Page 18 of Wicked Magik

A pet that is also a source of food. This was good, my Lord would be even more inclined to let me keep her.

My tail behind me wagged excitedly as I listened to their heartbeat. Still strong and heavy, same as before.

“Pet Vesper? Are you sleeping?” I shook her gently but my pet did not wake.

I hurt her and I cursed myself for it.

These humans are weak and I would need to make her wear soft blankets on her head to prevent from hurting her brain. Or perhaps a skull, like mine? My Lord can replace her head if need be.

I scooped my pet up into my arms and I trotted down the path. I tried my best not to jostle her. I might bump her arm on a tree branch and it could fall off.

I couldn’t have that. My pet was living and had all her original body parts and I wanted her to stay all intact. I didn’t want my pet to have mismatched parts, she was so pretty. Like a flower, but more.

I scratched my skull. No, I should not replace my pet’s head to protect her brain. I would miss the skin on her face.

So soft.

My claw ran down her cheek as I continued our journey. It was slower as we traveled and as expected it was near noon when we arrived.

The estate was overgrown with old brush and trees. Deep dark flowers overtook most of the garden. My Lord used to have a staff that took care of the grounds, but he never has told me a timeline of when this occurred. It has been only me and my lord for a long time. We only had each other for company.

I do my best to be his companion but even some days he has trouble looking at me.

I carefully adjusted my pet in my arms and slowly approached the towering, shadowy mansion looming ahead. The spires could not even be seen from the fog blanketing the higher rooms. The day had more light than normal, but I attributed that to my pet in my arms.

I could hear the birds flap their wings over head, the snarls from a nearby predator that would never come near my monstrous form. My Lord’s home was an intriguing blend of materials, with sections constructed from sturdy brick and weathered stone, while other parts are crafted from aging timber. In its prime, this mansion was beautiful.

The painting hanging in the ballroom captured its original state, depicting the stately dark grays and deep reds that captured every part of this side of the world.

I wonder if my Lord would be happy if I helped paint? Would my pet want to do such projects with me? I do not like to be alone.

I pushed the doors open with my shoulder and they creaked as the rusted hinges gave way. Dust fell from above and the wooden floors moaned under our combined weight.

A loud crash came from the basement, my Lord’s work space.

I winced when I heard more glass shattering. Now was not the time to show my Lord my pet Vesper. The question was, when was the right time to show him the pet I could not let go?

Chapter 7

Oryx

Icarried my pet Vesper up to my den. My Lord gave me one of the many guest rooms and provided me with what I felt most comfortable with.

I took the one most damaged and in despair, despite him trying to give me one of the better rooms. I felt I did not deserve it, not a monster like me. Besides, at the time I was unpredictable, I did not want to ruin his nice things.

The room I had now was nicer than when I first received it. I took much time and care to make it the way I felt comfortable.

When I was created my mind was not right. I had so many parts of me that wanted to be free. I wanted to go in so manydirections. I wanted to kill, drink, and dismantle everything in my path.

Yet my spirit would not allow it. The essence of me knew it was wrong.

Over time, I have learned to control most of my urges, but when my Lord gets into my head, I cannot fight him.

I stepped into the dimly lit hallway. The wax of the candles were low and needed to be replaced. That was my job and now that I had a human, I would need to have more light.

My human’s skin glowed. I fear it won’t shine as much where she will live now. The light does not shine often near the estate.

As I pondered these things, more crashes from down below sounded.