This is a work of FICTION, made by and for adults 18+. The following chapter includes depictions of trauma, androphobia, and accidental misgendering of a transgender woman. Reader discretion is advised.

Feeling faint, Aileene faltered as the ground solidified. “Careful,” Mera warned upon catching her. She looked at his caring expression while Samael’s wings opened before glancing around. Enclosed by a forest with snow-covered pines of supernatural blue was a grand, wooden cottage, taller and neater than any she’d seen before. As a chill blew past, Aileene shivered and held herself, confused by the new sensation.

“Come, let’s get you two inside.” Samael ushered them towards the double doors while Mera carefully held her; she cautiously leaned into his warmth as the gateway opened and they stepped inside. “I hope this is comfortable. There are two bedrooms and a washroom on the second story, a kitchen and a library on this floor, and a basement that you can furnish as you wish.”

Aileene lurched forward in alarm as the doors closed suddenly. “It’s perfect,” Mera said. “Thank you Sammy.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mera. Is there anything else you need?”

Mera looked at Aileene. “No, I think we’ll be fine.”

“If you do need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.” Samael glanced at her then Mera. “Keep her safe,” he urged before vanishing.

Shyly looking around, Mera quietly spoke, “Well, I suppose this is— our home for now.” After examining the strange wall decorations, he added, “Well… I suppose we need to discuss our contract.”

“Con-tract?”

“It’s an agreement on how our relationship will be handled while you’re in my care.” Mera held out his hand to guide Aileene through the hallway. “It might be easier to understand if you read it yourself.” They entered an enormous room with red chairs of various sizes and beautifully polished tables; along the tan wall were tall portals that revealed a courtyard where flurries fell. Aileene glanced down upon stepping onto strangely soft grass then peered around more to find a queer kitchen with dozens of cabinets and instruments she didn’t recognize. “Please, have a seat, Aileene.” She eased into a chair and sighed as the plush cushioning hugged her. As Mera held out his hand, a golden glow and mystical whirl revealed a scroll of fine, bright paper. “I’m going to take a look around.” He held it out for her. “If you could read this, we’ll discuss our agreement once you’re finished.”

She watched him enter a door near the kitchen before unfurling it. ‘“Soul Care Contract,”’ Aileene read. ‘“This contract is provided as an agreement which defines the relationship and interaction between an individual, hereinafter termed the soul and the individual, hereinafter termed the mistress. Description of the parties involved: This is an agreement between Mera, hereinafter called the mistress, and Aileene, hereinafter called the soul. Declaration of consensus: Both parties, the mistress and soul, acknowledge to have read, understood, and agreed on the document describing in general what is meant by the term “Soul Care.”

‘“Declaration of lucidity: both parties state explicitly to enter this agreement fully lucid and aware of their actions and consequences. Declaration of free will: both parties state explicitly to enter this agreement of their own free will. This agreement is being entered voluntarily and can be broken under the conditions stated herein.” Voluntarily… I don’t know how much choice I have… being dead.’ The door opened and Mera approached a staircase. ‘I suppose I am doing this of my own free will. And Sammy said to keep me safe…’ He opened another door upstairs and vanished.

‘“The mistress’ role: the mistress accepts the responsibility of the soul's mind, body, and immortal soul, under the provisions determined in this contract. The mistress agrees to care for the soul, to arrange for the safety and well-being of the soul, as long as she…’” Aileene stared at the parchment. “Wait…” A door upstairs opened then another shut. ‘She..? Mera is… I suppose Mera isn’t like…’ Suddenly conscious of how she spoke and carried herself around Alieene, she acknowledged, ‘She— really isn’t like any man I’ve met. Maybe we can talk about it later.’ She finished, ‘“As long as she shall own the soul.’”

‘Next is “Conditions of Lucidity: The mistress accepts the responsibility of the soul’s lucidity and guarantees that the soul will be lucid in all times of their choosing. The soul accepts that the mistress naturally releases mind-altering aphrodisiacs, which can induce states of increased… sexual desire.” Sexual— desire..? I’ll have to ask what that means.’

‘“Taking of Sustenance: The mistress accepts the responsibility of the soul’s energy as her food source to consume when needed, under the provisions determined in this contract.” So… I’m food? “The mistress agrees to accept any limitations the soul may have, temporary or permanent, in providing sustenance.” I suppose that’s something.’

‘“The Soul’s Role.”’ Mera emerged from upstairs and came downstairs before descending another staircase. As she vanished, Aileene continued, ‘“The soul agrees to use the experiences that occur as a chance to learn and grow, and use them to improve. The soul’s talents, knowledge and skills are under the mistress’ responsibility to improve. There are no boundaries of place, time, or situation in which the soul cannot willfully refuse to obey the directive of the mistress. The soul also agrees that, once entered into the Contract, its body, soul and mind belong to its mistress, to be used as seen fit, within the guidelines defined herein,.

‘“The soul understands there’s a limited right to privacy or concealment from the mistress.” Limited— what?? “The soul should answer truthfully and completely, to the best of the soul's knowledge, any and all questions the mistress may ask of the soul.”’ She could only shake off her questions and continue, ‘“The Soul's Veto: The soul holds veto power over any command given by the mistress, at which time they may rightfully refuse to obey that command.” I suppose that’s comforting.’

‘“Activities not mentioned: The soul is encouraged to ask for permission before engaging in any activities not actively allowed by the contract, its addenda or by later edict of the mistress.”’

‘“Duration of the Contract: This contract is applicable all twenty— hours of each day, all seven days a… week, every week of the— year… until discharge of the soul.” Hours? Weeks? What is a— year?’ She shook off her questions to continue, ‘“The relation and contract will go through several phases to allow each party to fully understand what it means. During the trial periods the mistress and soul are fully bound to all terms of this contract. At the end of each trial period and before the start of the next, each party involved can decide to end the contract as described in the “Termination of Contract” clause. After this contract has been terminated, the parties can, in mutual agreement, decide to split up or to start a new contract with other terms.”’

Aileene sighed as she spied the end. ‘“This contract will go through several phases to allow each party to fully understand what it means. The first trial will last for one week, the second trial one— month, the third a year, then the agreement may enter its final and semi-permanent state and can only be ended as mentioned elsewhere in this contract or at the conclusion of the soul’s sentence.

‘“Alteration of Contract: This contract may not be altered. When both parties, the mistress and the soul, agree fully aware and out of their free will to change the contractual terms of their relationship, they will first terminate this existing contract as described below and afterwards agree on and sign a new one.”’

‘“Termination of Contract: This contract may be terminated by the mistress after discussion with the soul, but the soul may also terminate this contract if its terms have been broken. Regardless of the circumstances of termination, the mistress will make efforts to secure a new master or mistress for them to contract with for the duration of their sentence.”’

Finally, Aileene read, ‘“Soul’s Vow: I, Aileene, of sound mind and body, vow to trust in my mistress’ care and protection for the duration of my sentence. The Mistress' Vow:  I, Mera, of sound mind and body, vow to care for and protect my soul as payment for her devotion for the duration of her sentence.”’

Aileene closed the scroll as a sound from downstairs alerted her. Mera ascended from the basement and asked, “Have you finished?” She nodded; with a cautious smile, Mera wondered, “Then, would you like to discuss your contract?”

—Spoiler—

It’s been a while; Aileene is progressing towards coming under Mera’s protection while accepting her position as a soul in Hell. What does she have to clarify before they can state their vows? Catch the details of their discussion in Chapter 4: Covenant.

—End spoiler—