Falling for Redemption: Love & Punishment
CHAPTER 3
A PET SHOP IN THE MODERN WORLD
Einer’s body has changed. He glances down to find sleek, midnight-black fur covering his now much smaller frame. His limbs are short and nimble, paws padded and tipped with sharp claws. His eyes retain their intense, piercing crimson hue, and his pupils are slitted like a predator’s. Though small, his gaze still carries the fierce, intimidating aura of the demon king he once was.
The pet shop around him is filled with a chorus of barking dogs, chirping birds, and purring cats, each confined within metal cages. A few other animals stare back at him in mild curiosity or fear as he slowly realizes where he is. Above him, the lights are fluorescent and far too bright, and the air is filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic and pet food.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Glaring, his tail flicking in irritation as he adjusts to his new form*
(A… pet shop. You’ve got to be kidding me.)
He looks around, feeling a surge of frustration rise within him, but he remembers Ael’s words too much anger, and he might trigger a transformation back into his human form. Begrudgingly, he suppresses it, determined to find a way out of this ridiculous punishment.
Einer’s sharp red eyes flicked up as the door to the pet shop opened, letting in a new customer. A Black girl stepped inside, her almond-toned skin warm against the shop’s bright lights. She had frizzy, curly hair that framed her face, and striking hazel eyes that scanned the animals with gentle curiosity. Around her neck, a Rastafarian cross necklace hung, and she wore a brown shirt with comfortable sweatpants, a tote bag slung over her right shoulder.
She seemed to be about 5’6” and walked with a casual, self-assured stride. Beside her stood an older man—clearly her father—his eyes soft with pride and warmth as he watched his daughter browse the cages.
Einer narrowed his gaze, observing them closely from his cage. He wasn’t about to make any sudden moves, but he couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of intrigue toward this girl and her father.
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 𝟏𝟗
𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚: 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍.
As Einer watched the girl and her father approach, he let out a low, disdainful huff. He settled himself in his cage, adopting an arrogant yet elegant posture, his tail flicking with a hint of irritation. He muttered under his breath, a faint, mocking glint in his crimson eyes.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Grumbling to himself*
Great. Just what I need a human inspection. Do I look like some common pet to be hauled around in....... that thing?
*referring to kyomi's tote bag*
He leaned forward, fixing his unblinking gaze on the girl, almost as if daring her to look his way.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*In a muttered tone only he could hear*
Go on, take a good look. You think you want me? You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, little mortal.
Tsk.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Spotting Einer and gesturing to her father*
Papa, look. A black Maine Coon, he looks fully grown, maybe even an adult.
*She tilts her head slightly, her hazel eyes locking onto Einer's piercing red gaze*
Einer stared back at her, his patience thinning as she continued to examine him with intense curiosity.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Thinking to himself, annoyed*
Why is this woman staring so intensely at me? Do you know who I am, hmm?
With an irritated flick of his tail, Einer turned around, presenting his back to her, hoping she'd take the hint.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Chuckling softly clearly amused by his attitude*
Feisty, aren’t you? You think I’m here to fawn over you? I like that.
KYOMI FATHER
*Raising an eyebrow with a smile*
Feisty? Are you sure you want this one, Kyomi? He doesn’t look the friendliest.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Smiling calmly, her voice mature and assured*
Yes, I’m sure. I’m not looking for a pet that’s easy. Besides…
*She leans forward, her gaze softening as she speaks to Einer*
I see a fire in you....like you’re more than what meets the eye.
Einer glanced over his shoulder at her, mildly surprised by the insight in her words. His annoyance flickered into a hint of curiosity, though he quickly shook it off, unwilling to let a mere mortal intrigue him.
KYOMI FATHER
*Smiling, resigned*
Well, it is your 19th birthday, Kyomi. If this feisty creature is the one you want, then he’s yours.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Nodding thoughtfully, her gaze unwavering*
Thank you, Papa.
*She looks at Einer, a faint smile on her lips*
I think I’ll call him… Shall-fen
Einer let out a low, quiet huff, his red eyes narrowing slightly.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Thinking to himself, with disdain*
Shall-fen? This woman thinks she can just name me--Me, the Demon King—as if I’m some ordinary pet? The audacity.
Kyomi opened the cage carefully, extending her hand toward him. To Einer’s mild surprise, she didn’t try to grab him but simply held her hand out to allow him to choose to come to her.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Softly*
Come on, Shall. I promise I’m not going to hurt you. Let’s go home together.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Thinking to himself*
Hurt me? don't make me laugh.
Einer hesitated, sizing her up. There was something about her calm demeanor that intrigued him, but he quickly buried that thought, determined to maintain his pride. He turned his back to her once more, refusing to give in.
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Thinking*
A home? With you? Not a chance. I’m not some docile pet.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Slightly amused, maintaining her composure*
Oh, I see. You’re quite the independent one, aren’t you? But I’m not giving up that easily.
KYOMI FATHER
*Watching the exchange, chuckling*
Looks like you have a challenge on your hands, Kyomi.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Grinning, unfazed*
I like a challenge. Onyx will see I mean business. You’ll come around, trust me.
Finally, after a moment of stubbornness, Einer turned back toward her, curiosity getting the best of him. He approached the cage door, sniffing her hand cautiously.
As she gently coaxed him out, Einer’s pride wrestled with the unexpected warmth of her acceptance. He jumped down gracefully, but as he landed, he couldn’t help but think how strange it felt to be in this situation.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Encouragingly*
That’s it. See? Not so scary, am I?
EINER D.K CAT (ML)
*Grudgingly, under his breath*
(Fine, I’ll play along for now. Just don’t think this means anything.)
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Smiling widely as she reached down to scratch behind his ears*
I knew you’d come around. Let’s go home, Shall.
As they walked out of the pet shop, Kyomi's father chuckled, shaking his head at the unlikely bond forming between his daughter and the stubborn black cat.
KYOMI FATHER
*Teasingly*
Looks like we’ll need to keep an eye on you, Kyomi. He seems like he’ll be quite the handful.
KYOMI LOELANI ( FL)
*Grinning*
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Einer followed behind, his demeanor still aloof, but deep down, a part of him was beginning to feel an unfamiliar sense of belonging, even if he would never admit it.
Comments