Page 72 of A Soul to Steal

The child’s screams eased. Before long, a giggle sounded from a room instead.

In that moment, he understood Merikh.

Mavka couldn’t be controlled and had their own will, but they were also dangerous, violent, and couldn’t be taught. They alsocouldn’t be calmed so easily, and a tantrum such as this would have evolved into bloodshed.

“I’m sure you’re surprised that he is so good with her,” Raewyn said, a loving smile lifting on her features, her chin in her hand as she faced where they’d gone off to. “But I always knew he was patient and caring beneath his prickly behaviour. It’s moments like this that remind me why I fell in love with him. He’s unbelievably gentle with her, just like he is with me.”

Merikh entered back into the area they were in. The youngling’s face was swollen and wet with drying tears. She looked upon Aleron, twisted up her features in spite, then poked her pointed tongue out at him. Merikh did the same, shoving his tongue out at Aleron, and she laughed.

He chuckled in return as he sat back down in front of the low table and collected everything she’d thrown. Then, as if nothing happened, he started back up her ‘homework,’ as they’d called it.

Aleron didn’t go back over to them, rather put off by what had just happened. Instead, he stayed by Gideon’s side, where he felt secure.

I do not like it.Aleron lacked patience for something so chaotic.

Perhaps when he had more humanity, like Merikh, he would be more welcoming. Currently, as he saw it, he was entirely disinterested. It appeared too hard.

A knock sounded from behind.

Raewyn raised her voice at the door as she rose to her feet. They responded, their voice kind and deep even though he didn’t know what they said.

“The temple acolytes are ready for you now,” Raewyn stated, making both him and Gideon rise and stand fully. She gave a sweet, but sad smile, and it reminded him of the one she gave him when they last said goodbye. “We can’t go with you, as only those who are allowed to enter the temple may go. But it wasa pleasure meeting you both, and thank you for coming to our home.”

A small goodbye was shared, but he noticed the sorrow within her features as she spoke. A coldness swirled in his chest, reflecting that same feeling. He would miss her, his Elven friend, and was disappointed he hadn’t been able to spend more time with her.

Merikh, on the other hand, just waved his hand with a grunt, never truly taking his attention from Lehnenia.

Aleron was pensive as he walked through halls that often opened up into large, spacious areas. His gaze drifted over the Elves and Demons they passed. He connected with a few green or brown eyes, and once a bright-blue pair, but the reds were the ones he lingered on.

Most Demons seemed to have fangs, claws, and horns, but he only noticed one with a tail. When inspected closely like this, it appeared they could look different. Their horns also varied, some like his own spiralling ones, and others with antlers. They all had shark-like fangs, but like Lehnenia, they could also have big canine ones.

The Elves all looked different as well. Some had straight hair, others wavy or coily. Many had spots on their faces, arms, and chests, and if he remembered correctly, Emerie had told him they were freckles.

The Demons, from what he could tell, were slightly taller, but even some Elves towered over them – like Raewyn.

If he were to take away the Demon characteristics, they truly looked the same. They all had pointed ears, stark-white hair, and brown skin – although in varying shades – with a greyundertone to it.

Even their smiles and kindness in their eyes were the same. Yes, they looked upon him and his companion warily, but before they did, Aleron noticed this.

Demons are not so different.Just like Duskwalkers weren’t so different, if they were all to shed their flesh.

They all sought peace, friendship, and the warmth of deep bonds.

He eyed Gideon, who peered back at all the strangers with eyes not as wide as before. He still appeared more concerned than they did, however.

Perhaps Aleron was able to adjust to these people, and this place, easier since he’d seen much in his life. Gideon was a human, who hadn’t often left the walls of his home, other than going to some ‘Ashpine City’ once.

Yet, despite the disquiet in his body language, he still managed to lift his pretty green eyes to Aleron and shine a warm, genuine smile. Then, like he wanted to crush his heart until it permanently ached, Gideon squeezed his left hand.

“Are you okay?” Gideon asked, and the gentleness and care in his voice was unmistakable.

“No,” Aleron answered honestly, unable to take his sight from the human. “I have learned much, and it weighs heavily on me.”

“That’s fair.” He turned his eyes away for just a moment as he rubbed at his neck. “To be truthful, I’m a little confused myself. I now understand why you asked me if a person can be both mean and kind. Merikh is a prick, there is no denying that, yet it’s obvious he has a good heart. However, to be his brother, and be cared about, but also treated as though you are strangers... I just... I get how much that may hurt and be comforting at the same time.”

Once more, Gideon shone another smile at him, one that was much more forced, like a twisted cringe.I wish he did not do that.Aleron didn’t need him to pretend for his sake.

“I’ve been trying to figure it out myself so I can say the right thing to you, and I feel really bad that I don’t know what to say to help make you feel better. It’s why I’ve been so quiet up until now.”

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