Page 13 of My Soul Is His

“It works. The logs hold the house, and these are more decorative. We know we can’t keep anything out if it wants in bad enough,” Sid mutters. He grunts as we lift another large rock and set it next to the others.

“True. I’ll be happy to have a space again. Even if people were here before, they aren’t coming back. It’s too overgrown. Our tunnel will be reclaimed in time by others as well. It’s the circle of life here.” I stand and stretch out my spine. As much as I keep active chasing after everyone, it seems like I’m always sore.

After we finish, Sid stares at me, then shakes his head, indecisive, it appears.

“What?”

“Just wondered where you went all night. I don’t mind keeping watch, but being held in the dark isn’t a good time.”

I sigh and sit on one boulder. “Do you know what it’s like to want to do anything for the one you love? As if you’d offer yourself as a sacrifice to keep them safe?”

Sid leans against the rock opposite me and scratches his ear. “I have a sense, similar to how I’d protect Chloe with my life if it came to it.”

A grin spreads across my face—I am so happy they found each other. Being alone here is soul-crushing. It quickly reduces people to empty shells.

“Yeah, so I was doing what I must. I’ll tell you when I know more, because if I have to disappoint her because you blabbed? I’ll kill you myself.”

“Thankfully, we rapidly heal,” he chuckles.

My bitch demon raises its hackles. My anger is a white-hot current, and I clench my jaw as I fight to keep my temper from exploding like a shattered vase.

Rage burns at the unfairness of it all—her unjust imprisonment, the Lords’ callous indifference, and my frustration at their slow response.

“If I cut you into small pieces, do you think they’ll find themselves back together?” I whisper into Sid’s ear as I go to collect the women.

Walking out, Marla sinks into my arms. “Ready?” she asks. The sparkle has returned to her eyes.

“Let’s go welcome the new souls,” I say.

We head out of the pathway, Sid and Chloe trailing behind us. It’s always the same song and dance. I’m glad to help where we can, though.

Welcoming newcomers is exhausting. Each interaction depletes me, as if I've been squeezed dry. Dragging my feet, Marla’s hand in mine as we shuffle along the dusty path toward our new home.

Passing the cabins of the Lords, I glance around, but they don’t step out and I slowly exhale. I want answers, and even though it hasn’t been long, she deserves this request.

Marla stares up at me, and it’s then I realize I had stopped walking.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, just tired. I don’t understand it,” I tell her. Sid and Chloe are in the distance, strolling ahead of us.

“Being nice drains the life out of you.” Marla giggles, and I nudge her playfully as we continue to walk.

“Sebastian,” a deep voice calls from behind me.

I square my shoulders, straighten my posture, and turn back to face Berimund. His dark robe brushes against the red dirt road of his laneway, leaving a faint mark in his wake.

“Sir.”

“We’ve discussed amongst ourselves the deal you have brought to us.”

Marla tenses beside me. I couldn’t have told her anything.

“And?”

I stare into his eyes, and he nods his head.

“When will it start?”

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