17. Annette

The rain falls in a gentle shroud, droplets pattering softly amidst the trees. Tendrils of mist veil the deep green forest, granting it an ethereal, mystical aura. Rukhs keen eyes catch sight of something ahead, and I follow his gaze.

Nestled between towering trunks and partially obscured by hanging moss stands a small cabin. Its timbers are weathered, blending into the woodland surroundings. A quaint yet charming refuge, tucked away from the world.

We pause to admire the cozy cabin nestled in the misty woods. Rukh surveys it pragmatically. This appears to be an optimal shelter. We could make it our own. It would be more suited for you than a cave.

His proposition tempts me. It would be nice to have a permanent haven rather than just bunking down in whatever shelter we can find fastest any given night. The cave is a reliable back-up, but still not exactly homey.

But the cabin clearly belongs to someone. You know that wouldnt be right, I reply gently. Its someone elses.

He looks crestfallen. Do you doubt my ability to claim this for you? Rukh demands, flexing his deadly claws, eyes blazing.

I raise my hands placatingly. Of course not, but thats not the point...

Rukh cuts me off sharply. Then why reject my gift to you? Hurt and anger war in his fiery eyes.

This isnt about you, dear. I simply wont bring harm to claim something for our gain.

Rukh scoffs bitterly. You cling to your morality as an excuse. His words sting, but I stand firm.

You’re talking about killing the owners? Dont be ridiculous, I chide. Well find our own place fair and square.

Rukh bristles. A place for us both? Or will you find a problem with the next place, and the next place, because you don’t want to set up a permanent house with a demon?

It isn’t about you! I don’t want a house gained through murder, I shoot back.

He throws his hands up in exasperation. You and your impractical morals! We could live like royalty here.

We dont need a castle to be happy, I counter, hands on my hips.

Rukh points at the cottage accusingly. Look at it! Ready for the taking. Are you truly willing to sleep in the mud while this place stands available?

If it means keeping my conscience clear, then yes, absolutely.”

“Is it the cabin that bothers your conscience, or is it the roommate?”

“The cabin!”

We stand there, scowling at each other as the rain pours down.

Finally Rukh sighs, shoulders slumping. Very well, we shall continue seeking this fair shelter you insist on finding. Even if it takes forever, and we freeze or starve in the process.

“Survival doesnt have to mean taking another life, I respond calmly, refusing to be swayed by his anger. Well find a way that respects both our worlds. But it cant be at the cost of someone elses life.”

What does a human life matter? he muses, his words a solemn reflection. You are less than dust in the cosmic wind of eternity.

He turns away, posture rigid. I know he feels rejected and confused. Gently, I take his clawed hand in mine. I care about you, Rukh. I’d happily spend all of my days in a cabin with you. Just not one that we took from someone else. I’d never be able to feel happy with that.”

Sometimes my perspective is not always aligned with what is considered right in your world, despite how stupid and weak. The rain intensifies, a steady drumbeat against the leaves as we stand at the edge of the woods. But you make me question the boundaries I have lived by for so long.

His voice is low, barely above the wind gently whipping against the trees. “I’m not sure if I approve or how I can. In my world, only the strong survive. If I were to behave in the manner in which you prescribe, you would not be talking to me at this moment.”

I take his hands. “I understand, but life is full of these little ironies. The only way forward is to live life to the fullest.”

His eyes momentarily glaze over, and I sense the weight of the implications sinking in. In his demonic existence, the cycle of life is starkly different, a dance between predator and prey that becomes as automatic as the changing seasons… the cycles of the moon.

His luminous eyes take on a distant cast. I know he is reflecting on the starkly different rules of his ancient, predatory existence. The rain patters down softly as the wheels of moral philosophy turn in his mind.

For all my countless winters,” he finally starts, after how long I am not sure. “I killed without hesitation for shelter, warmth, food, whatever necessity called for. The cycle of life has always been predator and prey. My actions were automatic, as natural as the changing seasons. I was before this cabin. I was before what you consider a civilization.

Perhaps morality is not immutable, but we can always strive to make the best choices we can. I know this wasnt an act of malevolence but a solution ingrained in your nature.”

The raindrops cling to the strands of his white hair, emphasizing the complexity of his newly found emotions. You challenge the very essence of who I am. It is both unsettling and enlightening.

Change is uncomfortable but also necessary.”

Its not that simple. This world operates on principles that clash with mine. I am bound by instincts that go beyond mere survival.

Perhaps not, I suggest, reaching out to touch his arm gently. Life is harsh, nature unforgiving, but we are capable of deeper thoughts than that. So yes, despite how short and meaningless you have seen human life be, does that not mean we should live with greater purpose?

At his wits end, he growls. Why do you reject me? Rukhs voice echoes with a sense of wounded pride, a demon accustomed to wielding fear now facing an unfamiliar sting of rejection. You travel with me, and now you call me some kind of... monster.

His words hang heavy in the damp air, the raindrops seeming to intensify as if mirroring the weight of the conversation. I meet his intense gaze, recognizing the hurt lurking beneath the surface. Its not like that, I respond, my voice gentle yet resolute. I would love to live in a cabin with you. Just not this one.”

Rukh is silent, rain pouring down his brooding form. Finally he sweeps me up in his strong arms. Oh, confound your stubborn principles, he growls, but theres a gleam of amusement in his fiery eyes.

Hey, put me down, you big bully! I protest through giggles as he swings me around playfully.

What are you going to do about it, little one? he taunts.

And just like that, I know for sure that wherever he is, I am home. No matter what we find in these woods.