"Believe me. If I wasn't trying to create a bridge between humans and monsters, I would be making some examples of them," I said, and then growled, making people nearby flinch back. "But, this shell keeps forcing me to think about the bigger picture. If I attack one of them, the rest will think of me as what the Verse wants them to. A monster. Even though I am clearly one, so are the others, and Humans need to learn that they can trust us. If I kill or harm them, that will make this harder than it has to be," I said through gritted teeth, almost ready to bite off my own tongue.
My mind was like a battlefield with the unseen force that was this shell. While it did not speak to me, its values seemed to bleed into my own. I worried that this might affect me later on when I had to make important choices.
"What happens if they kill one? I mean, a monster that you deem as not dangerous?" Fiona asked.
"Then that person will die. While there might be cases that are special, some fights will be what we will call mutual fights. If a monster attacks a human without cause, the same will happen. This is going to be a firestorm to try and control at the start, but if I can walk among humans without tearing them apart, then so can the others," I said firmly, my resolve solidifying with each step we took toward Lachlan.
Fiona nodded in understanding, her loyalty unwavering. "I trust in your judgment, my King."
As we finally reached the edge of the village, I could see Lachlan waiting at the entrance, arms crossed and a slight frown on his face. He was never one to submit easily, and I knew that our discussion would likely be tense and challenging.
"So, the monster is awake. You looked like you were in rough shape coming back in," Lachlan sneered, but I walked up to him and got into his face with a large smile. I took a deep breath.
"Pride, hate, and dislike. You stink of them all, but you also smell like fear!" I hissed, and Lachlan pushed me back or tried to. All that happened was him taking a few steps back instead. My smile only broadened. "I suppose I should be thanking you. Considering how bad you stink of hate above all, I am impressed that you could even stand to do such a thing!"
"You owed me money, and it was part of the deal that I made with your Queen. Now that you are clearly awake, something still seems off about you," Lachlan said, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized me. "You're different, and I can't quite put my finger on it."
I smirked at him, unfazed by his probing gaze. "You mean the fact that you are still alive and not a rack of bones with every scrap of meat picked off you? Or maybe it is because the people of this town are still alive, and the streets are not awash with blood?" I asked but didn't give him a chance to answer. "Let's just say that I am trying out some new tactics. Giving the undying hate a breather for a moment. Perhaps you should take some notes?"
Lachlan scowled at me, clearly irritated by my defiance and taunting. "Fine," he snapped. "Just make sure you keep that new attitude of yours in check. We don't need any more trouble around here."
"You know," I said, tapping a finger on my chin. "You are only human, right?"
"Is it really that obvious?" Lachlan snapped, and I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, painfully. I am just making this observation to remind you of that note. You have a very short existence in this world. Perhaps it is time to move on?" I asked, and he narrowed his eyes at me.
"Really? A creature of undying vengeance is trying to tell me to let something go?" Lachlan growled and then spit at my feet. "Keep up with your rent, and start taking care of more than just yourself. You might think yourself mighty now, but I still own your home. If you really are changing from your long and extremely dark history, then this would be the best place to start, monster," Lachlan sneered, his words biting and venomous.
I glared at him for a moment, weighing my options. As much as I wanted to tear him apart for his insolence, I knew that it wouldn't be productive in the long run. We needed allies more than enemies right now, and Lachlan could still prove useful.
"Fine," I growled, clenching my fists to keep my temper in check. "I'll take care of what needs to be taken care of, but don't push your luck, Lachlan."
Lachlan gave me a smug grin, clearly satisfied with having scored some kind of victory over me. "That's all I ask, monster king."
With our uneasy agreement established, I turned away from Lachlan, eager to put some distance between us before things escalated any further. Fiona hurried after me, her concern evident on her face.
"My King, please try to remain calm," she pleaded softly, her hand gentle on my arm.
"I know, Fiona. It's just... difficult. But I'm trying," I replied, taking a deep breath to collect myself. I would really like to let my body devour him, but that was not the solution.
The truth of it was that I was only mad because it was true. Even the weaker version that wanted the humans to like him hadn't actually done anything to help. If I wanted these creatures to at least respect me, I was going to have to start acting like a king.
"What is it that you think we should do to make this town better? Does it even have a name? What about our castle?" I asked, pausing in the middle of the street as we walked back into town. "I don't think I even bothered to wonder about any of these things before this."