Page 21 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

I may not be too well versed in human biology, but I am pretty sure if I were to gut him, he would die, and I cannot have that. Not that I feel any type of empathy toward him since hedidn’t feel any toward that demon either—though from his point of view, he was merely a man trying to harm me, a small girl (okay, when you look at it like that, perhaps it doesn’t look as bad).

But he’s a human. Finite lifespans. Small, insignificant dots in the large scheme of things.

Honestly, I don’t see why we cannot kill them.

“Big words for a tiny darling like you,” he murmurs in a low voice.

Does he not sense the danger he’s in?

So what if I’m tiny? I’m deadly!

My nostrils flare as I stare at him.

“Step. Away.”

“Now, darling, let’s not get all riled up. Where is your home? I will do my gentlemanly duty and see you home safely.”

Another smile.

What part ofstep awaydoes he not understand? Is he hard of hearing?

“I do not require your assistance,” I mutter in annoyance as I make to move past him.

Once more, he blocks my path.

Surely I should be allowed to get away with a tiny bit of torture, no?

“Move aside, human,” I tell him harshly.

My entire body is trembling with anger. Just who does he think he is to speak to me like this? To encroach on my space and block my path.

I am visibly shaking, so much so it’s a wonder my spiritual energy is still under control.

He sees it too, and I expect him to finally realize the danger he’s in and leave me alone. Instead, he releases a loud sigh.

“You must be terrified, you poor little thing,” he continues as if he didn’t hear what I just said. “It’s all right. I will not harm you.”

“No. Iwillharm you.”

“There are so many bad gents around I’m sure you don’t know who to trust. But rest assured. I will see you home safely.”

He smiles again. This time showing his teeth. Rather nice teeth, though that is beside the point.

“Human!” I growl.

“There, there, darling. I know you must be scared but?—”

“Youshould be scared,” I burst out, pushing my finger into his—rather hard—chest. “We’re in a dark alley. Don’t you have any sense of self-preservation?” I grit out.

He chuckles.

“I should ask you the same thing.”

This infuriating male! My anger rises to the surface and I do my best to calm down, lest I accidentally kill him. That would do me no good.

Humans are foolish, Minerva. They are young and inexperienced.

“You poor tiny thing,” he murmurs, grabbing my hand and holding it tightly in place. “It’s all right. I will keep you safe.”

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