Page 131 of To Free a Soul
“I will make it now.”
Lindiwe nodded. “You want to fit in? Then we’ll give you a glamour that lets you walk among humans.”
Merikh tilted his head with dark-yellow orbs. “Aren’t they going to be concerned about my height?”
“You’ll be surprised by how tall humans can get.”
And you’re still my shortest child, whether you know it or not.
He pointed a claw at her hand again. “That charm is in exchange for it. I don’t want to be indebted to you.”
I don’t know why I expected a thank you.But one would have been nice.
“This also changes nothing between us,” he added.
He would never know how much that wounded her. “I know.”
For a very long time, she knew building a connection with him was doubtful.But I can always hope... and keep trying.
“I’m sorry for what happened–”
Before Lindiwe could finish, Merikh turned away.
“Leave it within my ward when you’re done. I’ll find it when I’m ready.” With that, he walked away to enter his cave.
She knew there was no point in following. He’d emotionally shut her out, and she knew all too well from her own actions that nothing would let her in.
Sometimes... he’s too much like me.
Yet he lacked all the other good parts of her, the ones that could be kind and forgiving. Loving and accepting.
Why does he hate me so much?As she looked down at the swaying grass, tears welled in her eyes.He’s the one who ruined everything!
Pulling her hood over her head, Lindiwe transformed into an owl before a single tear could form. She tucked the pain away, just like she did everything else, and lifted off to head towards Orpheus’ home.
I’m... tired of being blamed for things that can’t be changed.
She was also tired of wishing they would.
But once more, reality was cold, cruel, and hopeless.
April 17th, 1979
A welcoming glow allowed the village before her to glitter with warm light. Tall buildings, many two or three stories high, all had different styles of roofing: straw, tiled, or wooden. Pathways had been properly paved with cobblestone or grey brick, and all led to the village’s circular centre – where a tall statue of a man stood. Crowds of beings weaved through each other, like colourful bodies of water constantly colliding, their clothing ranging from simple cloth to high quality.
Their hair and skin were all different shades, but most had patches of human skin tone. And there was always one consistency: red eyes.
The Demons below, most of them fully formed in some way, all bore different horns, antlers, or animalistic ears. Many still had inky, void-like patches on their flesh.
The giant spiralling trees completely keeping out the sunlight swayed, and leaves constantly fluttered down like pretty green confetti. Material draped above, extending from the centre of the spiral and attached to the many base branches of thesurrounding tree trunks, adding cheerful colour. Thankfully the aroma of meat didn’t clog the air – as much of it was human meat – but the smell of herbs and spices wafted all throughout. Music rang out, tasteful and charming, and occasionally had Lindiwe’s shoulders bouncing side to side in a little dance when the rhythm was just right.
Spiral Haven had come a long way over the last two centuries.
There was no dreariness, no hostility. It looked like any other town, minus the Demons and the strange walls surrounding it.
Couples walked hand in hand while children played, and a smile often crept onto her face. It also made mild jealousy form, as she’d never experienced what being a parent in a happy family was like.
“This place really is beautiful, Weldir,” Lindiwe said, as she lifted her fingertips out to a glow bug when it came near her. She didn’t disturb it, just followed underneath it in case it wanted somewhere to land. “It’s unfortunate you’re unable to see it.”
