Page 18 of My Soul Is His

Of course, I’ve noticed how much she’s needed to rest—the dark circles under her eyes speak volumes. After the first week of having the demon removed, she didn’t even move from the bed.

Chloe and Sid took care of the new souls that time and I’m grateful they found each other, but also they’ve become pillars to our operation.

“Yes, I’m glad you could stay in. Not like I don’t love looking for you every morning.” Marla smirks, and it’s beautiful to see joy cross her features, even when she’s teasing me.

When she slips her arms around my waist, the tension leaves my muscles, and I feel a sense of calm, if only for a moment.

“New souls are arriving today. Are we ready for this?” Sid asks as he strolls out into the hall.

My hands tremble, and a cold sweat slicks my palms, the overwhelming fear making me question my ability to continue.

Marla’s description of the brain fog was a light haze, but the experience is far more debilitating.

The reality is a relentless drowning of memories, a suffocating imprisonment within my mind. It’s unbelievable to me what she faced every day. Though I’m thankful for her peace now, I’m left grappling with a profound sense of loss and a fear for my well-being.

“We’re always ready. Same plan as last time?” Marla asks, tilting her head as she crosses her arms and leans against me.

“Actually, Chloe and I wanted to talk to you guys about something.” Sid doesn’t make eye contact and toes the ground with his shoe.

My chest is tight, constricting my breath as a cacophony of angry whispers assaults my ears, the air thick with volatile energy.

“Stay with me, Sebastian, it’s not real, my love,” Marla murmurs, gripping my hand.

“What do you guys want to talk about?” I ask, and walk away from the back door.

At the front, unfinished wooden chairs sit, a testament to the little time we have for leisure. Sid eases down on one, and Marla curls in my lap. Chloe walks out from the bedroom and glances around the room before meeting Sid’s gaze.

“Well, we’ve thought about this and talked a lot, but we have an idea,” Chloe says.

I arch my eyebrow and observe Sid.

“We’re going to branch out, if that’s something you both are okay with.”

Marla pulls away from me, leaning forward to glance at both of them. The absence of her safety is a gaping wound in my chest, a constant, agonizing ache.

These days, a minor event can shatter my composure and leave me in pieces. My weakness with this demon was never greater, even though you need all the strength in the world to endure its curse.

“What do you mean?” my dove asks.

“Listen, you are both great, but we figured if we went out on our own, we could help more people. While we’ve been out on the last few welcomes and exploring, we found an entire area on the other side that drops off souls.”

Shock surges through me. Somehow, I was convinced that we were including every single individual.

“We want to build a community of folks that desire to help the new souls. Although some may resist, we are ready to pass on what we’ve learned to all those receptive and expand this aid to a much larger group. No one left behind. The lost become found until they’re willing to break off onto their own,” Sid says and reclines in his chair.

“I’m so proud of you both. It’ll be different without you, but it makes sense. Where will you live, though?” Marla asks. I stroke her back, needing to feel her under my fingertips.

Chloe shrugs and rakes her hand through her mohawk. “We’ve found a couple of dug-out tunnels that could make do until we find something else. You know how it is, always moving and fighting.”

“When will you leave?” I ask.

“Figured we’d head out this morning to the other side and set up our place before welcoming the new souls. Seemed like the best time to start fresh.” Sid smiles at me.

“Way to go, guys. I’m happy you’re going to carry on this mission. It’s important for the realm to keep the fear and tension down a bit.” Marla jumps and gives them each a hug.

I shake Sid’s hand, feeling his firm grip, and embrace Chloe before they both nod and head out the door.

A warm smile spreads across my face as I glance at Marla.

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