Once they were back inside Dreydon’s home, the thick shirts vanished. She attempted to move away from him, but he held onto her arm.

“Does your shoulder hurt from my bite?”

“A little bit. Why?”

“I can heal it.” In an instant, Dreydon was pulling off her top. She struggled against him but was hampered by her vision being blocked. He threw the top on a nearby chair and looked at her shoulder.

“There’s bruising, but I didn’t pierce your skin.” He held his left hand close to the injury and she felt the now familiar healing power passing into her.

“Thank you, but once again you’ve taken my clothing off without my permission. I thought I’d made it clear you shouldn’t do that? How would you feel if I suddenly pulled off your pants?”

A smile that was definitely demonic graced his face. “I would be delighted. Is it something you want to do?”

“Of course I don’t want to do it. I was just trying to make you understand. You are impossible, Dreydon.”

“Ah, you said my name again.” His line of vision moved down from Esther’s face to her bra. “Your breasts are what I would really like to bite.”

In shock, Esther backed away from him in the direction of her top. She grabbed the garment and quickly pulled it on.

He moved over to her and looked contrite. “That remark was made by my demon. Sometimes I cannot control him.”

“Yesterday I thought you were kind because you gave me food and shelter. Today I’ve changed my mind. You’re an unpleasant, uncouth beast. I want to go home.”

“As I explained, I cannot yet take you there. I will try to make my demon keep silent. He is focused on you because you are so lovely.” He walked away from Esther and toward the front door. “I’m going to collect some berries for us.” The door opened, he stepped onto the porch and was gone.

Esther looked at the door that stood ajar. Has he forgotten to close it? The thought of going outside to explore was tempting. If she stayed on the porch, Toldo might protect her if there was any danger. She moved toward the door, but it slammed shut. Apparently, he could close it by magic even from a distance. She was confined to the cabin, but at least for a while there would be no more of his surprising comments.

Esther felt sure Anna would like Dreydon. She had a thing for the men she called “bad.” Strictly speaking Dreydon wasn’t a man, but Esther felt sure her friend would forget about his extra bits if she saw his gorgeous body.

A sound woke her. She sat up and saw Dreydon putting two bowls on the table.

“Come and have some berries.”

She yawned, stretched, and stood up. “I don’t usually take a nap in the middle of the day. I think the air on Kurbridor must be too relaxing.” Esther went to the table and looked at her bowl’s contents. Some fruit, like strawberries and raspberries she recognized, but others she didn’t. Sitting down, she began eating the berries and they were very sweet. Dreydon had poured some water for both of them and she gratefully drank hers.