp claws into the bare flesh around his shoulder until they cut through muscle, and then he shoved Jabez forward.Bastard!He hissed through gritted fangs as warm blood quickly rose to the surface. Of course Merikh had to inflict a wound on him like the violent asshole he was.

“I’m trying to protect one of your kind by bringing her into the city,” Jabez told him, surprised Merikh would go out of his way to ensure another of his kind was in danger.

“Heard you bonded with a Mavka – a female, no less. You can bet I was surprised to learn that.” Without turning to look at Jabez, he shrugged with one hand. “It’s her fault for being an idiot for choosing you as a bride. You reap what you sow, Jabez. You have no one else to blame but yourself.”

“I’ll remember this,” Jabez warned.

A malicious grin curled his lips when Merikh waved goodbye with the back of his hand.If they allow us into the city, one of the first things I’ll do is knee you in the seam.And considering what he planned to reveal in that chamber, the chances of them staying were much more likely.

He’s forgotten how cunning I can be.He shouldn’t have taunted Jabez so much.You reap what you sow, Merikh.

He spun around, and incidentally spooked the soldiers who’d been gawking at them. They didn’t know any of the English they’d spoken. He nodded and walked towards the doors, then waited for them to announce him.

Jabez chuckled quietly to himself when the doors creaked open.I must admit, arguing with him did give me the energy I was lacking.His confidence had renewed, as did his normal vitality. Nothing could stoke his inner flames quicker than anger.

When he entered the conference chamber, he noted the unease in all the faces of the councilmembers. Considering hewas walking in right after they interrogated Merikh, he doubted they were feeling trustful or inclined to give him what he wanted.

But the tides of a mental battle could swiftly change, and he knew he’d be victorious this time.

Jabez quickly took his place on the lower platform in a kneeling position, then waited for the guard to tether him to the ground and leave. Surprisingly, they didn’t this time, but that may be because he’d shown hecouldbe compliant. Once the doors shut and it was just him and the council, he lifted his head, offered them all a dull gaze, and waited for them to start the meeting.

“We have not yet made our decision, Jabeziryth,” Ulric quickly spat out while leaning against his golden table. “And after what we’ve just heard, we’ll absolutely need adequate time to discuss the concerning matters pertaining to your time on Earth.”

“What you heard from Merikh will be completely irrelevant,” Jabez answered, saturating his voice with conviction. “My past is violent, and the things I’ve done unforgivable, disgusting, and deplorable.” He had to stifle the urge to grin in satisfaction, simply because toying with them was actually ratherfun.“Youwilloverlook them after this conversation.”

Ulric laughed, leaned back in his chair, and stroked his short beard. “That’s doubtful. Nothing you say will sway those of us who are against your admittance, and I’m sure those who were unsure now lean towards your removal.”

“Why have you returned?” asked Teyen, a female Delysian who had been utterly silent last time.

He dipped his head to the right to take in the small, clay-red horns that shot forward from her forehead. Her canine fangs were large, but the rest of her teeth were flat like most Elvish, yet she lacked the white hair of their kind. Her brown bob swayed around her chin as she glanced at the other members.

“This city has stood for over a century,” Jabez started, bringing his gaze forward so he could look upon the random councilmember directly in front of him. He’d already forgotten their name. “Before I was locked away, I overheard my mother and stepfather speak of the dwindling power supply. The mana stones are running out of energy, and no matter how much of our own energy we pour into them, if they are unable to hold mana anymore, there is nothing we can do.”

“We didn’t ask for a history lesson, nor do we need someone like you to inform us of what we already know regarding the state of the citywegovern,” Ulric retorted loudly, then scoffed.

Jabez’s lips curled knowingly. “How is the mana stone that protects the city?” He tilted his head just as the man’s features fell. “How many years does it have left? You don’t know, do you? But I’m guessing it’s beginning to dim.”

“What of it?” Cleth stated, leaning their arms upon the table while clasping their hands. “If you’re here to find out about our defences, then we’ll need to ask you to leave.”

“I can get you a new mana stone. The right kind, and a large one that can power the protective dome for just as long, if not longer.”

“How do you suppose you’ll do that?” Ulric sneered, before waving his hand to the right and almost smacking his seating partner in the face. “There are scores of Demons out there, and the mines are full of nests.”

Jabez’s eyes crinkled in humour. “I thought you spoke to Merikh,” he stated, realising the bull-horned Mavka actually made this much easier and likely more convincing. “I’m sure he told you of my ability to teleport. I can go anywhere whenever I want.”

“That is a forbidden spell,” Laele muttered, her aged tone hinting at deep concern.

“Yes, but only because of the danger it presents to its user,” he answered, tilting his face in her direction. “Most die due to materialising inside a tree, the ground, or even another person. I’ve perfected it over the years to the point I’m now able to take two people with me safely, and I’ve already been inside multiple mines within Nyl’theria. I can teleport in and out in very little time, unscathed. With someone able to watch my back, mining a stone the size you require would be easy with my increased strength and speed in comparison to a normal Elysian.”

“Are you saying you’re willing to face such danger just to ensure your approval to stay in the city?” Raewyn, the sobbing woman from earlier, asked.

His gaze flicked to her, and he hardened his tone. “Yes, that’s one of the things I am offering.”

“And you expect us totrustthat you won’t attempt to make contact and scheme with those outside these walls? We’d be fools to allow such a thing,” Ulric argued. “I can already foresee you attempting to build your army right beneath our noses.”

“By the holy maiden,youare fucking obnoxious,” Jabez blurted out with a cringe of disgust, usingtheirform of a godly curse. “Has anyone told you to shut your mouth?” He looked at the other councilmembers with a confused shake of his head. “Does he usually prattle on and argue about everything like an ill-tempered child?”

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