What Makes a Monster

♱Seventeen♱

Higra is waiting for us at the door, bowing when we step through the threshold.

"Welcome back, Your Grace," she says, standing tall and glancing to me. I'm already helping to remove Lord Makai's coat, which pleases her enough to grin. "I hope business went well. If you wish, I can report the happenings of this week to you tomorrow. It is quite late."

Lord Makai nods. "Yes, inform me tomorrow. Have others unload my luggage. Wallace, you may return to your quarters, but you will continue Layne's duties until he returns in three days time."

"Of course, Your Grace." I offer up a smile.

Higra gives me a glare that disappears when she notes that Lord Makai isn't reacting to it. He simply turns and walks away.

Once gone, Higra hesitates to speak. She's watching me, mouth opening then closing but not speaking. I wait patiently, tilting my head to the side curiously.

"The trip, how was it?" Higra finally asks.

"I think it went well," I respond, uncertain of what she wishes to hear from me or what I am allowed to tell. "Lord Makai hasn't stated any grievances with me so I am assuming I did well enough."

"Good. If not, I am certain I will hear tomorrow. Goodnight then, Wallace, and welcome back."

"Thank you. Goodnight, Higra."

When returning to my room, I find Hael awake with his nose in a book, as usual. He smiles upon seeing me and offers a hello followed by a welcome back. I'm not at all surprised that, while I'm unpacking, he asks, "How did it go?"

"Quite well actually, but—" I bite my lip at the memory of having been caught. Lord Makai told me to ask for assistance to read and my best bet is Hael.

With my back to him, I mumble out, "But I, uh, I was informed to request assistance in-in learning how to read."

"What?" Hael asks.

"I...am illiterate."

"Wallie, why didn't you say anything?" Hael doesn't sound like he'll tease me. I risk looking back to find him offering up a kind smile. "I didn't know how to read when I started working here either."

"Really? But you love to read."

"Yeah, but there was a past worker, Dellia, that taught a few of us in her spare time. Once I learned, I couldn't stop reading." Hael pats the book resting on the bed beside him. "I'll teach you, Wallie. Did His Grace get angry about it?"

"Thankfully not, but I am meant to learn so thank you."

"Not a problem. Anything else happen?"

"Someone tried to murder me in my sleep," I answer, sending Hael a smile over my shoulder to prove I'm alright. He looks unsettled though, eyes wide and mouth agape. "But Lord Makai arrived in time. He's not nearly as bad as people make him out to be."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, he didn't hesitate to rescue me, for one. Afterwards I remained close, although he may be moody, he's ultimately kind in his own way."

Hael's eyes are so wide I fear they may pop out of his skull. He hesitantly sets his book aside then asks, "How much do you know about Lord Makai?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, he's been alive for nearly 1,600 years so, are you aware of what he has done in that time?"

I hesitate in my unpacking to take a seat on the bed. I shake my head, growing concerned when Hael gives me an almost pitying expression.