Six

Selene and I were walking side by side on the road back to town. All the while, I asked her questions about herself, her history, her people, and anything else I could think of.

Surprisingly, she was more like me than I would have ever guessed. She "could" eat, drink, and sleep, all to keep up the appearance of being human, but had no need to do so to survive. Truthfully, she confided, the only thing she really enjoyed doing was killing. She went on and on about different assassination missions she had completed and made sure to share every gory detail.

She was able to change her appearance at will, though only enough to blend in. Meaning that she could retract her horns, tail, and wings and make other minor alterations to her body. Quite clearly, she was stronger than the average person by far and apparently resistant to disease, poison, and bodily harm. Though, as far as how she could die or be killed, she remained noticeably vague. I found it relatively interesting that she could see people's memories, but only as long as they gave their permission first.

After solely answering my questions for a while, she began to ask her own questions in turn. Such as why I never tired, why did it seem like I could just push through pain, and why did my personality change so drastically when I was angered by her taunting? I only shrugged at her questions, which very clearly upset her. When she tried to demand an answer, I replied, "I'll answer all of your questions when you tell me what your real name is." She stopped asking questions entirely after that.

The two of us walked in silence until the capital came into view. Selene let out a soft "Wow." Turning to her, I said, "I think it would be problematic if you were walking around looking like this. You said that you can change your appearance to that of a human. It would be best if you could do that now."

Selene stared at me for a moment, then let out a long sigh before saying, "I just want you to know that I find being in human form humiliating." As she was complaining, her tail and horns slowly retracted into her body. Her eyes also changed. No longer were they completely black. They now looked very human. Her irises were hazel with black pupils.

Spinning around, she asked, giggling, "Well, I know I'm not as attractive in this form, but what do you think?"

Ignoring her, I walked through the entrance knowing right where I needed to be. I made sure that Selene stayed close to me. I wasn't worried that she would run or attack me, but she was getting a lot of attention from the town's men. Her tattered cloak did just enough to cover her, but it didn't leave much to the imagination. I thought she would enjoy all of these looks, but I heard her mutter under her breath, "Damn humans staring at me like I am a piece of meat. You are lucky I have a master or I would kill you all."

As soon as she said this, a well-dressed woman walked into Selene, and the two went sprawling to the ground. The fancy lady jumped to her feet and screamed, "Who the hell do you think you are touching me? Can't you tell that I am a noble?!" Selene's only response was to let out a low growl and shoot daggers in my direction.

I grabbed Selene by the arm and quickly led her into a side alley to be alone. As soon as we were alone, Selene began to yell at me, saying, "Did you see that woman! She is no one who matters, and I could kill her in the blink of an eye, but because I'm stuck with you, I can't do that!"

Staring at her with an amused look, I waited for her to finish pouting and then responded, "Two things. First, I tried to give you your freedom, and you said no. So why are you whining? Second, I didn't like that lady's attitude either. I bet she hasn't had a hard moment in her life. You talked a big game, and I think it's time you start showing me exactly what you can do. I am going to slowly stroll towards that big building, and I expect you to be back before I reach the front."

Selene stared at me angrily for a moment, then my words slowly began to sink in, and a sinister smile spread across her face. She took a moment to look me over as if seeing me for the first time, then suddenly took one step backward and disappeared into the shadows.

Shrugging to myself, I tucked my hands into my pockets and slowly walked towards the building that would pay me for my quest.