Chapter 2

So what exactly do you want from me? Levi asks once he reaches the cabin.

I'll take care of your sister. She's very lucky for having a brother such as yourself who cares for her. 

And what about you?

I don't really give a damn about anyone anymore, especially humans. 

What do you want? he asks again, more forcefully this time. 

My name is Jere. That's all you need to know. Come inside.

No thanks. 

Steph turns around and walks away, not giving the demon a second glance.

As usual, he ignores all the warnings and questions. He knows full well what will happen if he chooses to ignore this strange creature. He also doesn't really care. He has learned to accept things as they are; they're not perfect, but he doesn't have much time left before he will die. He will die either way. He will end up killing people for food. He will kill whoever crosses his path. It doesn't matter where he dies. He doesn' t care. As long as he has food to eat, there will be no problems. He'll never have to worry about hunger again. All those times he begged for food when he went hungry, he was able to convince his parents to feed him. They never denied him and let him starve. He's not weak. He's strong.

When he's done, Jere grabs his shoulder and turns him around. This time, he refuses to back down. He stands his ground, refusing to break eye contact with Jere. After a few seconds, he sees a hint of amusement enter his eyes, almost like a smirk. steph' s never met this guy before today. The last time he spoke with someone from outside the village was when he was visiting his friend's house. It was a very friendly visit though. The only thing that changed was how nervous he felt when meeting him for the first time. He still does feel nervous, but it's probably lessened. He hasn't seen him in months. At least that's what he believes. It would explain why Jere is acting strangely.

Jeremy stares at him for another minute before releasing him from his grip and walking toward the building. He walks through the doors before turning his head around.

This is my house. Now get inside and make yourself comfortable.steph  looks at him for a second longer before entering the house. Once he enters the door, the smell of freshly baked bread hits him straight in his face. Jeremy smiles, pleased with the reaction he got.

"Welcome, brother," he says while pointing at the chair at the table in front of him and sitting himself down on one of the chairs facing Levi. "You must be thirsty since you haven't eaten anything all day. If you're thirsty, I'd recommend drinking some water." He gestures towards the sink behind him and points at a glass lying on the floor near it.

Levi slowly walks up toward the sink, grabs the glass, and puts it under the tap. Then he takes a couple gulps, feeling himself start to relax.

"Why do you even bring me here?" he asks. It' s the first question he asked Jeremy.

Because you're special. You're the only one among the monsters who could defeat me.

That doesn't mean that I'm a part of your group now. I've made my own decision. I'm not interested in joining any groups.

You'll join our group sooner or later. And you will love us once you get to know us. We might not be the most sociable group in the world, but we are a group. You'll love it here. We protect our own. I promise.

And then what, you'll kill me if I decide not to join you? he continues asking. You' ll turn me into one of your followers?

Jeremy sighs deeply. Of course you wouldn't believe me if I said no. But don't worry. Once you're in our group you'll change your mind. You're not like most people. You understand us. I promise you, you're one of us.

He' s not going to join. That's final.

Fine. Have it your way. Do whatever you want to. Your sister has been waiting by the door. She's worried about you and needs something to eat.

He nods before walking past the kitchen and entering the hallway that leads to the stairs.

Steph is waiting downstairs in the living room, sitting on the couch next to a sleeping Thistle. She smiles at Levi, beckoning him over and pulling him to sit down next to her.

Thistle wakes up and looks at Levi with her big grey eyes. He smiles at the small cat, trying to hide the fact that she scares him a little. She yawns and stretches before rubbing her nose against Levi's stomach affectionately.

Hey there. How was your morning? He scratches her chin and she purrs happily. He glances around the room for a moment. Where did you guys put the plates you brought yesterday?

They' d left them over in the dining room, she replies, smiling, as she points at the plate standing in front of him. She looks up at him and rubs her cheek against his hand.

Oh. Thanks.

She purrs louder again and Levi smiles, putting his free arm around her neck.

Are you hungry?

Thistle jumps off the couch and heads toward the table where she lays herself down with a soft thump.

I'm gonna get something to drink after I clean myself up, you go ahead, Levi tells her. He goes to the bathroom and rinses the dried blood and sweat off. Once he's done, he leaves the bathroom with damp hair and clean clothes. When he walks past Jere he doesn't pay attention to him and simply opens the wooden door that connects the living room from the kitchen. Steph looks at him in surprise, surprised that he hasn't noticed him.

Did you just... Did you just open the door? she asks in shock.

Yeah. Sorry, it was an accident. I didn't realize you were there. I should've knocked, I guess.

He doesn't know why she is so shocked. It' s not like he is going to run out and meet someone new. His thoughts drift back to what Jere had said earlier.

There will be a few people you'll meet here today. There are five of them. We'll leave them upstairs in a room until tomorrow. By the way, do you want me to prepare dinner tonight?

Sure. What are you making?

It'll be ready soon. I thought about preparing a stew and some sandwiches, but I think I should wait and ask you if you prefer it.

Alright. Thanks.

I guess I'll leave the food here tonight, then.

You don't have to do that. I' m fine with the stew and the sandwiches.

I know. I want to cook something for you anyway. Besides, I already cleaned it before we started eating it.

Thank you. Is there anything else you can help me with?

I think I'm going to sleep. I'm pretty exhausted. Good night, brother.

Good night Steph.

Levi sits down on the couch, resting his arms on the backrest and staring at Thistle in silence. The cat keeps her eyes closed, completely ignoring everyone in the room.

Well, this is awkward... Jere thinks to himself as he watches Levi sitting quietly next to his sister. He gets up, taking his cup with him, and leaves the room without a word. He hears the boy getting out of the couch and starts heading in his direction. He stops in the hallway and waits for Levi to follow him. Once he does, Jere closes the door softly before starting to walk toward the kitchen.

The demon follows him silently until they're already in the kitchen. He lets Jere take the lead and stand beside him while waiting patiently for him to speak.

So what happened today? You seemed rather upset. Did you manage to scare him away?

What? Nah, I'm not that terrifying.

Don't lie. I see your eyes glowing every time you look at him.

I wasn't looking at him. I was just watching him.

You were staring at him.

I was not!

Yes, you were.

I wasn't.

You were.

I wasn't.

You were.

I wasn't.

You were.

I was not.

No wonder you seem upset. He must've done something to piss you off. I bet it had something to do with how he treated you today. He deserves to feel your anger.

He deserves everything that happens to him. I don't need to give him any satisfaction.

How come you' ll let him suffer when you're the reason why he's suffering in the first place? That makes you the bad guy, bro. He deserved to die. And you saved his life instead. He would still be dead otherwise.

I can't let that happen.

Even if it meant letting him go?

...Yeah. Maybe that' s true, but I don't want him to die. I won't ever wish death upon anyone again.

I know. That's why I'm here. To prevent something similar from happening again. I don't want anything to happen to you.

Thanks Jere. But why are you suddenly showing concern about me? Aren't you supposed to keep watch over the humans who try to hurt me? Aren't you supposed to tell me what to do? Or at least warn me about things I shouldn't do? What changed?

Nothing, except for the fact that he isn't the only one in the house anymore. Now that the other three monsters are safe for the rest of their lives, they don't need your protection anymore. They're able to protect themselves, too. So I'm doing them a favor. I'm being kind to them by helping them out by bringing Levi here to help with their problems.

What do you care? Why aren't you more angry with him?

I told you, I'm not angry at all. I don't think he deserves it, so it's nothing personal.

Okay... But how am I supposed to trust you if you don't even trust me enough to make sure that I won't attack anyone?

Trust me. Nothing bad will happen to you.

If you say so.

Now stop talking and start cleaning.