10 Chapter Three - 2 || Soul Eater (2/2)

Errol's face was still stoic, but Essairyn noticed a small gloom lingering in his eyes. As she pondered this for a moment, he spoke up again.

”I welcome you to this forest and world. However, heed your companion. In her past life she has destroyed many homes, spirits and demons alike. Even to this day her deeds ring throughout our history.”

Akari's eyes glinted at his remark, and Essairyn looked at her from the corner of her eyes.

”I would leave it your kind to remember such events from long ago..” Akari voiced with a trace of disdain.

”Of course, the solh'vunds were one of the first spirits to have existed,” Errol coolly replied.

”Then do you plan to inform the spirits and demons of my return?” Akari raised her eyebrow tuft.

”It's not in my interest to partake in gossip. Besides, you're hardly a threat in that state.”

Akari looked as if she was going to shoot back at Errol, but she couldn't find the right words to disprove him and instead just turned away and gave a grudging humph. Essairyn smirked at the cute reaction and addressed Errol.

”Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll take my chances on her.”

Akari jerked her head at Essairyn and met the girl's mirthful eyes before turning away with a slightly embarrassed scowl. The unordinary duo's exchange prompted a shade of a smile on the solh'vund's face.

”I must join my brethren in the hunt,” Errol imparted as he turned to leave, ”Make sure to find a safe place to spend the night. Demons lurk in the dark..”

And with those words, he disappeared into the gloom.

”Tch,” Akari clicked her tongue, ”What an uptight guy.”

Essairyn laughed at the fox before saying, ”Let's go back to the treehouse. It probably is best that we don't linger out here too long.”

Akari sighed her agreement, and they flew below the canopy back to the ancient tree.

But before they travelled very far, a murky figure manifested itself from behind the trees. Essairyn knew exactly what it was, and slight trepidation rose in her throat. She watched the figure become clearer as they moved closer.

It was the nightstalker.