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

As Mera sat before her, Aileene blushed; the way she carried herself was obviously womanly, and even her expression betrayed the femininity behind her otherwise masculine face. “So, uh,” her uncertainty shone through her voice. “Did— you have any questions?”

Aileene blinked as she contemplated, “Well, I— I suppose I had a few… I-it feels— insensitive to ask, but…” She took a moment to squirm. “You are— a woman, right?”

Mera shied away. “Yes… I— know I look like a man, but— I hope you’ll see me as the woman I am.”

With a slight nod, Aileene affirmed, “I do. I— don’t fully understand, but you’re not the first person I’ve met here that’s made me question my knowledge of sexes… But either way, it doesn’t— really matter to me. If anything… I think thinking of you as a woman makes this… easier? After,” Aileene felt her heart sink, “after I— died, I’ve… I’ve been scared. Mostly of men, but also just of… what will happen to me. I,” tears began to fall, “I miss my family. I want to see them… so badly.”

While Aileene cried, Mera consoled, “I’m so sorry… I wish I could do something to shorten your time here. But— maybe, with my company, it wont— feel so long.”

After several deep breaths, Aileene peered back to Mera. ‘Maybe,’ her cries began to calm, ‘maybe it— won’t.’

“Can I ask you something?” Mera’s uncertain gaze distracted her. “What— do you feel when you look upon me?”

She looked upon the form before her. Her clay red skin was odd yet enticing, while her golden eyes and hair created an intriguing contrast. In her expression, Aileene found care and concern, easing her fears. Her hands were neatly folded in her lap while her nails were short and clean. Not much was shown besides Mera’s slender arms under her silken black robe, given form only by the golden sash around her waist. “I… I’m not too sure. But, I don’t feel afraid.”

With a cautious smile, Mera said, “I’m glad. Do you have any other questions?”

“Uh… what did the contract mean by ‘limited right to privacy?’”

“I’m a mind reader,” Mera revealed. “As long as I’m looking in your eyes, I can tell what you’re thinking.”

Aileene blinked. “Oh. Thats…” She looked down. ‘I’m not sure how I feel about that.’

“If you want my honest opinion,” Aileene shot up, “I’m not too partial to this ability myself. It— feels like an invasion of privacy to know what someone is thinking. I also often hear things I wish I hadn’t heard, such as when you first saw me and thought ‘he isn’t too scary.’” She covered her mouth as Aileene realized what she thought.

“I—  I’m sorry, I had no idea.”

“It’s not your fault, you didn’t know. I’m used to it by this point, but it doesn’t make it any easier. At this point I usually just try to avoid looking others in the eye, but it’s not always possible.”

“I can imagine,” Aileene consoled. “To be honest, I don’t really mind now that I know. It is… odd, but I can get used to it.”

“That’s comforting to hear. Is there anything else you want to know?”

She thought quietly before asking, “What did the contract mean by ‘aphrodisiacs’ and ‘sexual desire?’”

“Oh, I— wouldn’t worry too much about that. Sex is… something that people can do to feel good and my aphrodisiacs can make you want sex more, but I’m not interested in that at the moment. I’d rather just enjoy your company.”

“Okay. But, what is sex?”

Mera’s lids flickered and she seemed to blush. “O-oh! Well, sex is when people— touch each other to feel good. They usually kiss…”

Aileene flushed. ‘K-kiss?’ 

“And take their clothes off…”

‘Take off,’ she shuddered, ‘their clothes?! That’d be so— embarrassing!’

“And hold their bodies close together…”

Suddenly, Aileene recalled Hagan, the way he held himself against her after bringing her to the ground. Her cheeks went pale feeling his weight on her hips and his grip on her wrists.

“Aileene?” She looked up. “Are you okay?”

“I-I…” After taking a deep breath, she continued, “I think so. I just— remembered how I died…”

“It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it anymore.”

“Th-thank you.” Trying to calm her nerves, Aileene pondered, “Is there anything you need to know?”

“Only if you’re ready. I have a feeling you’re ready for all this to be over.” Mera held out her hand. “Would you hold your contract with me?” She handed over the scroll. “Do you remember your vows?”

“Uhm… I think so?”

“Let me say them with you, then. ‘I, Aileene, of sound mind and body, vow to trust in my mistress’ care and protection for the duration of my sentence.’” After Aileene repeated, her side of the scroll began to glow gold. “Very good. Now, let me say mine. ‘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.’” As the golden light spread, the parchment floated into the air before exploding in a bright array. The light faded and revealed a short band of red leather before it fell into Mera’s hand. “May I place this around your wrist?”

With a nod, Mera snugly secured it. Aileene inspected it and found there was no crease where the leather used to separate. “So, what happens now?”

“Well… If you don’t mind, I’d like to sing some poetry.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t mind. I— always enjoyed listening to my mother and grandmother sing.”

Mera smiled. “Thank you. I hope you enjoy my singing too.” She reached out and a golden portal appeared; from within, Mera pulled out an ornamented book of astonishing detail. Looking at an open page, she sang in a tongue that Aileene didn’t recognize. Aileene listened in awe as Mera’s voice became more womanly and elegantly sung words she didn’t understand. She lost track of time, and before she knew it the song came to a close. Flustered, Mera shyly wondered, “Well, what did you think?”

Spellbound, it took a moment before Aileene realized Mera asked a question. “O-oh! It was— beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome! Would you mind if I sang some more?”

“No, not at all.” With her affirmation, Mera turned the page and sang again. Aileene quickly became entranced and nearly fell into a trance as she noticed the snow gently falling. Her own lids felt heavy soon. At ease for the first time since yesterday, Aileene lay down; her repose didn’t last, though, as she felt the familiar longing for company. As she sat back up, Aileene asked, “Mera? Is it okay if I— lay in your lap?” They shared a confused glance. “I— I’m feeling… lonely.”

“Of course.” Mera made room while Aileene came over and let her ease down. “A-are you comfortable?”

She only nodded at first. “Could… you pet my hair? My mother used to and it was… comforting.”

With a cautious stroke, Mera caressed her head. Aileene’s chest warmed and her heart eased as she curled up. “Is that better?” Slowly nodding, Aileene relaxed and felt the world falling away. “Would you like me to keep singing?” After a hum of approval, Mera resumed. The pleasant melody gently lulled her and soon Aileene fell asleep.

—Spoiler—

Aileene seems to be adjusting to her new unlife, but has she left her life behind? What happens when the past comes back to haunt her? Memories of her death return and Aileene must face her fears in Chapter 5: Memory of Death.

—End Spoiler—