Page 14 of Sins of the Stone

Ursulette

T he previous evening was still swirling in Ursulette’s head late into the morning. They had woken up entwined together and shared a simple smile before crawling out of bed. There was no discomfort between them, but perhaps she was not awake enough to ponder the consequences. Or maybe it was so lovely that she did not care.

“Why did they make fun of you?” he questioned, a puzzled look etched in the creases of his face. It appeared his curiosity had got the better of him again. Ursulette frowned, a pink hue traveling to her cheeks. She wove her fingers together, holding them around her stomach as her eyes fixed on the floor.

“You saw that, too, huh?” she said, recalling the foul memory. “They always do that. It doesn’t mean anything.”

If you were to ask them, they would say she was lonely, strange, and, to top it all off, fat. It wasn’t a pleasant word or feeling, but it was what it was. She felt no shame—only what was pressed upon her by people who never bothered to get to know her. Ramuz took a slight step towards her, the hands of unease gripping her.

“It means something to you, though,” he said. “I don’t understand. You are an intriguing person, a kind person. I have seen you do things that others do not. Why would they torment you like that?”

Ursulette’s face was in full bloom now, unsure how to convey such a concept to a being that potentially couldn’t grasp it, let alone that he had also seen her kind acts. How would he understand being overweight? Did creatures have different body types or even ridicule?

“Well, it’s because Omar was interested in me—” she winced, “—romantically, but I rejected him because I saw the person he truly was.” She paused, taking a breath to steady her mind. “Now he has to pretend it didn’t happen by being terrible to me. Well, not anymore, I guess.” Ramuz’s expression didn’t change. In fact, it seemed he grew more confused. Ursulette tapped her fingers together nervously.

“They always said mean things to me,” she said. “Outcast, loner, chubby—”

“Chubby? What does that mean?” he pried. Her arms dropped.

“Chubby, fat, husky, large, soft—”

“Soft? But your whole species is soft,” he said. “How can they call you something that you all are?” Ursulette nibbled her lip, a slight, satisfied grin creeping across her face. Yes, he was right. The idea that he had no concept of body type or even what was attractive was quite charming to Ursulette.

“Yes, but…” she trailed off, trying to think of a good allegory. “You know how some twigs are small, and some are large? It’s frowned upon to be large in my species.” Ramuz let a small puff of air out of his nose.

“That is quite funny. The small twigs break more easily. It is the large ones that prove more enduring.” Ursulette’s shoulders dropped, making Ramuz grin. “But I know what you mean. They hurt you because you are different. Just like how humans and creatures neglect me because I am different.” Yes, that was strikingly familiar.

“But they do not know me, as they do not know you,” he continued. “They do not see how you act, your gentle smile, or your shining eyes. They do not hear your contagious laughter over your tears.” Her face shaded pink, flattered by his—this creature’s—words. “You have taught me much about your species. I value that talent. Though I wonder…” He was now close enough to touch her, making her heart beat rhythmically against her ribcage.

“Is the rest of your species as bright as you? Or are they cruel and shallow, like the ones who hurt you?” he asked.

“No,” she retorted. “Everyone is different. There are enough good people to outweigh the bad, but the bad always shines through. You only hear about the bad because bad actions are more memorable than good. No one ever talks about how someone gives food to the hungry, but everyone always remembers a murder.” She took a breath, hoping the spiel was not meaningless. Ramuz was intelligent, though. He would understand. “Does that make sense?”

He nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Like how I am the good in the bad, correct?” It was Ursulette’s turn to smile.

“Right, you are like a diamond. The others are just coal,” she said. Ramuz’s eyes shined with an emotion Ursulette couldn’t quite place.

“Diamond, like a treasure?” he asked, his gaze drifting into thought. Shaking his head quickly, his eyes fell upon her. Ursulette blushed and nodded, confirming his comparison.

“It really is fascinating how many colors your face expresses,” he said in a low voice, using his calloused knuckle to caress her cheek, her skin burning like fire at his touch. “I wonder how many other shades I can make it turn.” Ursulette felt sweat bead on her forehead as she pulled away with a nervous laugh.

Something about his tone made her insides stir in a way she wasn’t entirely comfortable with. If he knew the consequences, maybe he wouldn’t be so forward. Did he know about the forbidden nature of relationships between humans and monsters?

“H-hopefully not very many,” she stammered, her words drying her mouth. “If you make it blue or purple, I’d be choking.” Her cadence was accented with a nervous giggle. She could feel her heart racing, but for what reason, she was unsure. He frowned slightly.

“You know I would not make it turn those colors, Ursulette,” he said, his voice still tempting. “Only if you wanted me to.” He leaned in close enough to where she could feel his breath on her face, his piercing yellow eyes boring into hers. She felt her legs get weak. She couldn’t tell if he made his voice so alluring on purpose or if he was just ignorant.

However, something nagged at the back of her mind that he knew exactly what he was doing. Another nervous laugh spilled from her lips as she took a step backward to distance herself from his enthralling words. He tilted his head to the side, his grin fading.

He’s really gotten bold recently!

“Are you frightened?” he asked. She shook her head, nibbling her lip in a pathetic attempt to soothe her anxiety. Hopefully, she could shove all of it down and forget about it in one fell swoop.

