Ero Skill Tree

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One: Clean Up

I quickly and silently warned Beth to keep quite as she stepped into the room. I just hoped that whoever was at the door hadn't heard her.

"What was that?" Asked Aetherin's visitor.

"What was what?" Answered Aetherin.

"I heard someone call out."

"Are you sure? I didn't hear a thing."

"I definitely heard someone shout. They were talking to a Theo... Come to mention it, I can smell human and something else. Are you sure they are all dead?"

"I'm certain."

"You aren't trying to keep something from us, are you?"

"Of course, not. Why would I?"

"Then you won't mind us stepping inside for a moment, will you?"

"I don't see any reason for you to do so."

"I must insist."

The game was up. If they stepped inside, they would find out we were here. As Beth and I prepared for a confrontation we were stopped in our tracks by the sounds of a scuffle outside. We both glanced at each other as we each decided, if we would be better to head out to help or wait inside to see what was happening. A moment passed before I made my way out of the room towards the front door, Beth paused at first but then followed behind me. By the time we made it to the entrance it was already over.

In front of the house there was a scene of total carnage. Blood had been sprayed in every direction. I could just about make out three bodies strewn over the walkway, but they were so badly ripped apart I couldn't tell what species of demon they were from. I couldn't speak as I took it all in and turned to Aetherin. There wasn't a spot on her white dress, just a single smear on the side of her face that she wiped off with a smile as she looked at me.

"You didn't need to come to my aid." She said happily.

"I can see that! What happened?" I asked.

"They realised someone was here. I couldn't have them coming in and causing more trouble, so I had to deal with them quickly."

"Right..."

She definitely had dealt with them quickly. I was more than a little surprised by how brutally she had killed her own kind and just because they had stumbled across something she didn't want them to find out. I was glad that she was now on my side. As I stood there Beth tugged the side of my clothes.

"Is she okay?" She asked.

"She doesn't look hurt." I answered.

"That wasn't what I meant."

"I know."

"I wasn't about to let them in my house. There was always the small risk they might harm Theo or one of his friends." Aetherin said as she heard our conversation.

"Well at least we know she is loyal to you now." Said Beth, for the first time sounding like she believed it.

We both looked over the mess of bodies on the walkway again.

"I'm afraid I may have complicated things for you, but don't worry I'll clean up this mess before anyone can see it." Aetherin said while moving to pick up the nearest body.

"Let me help you." I said stepping forward.

"No, you'll get yourself covered in blood and I'm already dirty. I'll be fine. Please go back inside."

"Sure, if you say so..."

I wasn't sure how Aetherin was dirty already, she had barely a speck on her, and she was wearing a pristine white dress, but she already had a hold of two of the bodies like it was nothing. I left her to it. Beth and I watched on for a moment as Aetherin piled the bodies in the corner of the front garden. As she begun to slice them up into small pieces, we made our way back inside. We walked to the living room and sat on the sofa.