Demon Puppet

Chapter 4

“Stupid Hero,” I mutter, knowing he can hear me. “Making me feel guilty.” It’s not like I know any better. I was raised to loathe any supernatural creatures. Especially him. Mister Vault 120. I trudge towards the road and look around. My stomach rumbles hungrily as a delicious scent fills my nose. I follow a cart into the village, and my eyes roam the activity.

The village is bustling with people and merchants selling all kinds of goodies. I have to step aside to avoid being trampled. Numerous vendors shout over each other, trying to sell produce, meat, bread, jewels, fish… just about anything. I avoid the smelly seafood and wander through the market. If only I had money… I think. I stare at a bread cart, my mouth watering. Part of me wants to steal the wares, but my humanity forbids it.

The bread vendor spots me. “Oh! You, girl! You want some bread?”

I jump, startled. “Yes, but—“

“Oh, good! Good!” He interrupts with sly cheer. “I have lots of wonderful bread. All fresh, just baked this morning.”

“I don’t have any money,” I admit submissively.

His expression clouds. His lip curls from a smile to a grimace, and he raises his fist at me. “I don’t feed beggars!” He snaps. “Go on, now! Shoo! Get away from here!”

I grab his arm and lower it until I can glare at him. “I am a woman, not a dog,” I hiss. “I can see you don’t do charity. What do you think of a trade?”

His line of sight makes a beeline for the curve of my blouse. “What do you have to offer?”

I shove him away. “Don’t insult me,” I snap. “I don’t want any of your rotten bread, anyway.” I pull my shirt tighter around me and back up.

“I’ll get it for you, Warden,” a cool, smooth voice purrs in my ear.

The vendor’s eyes widen in fear. “T-the monster!” He screams fearfully. “The monster has returned!”

The market becomes an uproar. I stumble as the patrons flee, knocking me to the ground. Some of the vendors grab their carts and run; others abandon them, terrified. I look up at the ‘monster’ that caused the panic. My eyes widen, and I don’t know whether to laugh or be just as terrified as the humans.

N smiles, his expression catlike. “Hello, Warden,” he says coolly, his yellow eyes boring into mine.

My jaw drops. “N? You—you’re alive!”

“In a manner of speaking,” he muses. He glances around. “You’ll have to excuse me, dear Warden. You like your food cooked and stale… I like mine fresh and scrambled.” He laughs at his own joke and darts after one of the screaming townspeople.

I growl, ignoring my hunger. I can’t just sit by and watch this! I launch after him and grab the back of his shirt, yanking him to a halt. He snarls and whirls on me, crouching defensively. His eyes glow fiercely.