Not What It Seems
Chapter 10

While at Elaine and Erik’s tavern, Vudu began to talk to them about singing there. They seemed happy at the idea and began to plan out the specifics of his new job. I sat at my normal spot and relaxed while they talked and simply enjoyed the busyness of the tavern. Before long, Vudu bounded back to me with a smile on his face.

“This should be interesting.” He stated as he sat down next to me.

I cocked an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

“I’ve never sang in public before.” He said with a shrug. “It was always a private thing due to what I am.”

I chuckled a bit. “Are you sure you are a demon? Because you don’t always act like one.”

He was quiet for a moment. “I know I’m a demon... But I am different from other demons. I actually don’t fully know what I am. I was created, but I don’t know how. And I did noticed that I tend to do things a little differently from other demons.”

“Interesting.” I stated. “Anyway, when do you start this new job?”

“They wanted me to do a trial performance tonight.” He said looking at the small stage area. “They want to see how the other patrons would react to me.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” I stated. “I guess I should let you go so you can go get ready.”

He let out a laugh. “Probably, but I have some time. Time to play.”

With that, he jumped up and sped over to Lina, who was playing with some of her toys in the corner. The sight of Vudu enjoy a child’s company brought a smile to my face. I never expected a demon to enjoy children. There was something different in him than what I originally expected with demons. But he may be the exception.

“Hello, Zeriah.”

I struggled hard not to roll my eye at the sound of that voice. Keeping a smile on my face, I turned and looked at the young woman standing beside me. Blond ringlets framed her painted face. Though she was considered the beauty of Laencaster, I always felt she used too much makeup. Bella Caster, the princess of Laencaster. Her family came from a long lineage of mages that founded this town. Just because of who her family was, she believed she could get whatever she wanted. And her parents usually jumped through hoops to make it so.

“Hello Bella.” I greeted. “I don’t often see you here. Are you celebrating something?”

She scoffed. “Please, if I was celebrating something, it wouldn’t be in a hovel like this.”

I gritted my teeth and didn’t respond.

“I’m here because I know that you and your new friend are here frequently, and I was hoping you’d introduce me to him.” She had a gleam in her eyes. A gleam I knew too well.

“Bella, not to be rude, but I don’t know if Vudu would like--” I started.

Her eye lit up. “His name is Vudu! Oh, what a unique name. He must be a foreigner.”

I sighed. “Bella, for once in your life, have some dignity and don’t throw yourself at a new man just because you find him attractive.”

“Please.” She scoffed again. “You’re only jealous that I’ve had more suitors than you have ever had or will have. You’ve never even had someone court you or woo you.”

Though she meant the words to hurt, they didn’t. They were true, and I was actually happy as I was right then. I didn’t feel I needed a significant other in my life to feel loved and happy. These were just the words of an insecure woman who tried to validate herself with the company of men. And until she learned to grow up, she would never have the happiness I currently had.

“Firefly,” Vudu’s voice came from behind me. I turned and looked at him. “Is everything alright here?”

I gave him a small smile. “Yes, everything is fine. This is Bella Caster, she wanted to meet you.”

He looked at the girl with a cocked eyebrow.

Bella put on her best seductive face and fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Hi, Vudu. I’ve heard so many good things about you.”

“What are you doing with your eyes?” He asked bending down to look closer at her. “Do you have something in them to blink that much?”

The comment almost made me bust out in laughter and Bella froze for only a moment before finding her footing again. “The only thing they are stuck on is you.”

Vudu’s eyebrows furrowed together. “First off, ew. Secondly, that’s not possible because they are still in your skull. I could help you with that though. I just need a spoon.”

While I tried to hold back more laughter, Bella let out a giggle to try to hide her nervous voice. “You’re so funny. What do you say we go back to your place and get to know each other?”

He turned to look at me. “Is that okay?”

“The type of get to know you she is talking about,” I said while calming down my chuckles. “Is not the same type you are thinking about.”

“What other type would there be?” He asked.

Bella’s hand went to his chest, and he froze. “Oh, honey, I could teach you all types of things. You may not fully understand our language that well, but I could show you something that doesn’t require words.”

His head slowly turned to look at her and is eyes did not show curiosity or intrigue. He was full on glaring at her. Thought the glare didn’t seem to faze Bella in the slightest. She was playing her game and using every piece at her disposal. If I didn’t do something fast, Vudu would seriously hurt the girl.

“Get your hand off of me.” He said through gritted teeth.

She blinked, and let her hand slide off his chest, but she stepped closer. “So, what do you say, big boy. Shall I be your teacher?”

He backed up. “No, in fact, I happen to be very busy and need to get on stage.”

He didn’t even let her respond as he made his way to the stage to sing for the crowd. Bella’s eyes stayed on him in a lustful desire that disgusted me. It disappointed me that there were people like this in our world. And as far as I could tell, Vudu was never going to fall for her tricks.

“He sing’s too?” I heard her whisper with a joyful smile. “He’s perfect for me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Bella, I can tell you right now that Vudu isn’t interested in you.”

“What?” She turned with a glare. “And he’s interested in you? Please, why would he choose you when he could have me.”

I rolled my eyes again. “Vudu isn’t interested in romance in general.”

“I could fix that.” She stated.

“You can try all you like,” I responded. “But I can promise that this won’t go the way that you hope. Vudu isn’t who you think he is.”

Bella let out a boastful laugh. “Every man has a weakness, and I know how to find that weakness. I just need some time. Just wait, I’ll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in no time.”

She turned on her heel and walked out of the tavern. I bit my lip as I thought about her threat. And it wasn’t a good one either. I knew that she wasn’t going to get what she wanted, and I knew that Vudu didn’t like her. As far as I knew, he barely tolerates me, especially after my affectionate teasing. I doubted he would change for someone like Bella. And I think he didn’t even knows how non-demons reproduce. I didn’t want to give him that talk.

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