Page 71 of A Soul to Embrace

Jabez rolled his eyes and huffed. “Yes, yes. You’re an annoying little shit. Now, if you don’t mind, we actually came here on business.”

“I retired from your employment,” the female stated, snubbing her nose at him. “I spent all my years fawning over you. Let me age in peace.”

“Fayren,” Jabez growled, eyes narrowing at her.

She straightened at his warning tone, and all the playfulness in her features dissipated. “Okay, fine. What is it you need?”

“Zylah is looking for some insight into her... gender,” he said, turning his gaze upwards coyly. He shook his head side to side like Zylah often did when she was being avoidant. “I thought it would be best if I brought her to another female to explain such things.”

“Me?!” Fayren exclaimed, as she placed a hand over her chest. “But I don’t know anything about Mavka biology!”

“A female is a female, no matter their species.”

“Then get her a book on human anatomy!”

“I did. It will be pointless in this matter.” When that didn’t seem to placate the little fox Demon, Jabez coughed into his fist before stating, “She’s gone through a heat cycle. I figured a Demon would be best to explain this.”

Fayren’s lips pursed, and her outrage quickly faded. “I see.” She gave Jabez another sideways glance. “But you should have been able to explain it.”

“Like I said, I thought it best if another female talked to her about it,” he answered from behind his hand. He lowered it just so he could raise a brow at her. “Would you really turn away a female in need?”

Jabez appeared to have hit a nerve with the female, and she grumbled, pouting her bottom lip forward. “You’re a conniving man.” She sighed, before offering Zylah another smile. “Alright, sweetie. I’ll help you.”

Seemingly unafraid of Zylah, Fayren grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards the hut. With her other hand, she waved her wooden utensil at Jabez in a threat like she may start hitting him again. “You are to stay outside.”

“Yes. I agree that is appropriate.” Then, as if he thought it was important to know, he added, “She doesn’t produce pheromones.”

“No pheromones?” Fayren stumbled in surprise before casting a strange look at Zylah. She quickly steadied her steps and resumed pulling her. “I see.”

Zylah looked to Jabez for assistance as she tripped over her own feet, unsure of what was happening or why she was being dragged away. He merely watched while folding his arms, allowing Zylah to be handled in such a way.

But I don’t know this Demon.She didn’t want to be left alone with Fayren, someone who was a stranger to her.

She wasn’t given a choice as she was led towards the hut, and the only thing stopping her from pulling away was that this was what Jabez wanted. She chittered nervously, especially when she had to duck beneath the doorway to prevent her skull and antlers from bashing into it.

Zylah was forced to remain hunched forward due to her height.

Once the door was closed with a definitive and heart-clutching thud, her wrist was released.

Fayren entered deeper into her small home, her fluffy red fox tail swaying behind her legs. A small hole had been created within her dress, giving the appendage freedom. Zylah thought that was a brilliant idea.

Before Zylah could take further note of the female, her gaze snagged on the contents of the home. There was little room to move around.

On the left, a small bench of some kind was covered in herbs, spices, and many vegetables and fruit she’d seen Jabez consume. In the middle of the house was a table she knew she’d never be able to fit her tall legs under, with so many items and tools upon it she couldn’t name them even if she tried. There were only two chairs, both of which would likely break under her weight.

Then, finally, to the right was a small bed that would require Zylah to bring her knees up to her chest just to fit on it. The blanket was cream on top, but the folded section near the pillows revealed the inside was brown and fluffy.

Lanterns hung from the low ceiling, while more rested on every free surface available – as if to shine as much light as possible.

The home smelt warm, inviting, and well used. Now that she was surrounded by Fayren’s flowery scent, the Demon in it became more noticeable. She eyed her shoulder-length red hair, and the way she regarded Zylah warily despite inviting her inside and into an enclosed space.

Fayren looked uncomfortable, as if Jabez had shoved a difficult task onto her that she wanted to be done with as quickly as possible. Hunched forward, Zylah didn’t know how to settle her own discomfort in reaction to it.

“Well? Are you going to stand in the doorway or come further inside?” Fayren beckoned her over with harsh hand movements.

It was only then that Zylah realised she’d been too busy admiring and assessing everything and she’d gone motionless. The female placed her hands on her narrow hips, while one of her bushy brows raised. Her fluffy ears were perky, and her red eyes held no animosity.

Fayren’s wariness faded and was instead replaced by a confused furrow of her brows. “You seem like a bit of a shy creature. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spook you.” She offered a smile as she stepped to the side and waved at one of the twochairs. “Please, sit. Make yourself comfortable. I won’t hit you with my spoon like I did to Jabez.”

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