Not What It Seems
Chapter 9

I had stayed the day in Zeriah’s home. She was out doing her own things, and I expected her to take some time to get back. As I wondered her small dwelling, I eventually found entertainment in some of her books. Most of her books dealt with spells. Specifically, spells she could use with her light magic limit. I could never use these spells because demons could only use dark magic. I eventually became bored with the books and turned to find some other way to entertain myself.

Slowly, I found things that needed cleaning and rearranging. Though some time had passed since I was freed from the mirror, there were somethings in the study that needed to be cleaned up. The chalk magic circle had just been smudged into the ground, and there were still some bits and pieces of the class and frame that needed to be cleaned up. I found a broom and became to clean.

As the room became organized, I found myself singing a little tune in the demonic language. A human song that was meant to bring joy. Though I sang it in my native tongue, I did find some happiness in the tune and the feel it provided. For a moment, I had forgotten why I had stayed around this town.

I turned around to clean another section and my eyes landed on Zeriah, my voice dying with the realization that she had been listening to me. I wondered what she would think of me now, knowing that I enjoyed singing, and keep things clean.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked tentatively.

She gave me a crooked smile, and I just now noticed the small bundle in her hands. “Long enough, but don’t stop on my account. You can keep singing.”

My eyes went to the ground.

“What’s wrong?” She asked as she walked past the study and into the living area.

I gritted my teeth. “You don’t mind knowing that I can sing?”

Her eyes scanned me over for a moment. “No. I actually like your voice. You’re quite talented.”

I didn’t make eye contact with her.

“Is that a bad thing?” She asked as she crouched down to the ground and grabbed a box to place the bundle in.

“Demons aren’t supposed to sing.” I explained. “Singing, and music is a form of worship to Romos, no matter the content of the song.”

“If that’s the case,” she turned to look at me. “Then why do you sing?”

I was hesitant to answer. “Because I like it.”

Her eyes changed to a green color as she smiled. “Then there’s nothing wrong with that. At least in my opinion. If it makes you happy, then keep singing. In fact, I’m certain Elaine and Erik would like to have you entertain some of their guests. You could get paid for it. And that way you aren’t constantly waiting for me to get home.”

I had never thought of that option. If I was going to stay around here to keep an eye on Zeriah, I might as well find a way to take care of myself. She might like having her home back to herself. Even though demons don’t need to eat or sleep, sometimes it’s nice to have a place to stay and call your own. I’d have to think about it.

“I’ll consider it.” I stated and walked over to see what she had brought home. Home… that was a funny word for me to use. “And what did you bring?”

She unwrapped the bundle and showed a small ball of salt and pepper quills. “I found this little guy. He’s injured and needs some medical attention. I’ll be caring for him for a while.”

“First…” I started. “What is he? Second, why do you get to have a pet, but I don’t?”

She turned to look at me with a cocked eyebrow. “First, he is a hedgehog. And second, he’s not a pet, I’m planning on releasing him back into the wild once he is completely recovered. As well as, if I did keep him, he is an animal that would be dependent on me. You want a human being to be a pet to you. You’d treat them like an animal, not the intelligent life they actually are.”

I crossed my arms. “That’s not fair”

She sighed. “Look, Vudu. Pets by definition is a tamed or domesticated animal kept for happiness or pleasure. Humans are not animals. They aren’t meant to be animals. In this little guy’s case, he needs assistance that he can’t get out in the wild. If he wants freedom after he is healed, I will let him go. But some animals gain a bond with humans or elves, or whoever helped them and decide to stay with them. Animals are intelligent and like companionship. Us non-demons like to have them as companions and they sometimes become part of the family. It depends on the person.”

“So,” I clarified. “No matter what I say and promise about pets, you still won’t let me have a little human to call my own?”

“Exactly.” She explained. “Honestly, I wouldn’t allow you to get a regular pet until you could prove to me that you take care of them properly. I’d suspect you’d get bored of it quickly and leave it for me to take care of.”

I pouted, but as I thought about it, she probably was right. Did I want a human because I thought they were cute at a young age? Did I even think of the responsibility that would come with it? Maybe it was a good thing that Zeriah had stopped me before I did anything that could cause harm to another living creature.

I never liked to physically harm non-demons. At first it was because I liked to keep my toys as long as possible and hurting a human or elf would compromise that situation. Now, I don’t want to hurt them because I do see them as living beings. Especially that little girl that seemed to enjoy being around me. I’ve heard that human children are very observant and honest. What did she see in me that made it so she like to be round me?

Zeriah smiled at me once more and gave my hand a squeeze. I didn’t understand the action and I didn’t fully like it either. She saw my confusion and chuckled before turning to the hedgehog, who had changed from the ball like form and began to limp around the box she had placed him in.

“Still don’t like affection, huh?” Zeriah’s voice called to me as she used a spell over the small creature. “Now that I know that, I think I’ll just give you a hug every day until you’re used to it.”

I backed up a few steps. “Don’t.”

Zeriah’s smile changed to a mischievous grin. “Oh, now I have to do it.”

She stood up and moved in such a way that said she was about to pounce. I continued to back up, I needed to stay away from her. At a moment’s notice, she jumped forward and began to chase me. I began running and bolted out the door with my disguise taking form. Zeriah stayed close to my trail and we ran the whole way to the tavern of her friends.

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