Page 205 of A Soul to Embrace

“I scented animals within the city when I was brought through it, and I’m guessing the herds you tended when I was a child in order to preserve those creatures from extinction are now being used as food for the Delysians within the city.”

There was no other explanation as to how the Demons here were able to live peacefully to the point that three of them sat in this very room as part of their governing system. After he left,the Elysians figured out they were starving the Demons of the nutrition they needed in order to survive.

“I ask that you consider building a second city within the forest in order to save those who seek peace.”

In the corner of his eye, he watched as Ulric opened his stupid mouth. He promptly shut it when Jabez turned his face to him and raised a brow.

“If you do this, the Demons can begin to build a civilised society that has agriculture, food, and proper housing. It will lead to the decline of violence outside these walls. The potential to take back Nyl’theria through a means of peace will slowly allow Elysians to flourish. I’m sure Merikh spoke of the village of Demons, Spiral Haven, on Earth. I grew that place to do exactly that, and with the proper systems in place and adhered to with the help of soldiers and guards, it is entirely possible. Spiral Haven is already proof of that. Demons also have little issue with killing each other, and they can continue to feed and help those close to completion by eating lesser Demons until there are no wild ones left.”

Jabez respectfully went quiet when Mericato began to sign with his hands. Oddly enough, after Jabez’s last visit to this chamber, and with how the man had laughed at his brash honesty upon his return to it, his feelings of hatred towards him had... lessened.

“How are we to know the Demons won’t try to build an army through this second city and attempt to destroy us?”

“You don’t,” Jabez stated truthfully. “But are you willing to give up the potential of peace and the possibility of building an alliance with them? This city can only last so long, and there were already housing issues when I was a child. I wasn’t ignorant of that fact. It may take another hundred years for them to remove the less-developed Demons from the realm, but isn’tthe chance to one day be able to walk through the forests of Nyl’theria without fear worth it?”

“How would we do this?” Silveria’s soft and angelic voice rang out.

“Currently, the village that took the last stance in Nyl’theria is occupied by a rather violent tribe of Demons. The protective dome podium still stands, and I can find a more adequate stone to power it like I can for Lezekos City. If we take over the village, we can slowly rebuild it and fill it with those who wish for a more peaceful way of life. Word will spread, and they will have to screen those wishing to enter like you already do here. Your truth spell will allow them to weed out those who are intending to enter under falsities, and I guarantee you, by doing this, the Demons will feel gratitude for your aid. You’ve already brought many into your city, and you understand that they seek a new, safer way of life. If you trust the Delysians you allow here, then there is no reason you can’t trust the Demons outside these walls whowillhave good intentions.”

As much as Jabez’s goal had spearheaded him through life, the nagging desire to help his fellow Demons had always sat in the back of his mind. Just because he had to give up his vendetta, didn’t mean he had to give up on the idea of helping them.

Although this would be a much more peaceful and political way to achieve that goal, he was hoping doing this could count towards his penance for all he’d done. He’d never seek forgiveness, but he surely could begin to make up for what he’d done in the past.

Rather than remaining a violent plague upon the world, he could become a healing force instead.Zylah is the reason I realised this.She wanted to be good, and he was finding that naïve morality quite infectious.

“You make a very convincing argument,” someone behind him stated, and he had a feeling it was one of the other Delysianswithin the councilmembers. “It’s true there are other Demons who seek peace, and many of us Delysians have always wished they would shed their fear of the unknown and attempt to enter the city as we have. I’ve already been considering such an endeavour, but travelling through the forests has always been dangerous. Your ability to teleport lessens that danger, but having to place our trust in strangers is still concerning.”

Jabez gave a hum, their concerns making him reflect on a possible solution.

“Actually, now that I think about it... if you intend to do this, I suggest lowering Weldir’s ward to allow some of those who occupy Spiral Haven to relocate and ensure the start of the new village.”

“We are unable to do that,” Zerik stated loudly. “What Weldir does to protect us from the thousands of Demons who have gone through his many portals is one of the reasons we’ve survived the last twenty-one years. You are right, our protective dome is currently weak, and if more Demons come to attack us, it won’t be long before it breaks.”

Jabez sucked in a deep, calming breath before releasing it.How little they know.

“I’m not saying lower them all. I’m saying allow those occupying Spiral Haven to come through and then ask him to reinstate it. The laws and rules I placed on that village were cleverly crafted and have been tried and tested.Theywill also govern and teach the Demons not used to civilised society, which would quicken the process.”

“We would have to trust Weldir would do that,” Zerik argued. “We have no idea as to why he has continued to keep his wards in place, since he likely feels abandoned by his mother and the other remaining gods. We have no idea of his intentions. If he chooses to be a malevolent demigod, we may not survive him and his growing power.”

Jabez chuckled and lifted his eyes to the ceiling. “Weldir has no desire for destruction,” he informed them confidently. “If he did, we would have joined forces many years ago and already razed this city to the ground. He rejected the notion, and his mate has made it known he has no intention of harming you. You fear a demigod who seeks nothing but acceptance from the Gilded Maiden.”

“You have spoken with him?” Cleth asked, their lips flattening and their brows narrowing at him.

Jabez lowered his gaze to them just in time to see their disgruntled expression.

“No, but his mate and I have spoken under temporary truces many times. He listens and speaks through her when he can.”

Many of the councilmembers cast each other wary glances, as silence descended upon them. A few shuffled in their seats, and he allowed them time to digest everything he’d said while he knelt before them.

“You have given us much to think about,” Silveria stated quietly. “You understand that it will take time for us to discuss all this?”

“I do. Considering you’re allowing us to stay where we are, I see no issue with awaiting your answer, no matter how long it takes.” Then he paused, wondering if he should speak his request before shrugging. There was no harm in trying – all they could do was reject it. “I do ask that you forgo the magic-dampening bracers in the meantime, unless you wish for all of this to be a pointless conversation because I’ve gone insane from burning alive multiple times.”

He rolled his eyes as he thought,I’ve almost done that one too many times than I can say I’m truly comfortable with.

The Witch Owl had now, officially, set him alight twice. He’d also been stuck under Earth’s sun with little escape except for sparse shade in the distance.

He didn’t really wish to burn to a crisp in front of Zylah either. She’d bring him back to life through her Mavka bond, only to watch him disintegrate again.

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