The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 4, Devils Den

Embers POV~

Mesmerized by it all, unable to take my eyes off him. Going to take a step only to loose my footing and slip. Clumsily falling back landing partly on top of my bag to cushion the fall. Cursing under my breath rubbing my lower back, wincing slightly from this blunder. Being pulled back into reality by the sound of tin clanking. Slowly looking up and watching a can rolling until it hit the man's boot. Petrified, unable to move even an inch. Meeting the silver pools that sat in pools of ink. That looked back to me, Feeling my face glow a bright fiery red.

Noticing how all eyes were now staring into my soul.. Standing up with haste, "I-I am so sorry." Apologizing through a shy stutter, Stumbling a bit as my nervousness took over. Wiping the dust and dirt off. "I-I had no idea anyone would b-be here." Words flying out in a panic. "I-I didn't m-mean to interrupt you all..." Trailing off from embarrassment as my mind shuts down.. Guilt ridden thoughts rise like a rising flood.

Flustered, my hands forgot how to work. Clumsily dropping my bag once more, sighing heavily in disbelief. As a number of cats came running to say hello. Their tails standing up curled with joy. Followed by meows of excitement for my usual visit. Perhaps the surprise treat I brought along helped. Easing my nerves briefly as I focused on them, whispering soft hellos to each friendly feline. Kneeling down to pet, rub, and scratch each uniquely. Carrying on conversations like it was natural. Knowing well they wanted the treat. Unable to wait any longer to amuse me. During this momentary normalcy to the routine, the man seemed completely forgotten about.

Without notice he was there just standing a few feet from us all. A look of intrigue swirling in his eyes. Handing the can of wet food that tapped his shoe back with a smile. Mouthing the words 'thank you' as I take the cam to open it.

The cans crack, setting off a frenzy of meows. Some were yelling at my feet. Kittens jumping onto my skirt to climb like I was an obstacle. Bringing me to a chuckle at their demanding shenanigans. Quickly setting out all the cans I had on hand. Placing the food down strategically so the cliques ate together; loners had their share in peace. No cat overlooked, to go without their tasty surprise.

"Wow. You seem to know these precious bunch of hunters well." He complimented me with a toothy grin. His deep honeysuckle voice getting my attention. Giving him a smile in return. Our eyes locked once more; as quickly as it happened. I was back to putting full focus on the colony. "I wasn't expecting to see anyone else... here." He paused for a moment trying to continue the conversation. A slight raspiness added an allure to his voice. "This seemed like a... good place for a..." He kept stopping as if to think over the very words he spoke.

Looking him over, watching as he scratched the lazy loaf across his shoulders. Eyeing him up and down before I looked to the others for guidance. Trusting they would know how to read anyone. Puckering her lips lighting in thought. "For a.... Chance to meet another friend of cats." Trying to help give him an out. Raising a brow in curiosity, "No one comes to the Devil's Den." Walking closer to him with a kitten in hand. "Well unless of course you're a cat." Giggling softly at her own humor. "By the horns, tail and well no fur," pausing briefly, "You are definitely not one." Trying to find some fun to ease the conversation.

He let out a hearty raspy chuckle. His lips curled in a forced smile. "Gods be damn you got me there, Miss?" He cocked his brow up into an curious arch. As he ran fingers through his long locks..

"Ms. Zippel." I answered him plainly to introduce myself. My arms crossed over like a defensive wall. "And you are?" Snapping back quickly with a similar question.

My ivy tea green eyes turned to slits waiting on his answer. Growing ever more agitated with each passing second. Thinking on his toes, "You don't seem too afraid of this strange man with horns in the back alley?" He answered with a question of his own. Pulling the lazy pussy cat off his shoulders now cradling Mochi like a baby.

Alastor POV~

Sighing heavily gathering up her things, "You must be new to town then." Plainly speaking with a hint of shortness. Keeping her eyes to the ground, looking through the bag with serious intent in her eyes.

"Yes! Quite new!" Perking up in my body language. "I just got in town actually." A big friendly grin crossed my lips. Stepping closer to her in an attempt to get a feel for this world. "You still didn't answer my question. Why is it you're not afraid of—" Being completely cut off with a mysterious powder being blown straight into my face.

Mochi spazzing out of his arms hissing with anger. Hitting my chest while I uncontrollably cough.. "What the fuck was that about you—" As I was about to curse this curious human woman out. My eyes widened seeing she had lit a bundle of herbs, deep smoke now flowing off them into an aromatic plume.

A strong magical aura emerged from her. She bathed a stone blue headscarf in the thick white smoke. To my surprise I was stunned as the sweet scent of strawberry lemon with mint hit his senses. Hearing her chanting some words in a gentle whisper. Had even curved my tail with excitement. "Are.. a witch." Completing the sentence differently than when I had started it.. Eyes wide with intrigue and brightened up in amazement. Coupled with a big stupid grin across my face like an imbecile.. Something strange sparked deep down in my chest., finally understanding why she wasn't running away in fear.

Wrapping the scarf around my wrist. I watched as my gray toned skin turned almond. Feeling for my horns, only to find none. Even my own tail has vanished without trace. I look human.

Before another word could be spoken. Ms Zippel ran away like a spooked kitten. Leaving me all alone with my thoughts.

Just then a meow could be heard by my feet. Kneeling down to a fierce proud black cat. Bright yellow green eyes locked to me, as if a mother watching out for her own. Her fur is as dark as the night, like a shadow. Though she couldn't speak words; it was as though I could understand this queen of the colony. She questioned my intentions towards the young sweet Ms. Zippel. A soft growl escaping her tiny throat as a warning. One I will never forget. Knowing then just how much she meant to those within this alleyway. Letting out a light sigh; thinking over these thoughts of mine.

Holding out a friendly hand to the shadow in front of him. "I promise you, I won't hurt her little shadow.", speaking with honesty to the feline. Her yellow green eyes turned to slits. Only for a moment, sending daggers through my soul. An ice cold chill down the whole of my spine. Shadow walked away back into the hoard of felines.

Standing up accepting that as a gesture of concession. Looking to the direction she went, determined to find her once again. Even if only to thank her for the scarf.

~~~End Chapter~~~