What Makes a Monster

♱Forty-Seven♱

Soran doesn't respond. He only matches my strong gaze with his own. We stand here for some time, neither backing down. Then Soran pulls a small metal container from his pocket. It looks like what most carry face powder in, but when he pops it open there's black ash inside.

"We will discuss this later," says Soran causing me to groan. "I have little time before I must leave."

"Seriously, right now? Why?!" I throw my arms in the air. "What's going on?"

"Later, Wallace. Trust me."

Soran dips his fingers into the black powder. With one hand, he grips my chin and the other covered now in black draws a shape on my forehead.

"What are you doing?" I ask, watching Soran concentrate on his work. He's now tracing lines down the side of my face to my cheeks. "I swear, if this is some type of spell to wipe my memory or something--"

"So you don't trust me?" He hums, although he may think he doesn't look bothered, I definitely catch on to the sudden tightening of his jaw.

"Why do you immediately get defensive?" I grumble.

"It's in my nature."

"You're acting weird so you can't blame me for worrying."

"Why worry so much over this when there are more pressing matters?"

"I thought we were saving that conversation for later. Are we going to talk more about last night then?"

Soran's silence is answer enough. He's now made it to my neck. I have no idea what he's doing, but now it's starting to make me blush. Feeling his slim fingers and pointed nails tracing down my neck sends a shiver through me. I have to look away, take a deep breath to steady my rapidly beating heart, which doesn't help in the least.

Next are my hands, which are trembling slightly in his cold grasp. I worry he may think it has to do with fright. That certainly is not the case. My heart is beating in my throat. His hands hold mine gently as he draws two spheres within a triangle and three lines beneath it reaching up to my elbow. Another shiver accompanies the touch, then another when he mirrors the same symbols on my opposing arm. When his eyes are so fixated on me, I can't deny that it doesn't make my toes curl.

He finally lets go, I step away, hoping to conceal my blush by avoiding his eyes but he has to see it. I know my blush is obvious seeing as my face is burning.

"W-What is this?" I ask, holding up my arms and admiring the odd symbols.

"A binding spell," answers Soran while putting the container away. He's wiping the remnants from his fingers with a handkerchief. "I don't normally have the ability to call forth my familiar, but I've made preparations for this. As such, I shall bind him to you for protection while I'm gone."

"F-Familiar? Like a...magical pet?"

Soran snorts. "Yes, like a magical pet, Wallie."

"I don't appreciate your condescending tone," I growl. "I am neither a vampire nor a mage so I don't know what exactly a familiar is other than some type of magical pet!"

"Oh no, you're pretty spot on, but I suggest you not say that in front of Malatis. He won't appreciate it."

"Malatis? Is that the familiars name? What is he? A wolf? A tiger?!" I gasp. "Is he a dragon?"

Soran shakes his head. Rather than answering me, he goes on to say, "This will hurt for a few moments so I'll ask again, do you trust me?"

"You keep asking but my answer isn't going to change so, go on. I'm ready." I take a shaking breath. "I think."