“No,” she assured, trying to fake a confident smile. “I am not frightened.” Ramuz pouted as if confused.

“Then, why flee?”

“B-because—”

“Hm?” Ramuz tilted his head to the side with a slight grin on his face. Her fists balled at her sides. Once more, her face burned as she blurted out another poor excuse.

“Y-you’re making me nervous!” she cried. Ramuz made a noise she could only assume was a chuckle, though it was hard to tell over the heavy pulse in her head.

“My apologies, pink face,” he beamed, bowing. “Seeing you blush, my diamond, my treasure, is just so amusing.” Now she knew he was doing it intentionally and spun around, heading outside to be anywhere but here. With a wave, she opened the front door, still facing forward, hoping to shield her blushing face from his prying gaze.

He’s so charming.

“I-I’m going outside. I need some fresh air.”

“Of course,” he said with a smirk. She could hear the teasing tone in his voice without even looking at him. With one last sigh, she crossed the threshold and wandered down the steps, praying he wouldn’t follow with his alluring tone.

* * *

Ursulette plopped down onto a stump a few steps from the house. She placed her hands on the tops of her knees, taking a breath to calm the unstoppable racing of her heart. Something about his words made her insides clench. She didn’t want to think about what such feelings meant, even if it was more than familiar.

A creature wouldn’t dare flirt with a human, would they?

Ursulette didn’t want to admit that she enjoyed it more than expected. She pondered the consequences, thinking of the damage that would happen to her body or the idea that they would both be crucified for their sins if there was anyone left. But that was enough to warrant her fear—not just for her but also for him. The idea made her heart pound. She shook her head, realizing she was delving too much into the idea.

Get those thoughts out of your head, Ursulette, you sinner. He just doesn’t understand what he’s implying.

She couldn’t believe she was even entertaining this concept, thinking of what would happen to her tiny human body if they mated. It seemed humans truly were equal. All soft. All small. It didn’t matter her size. She would crumble with him.

Sick, you’re sick.

Dropping the blade of grass, she pressed her palms to the sides of her skull as if the action would squeeze the idea from her head. But the thoughts wouldn’t stop. She reminisced about how she mentioned choking and his drool-worthy response. Only if you wanted me to. His voice was ringing in her skull. My treasure. She had never earned such an affectionate title before. She was more precious to him than diamonds. Another invasive thought struck her, making her want to smack herself for thinking something so vulgar.

I wonder what his cock looks like.

It made itself known before she could stop it, making her grind her teeth and stand up, huffing.

“Shut up, shut up,” she muttered, beginning to pace. “Stop thinking .” She wished she wasn’t starved for attention. Maybe then she wouldn’t be consumed with such filthy thoughts.

There was no way he knew what he meant when saying those things, she thought. Where are your morals, Ursulette ?

She glanced up at the house and saw Ramuz peering through the window with a puzzled yet amused look. She waved at him, hoping he didn’t think she was losing her mind. He waved back, never losing that grin. She turned away before she could get lost in his gaze, returning to pacing.

Think about something else. Kittens, flowers, joy, his powerful arms, his gentle words, what he would look like with—shut up!

She ran her hands through her hair, sitting back down on the stump, setting her head on her knees, and groaning.

“You have no morals, Ursulette,” she said to herself. “No morals at all.” Her shoulders drooped, her hands pawing at the dirt below. A noise made her lift her head. Ramuz was standing in the doorway with a quizzical look on his face.

“Are you okay, Ursulette?” he asked. Just like before, his voice was like silk. Now that she had a better look at him since her awakening, her head felt light, wishing she would pass out and wake up with normal thoughts.

“Yes, great,” she said unconvincingly, giving a wry smile. Her heart was about to burst in her chest, and her eyes glossed over his muscular body, his leather-smooth skin, and his piercing, mischievous eyes.

I am so going to hell.

“You don’t seem okay, my treasure,” he challenged and stepped down from the porch, making her head bead with sweat. If he came any closer, she would melt. The nickname was only fueling her degenerate thoughts.

“Please don’t call me that,” she said, lacking confidence. His face twisted, not with hurt, but with curiosity.

“Why not? Do you not like it?” He took a step closer, now a breath away. Her eyes looked up at him, his form towering over her in a display of pure power. She swallowed hard, hoping to hide her desire. She could feel between her legs growing damp, her body quivering, eyes shining, imagining his strong hands caressing her body.

“Ursulette?”

“I, uh, I do, but I don’t and—” He took a deep, drawing sigh like he could smell her emotions, making her hands tremble. “Oh my, you’re making me nervous.” Ramuz took another breath and broke into a grin .

“Whatever it is, it makes you smell very intriguing,” he said, reaching out to touch her face. Before he could connect with her, she brushed his hand away and stood.

“You’re strange, Ramuz. You make me feel strange.” She turned away from him, crossing her arms and hoping losing sight of him would stop her racing heart. Much to her horror or her glee, he placed his hands on her shoulders, peering around her body, his face brushing against hers.

“Good strange or bad strange?” he inquired, the same smarmy grin on his face. Every drop of blood instantly rushed to her face.

Yes, he knows exactly what he’s doing, she thought.

And I’m going to hell for it.