Ember nods, and I watch as she shake gets up and disappears into the kitchen. With a sigh, I straighten up, dust myself off, and approach the door. I swing the door open wide and step out onto my porch.

“Hey!” I yelled out loudly. “What are you doing?! This is private property!” The man standing out in the woods, turned to look at me. It’s dark out so I can’t really see him that well, but I can see his outline. “Who are you, ma’am?” he asked me, his voice filled with attitude. I cross my arms. “I’m the owner of these woods, duh. I AM living here after all. Who are you?” He scoffs.

“I’m a hunter. There’s a demon out here.” I raise an eyebrow. “A demon?” I repeat, unbelieving. “Yes, a demon. A monster. It’s out here, wanting to feast upon human flesh and turn us into one of them!” I hold back a laugh. “Uh-huh. What’s this ‘demon’ look like?” I question. The hunter looks around quickly before looking at me again.

“The beast has horns, long, ugly, black hair, red eyes, a grimy, faded, black shirt, dirty boots, and very ripped jeans.” I shifted my weight to my other leg, trying to look relaxed. “Why so dirty?” The hunter looked surprised. “Because it’s a nasty creature. And I highly doubt it’s ever had a change of clothes. Serves it right. It’s a menace.” my eyes widen, but I screw my features into a more neutral expression.

“Well, as you can see, the demon isn’t here. Now I suggest you leave my property.” I say while smiling sweetly. “And why is that?” he asked in a tone that’s uncaring and defiant. “Because if you don’t,” I start, sugar sweet. “I’ll make sure you have less money and a history of jail time.” He rolls his eyes. “I won’t get caught. I’ll run if you call.” I laugh. “Then you’ll still be gone so it’s a win-win either way. But it would be easier if you left on your own.” The hunter replies fast. “I can tell when someone’s bluffing. And you, my lady, are bluffing.” I smirk.

“Try me.” I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and tap to the keypad screen. I click in the first two numbers and the hunter takes off, running away from my house. I stay outside for a minute before walking inside. I set my phone on the charger before walking into the kitchen where Ember is. I look around the kitchen. No demon to be found. “Ember? Where are you?” I hear a whimper from the cupboard and immediately walk over to it. I open the door and see Ember, who’s crying, tears falling down her face like rain.

“Ember? What’s wrong? The hunters gone.” Ember doesn’t look up, but I hear her mumble through her sobs. “He-called me a monster, a-a beast.” Ember continues to cry quietly as I crouch down to match Ember’s sitting height.

“Hey, hey, its okay. None of that’s true.” I talk gently, trying to reassure the crying girl in front of me. She looks up at me, tears still streaming down her face. “You’re not a monster.” She was a demon, sure, but not a monster. I could tell that much.

“And I mean that.” Ember sniffled. “R-really?” I nod. “Yeah, I do. Now, how about we get you cleaned up, huh? Know how to shower?” Ember wipes her face and stands up, getting out of the cupboard as she talks.

“Y-yeah. I-I know how t-to shower.” I clap my hands together quietly as to not make her jump. “Great! Let’s get that done. You go shower and I’ll pick up some new clothes for you. I think I got your style. Oh, and by the way, there’s a robe you can use for when you’re done. Bathroom’s up the hall on the right.”It takes a second for Ember to register what I said, but she knows when she finally does her mouth agape slightly.

“I’m going to make a quick trip to the store.” I say, grabbing the car keys. I grabbed my phone off the charger and check the time. Some stores were open all night so I would hit those. I tend to Ember, who is still standing in the same spot. “What do you wanna eat?” a question her. “Uhm, pizza? I love pizza.” I got a response typing the order of food until the app on my phone. “See you in a few!” I had for the door waving to Ember and she waves back. I see a smile on her face as I leave the house.

* * *

When I get back, I unlock the door with my free hand, my phone and Ember’s new clothes on the pizza box. I wasn’t gone long, so Ember is still in the shower. I put the clothes on the bed in the spare room across the hall from the bathroom and walk back into the family room, setting the pizza on the coffee table.

“Back!” I yelled to let Ember know I’m home. I flop on the couch and grab a slice of pizza before it gets too cold. I prop my feet up on the table while I eat. Not long after I hear the water turn off and shuffling in the hall letting me know Ember is done showering. I hear a gas from the spare of bedroom. I wonder if that’s good or bad. After a minute, she comes into the family room in the purple shirt, naturally ripped jeans, and combat boots. I picked out, smiling widely. When she spots the pizza, her smile only grows.

“This is amazing!” She exclaims happily. “You’re the best! Thank you so much!” I smile, taking my feet off the table. “Of course. Now help yourself to a slice, yeah? Can’t have it going to waste.” Ember no it’s and grabs the ice sitting next to me on the sofa. She quickly eats the first slice reaching for a second slice as I speak up. “Hey, slow down. No one’s going to take it from you.” I say while laughing a little. Ember stops chewing and talks with a full mouth.

“Sorry.” She mumbles. And says down, but only slightly, still eating faster then normal people would. When she finishes her second slice, she doesn’t grab another. So I try to start a conversation.

“So, the horns-“ Ember interrupts me. “No, I can’t make them change color or disappear. I wouldn’t have nearly killed if I could.” I’m surprised by her firm, unstuddering voice but I quickly push my surprise aside, pulling a black and gray beanie out of my purse. “Good thing I got this then.” Ember’s eyes widen. “Is that...?” She trails off. “A beanie to cover your horns. It stretches so it should do the trick.” I finish her sentance for her. “Seriously?” She asks. “Seriously. Can’t have you relying on others all the time.” Ember looks down. “I don’t rely on others that much. You’re the only one who’s let me stay more then five seconds. No one wants a 595 year old demon in their home…” I’m silent for a moment before speaking again, trying to cheer her up. “Well, now you won’t have to deal with that.” I say, handing her the hat. She takes it and smiles jamming it on her head, adjusting it to cover both of her horns. Well, they poke out the top, tearing the fabric but at least they look like part of the hat.