Page 38 of Blaze of Our Lives

“But,” Brolrath chimed in. “We do know Shaun Cassidy’s motto. Good always triumphs over evil. That’s the main reason we’ve chosen to be good.”

Of all the ways I thought this might go, this wasn’t one of them. However, the clock was ticking.

“I believe them, Shitty Whore.”

“Strangely, I do as well,” Pandora said.

Brolrath patted my shoulder. “I find it quite endearing that you check in with your other personality. Very charming!”

“Mental instability is not a deterrence. It’s a gift!” Ezzanod added. “Lucky you. I’d love to have someone along for the ride of life. Makes it less lonely.”

His words hit me surprisingly hard. They didn’t apply to me. I had people I loved in my life. Lonely wasn’t a word I’d use to describe my existence. However, Pandora was a different story. I wondered if a small part of her enjoyed being stuck inside me. Asking was out of the question. She’d rip me a new one. In the end, it didn’t matter. It was what it was, and hopefully, it would be over soon.

“Okay,” I said, staying focused. “If I were to take you up on your deal, how would we do it without Heff Brobst and Phyllis catching on?”

The three Demons grinned so wide it made me grin. They were heinous-looking, but their outer shells belied very sweet and pretty interiors. Considering I was a Demon, and so was the man I loved, my uncle, my mom, and some of my besties, maybe I’d have to rethink the idea that Demons weren’t trustworthy.

“Picture this.” Ezzanod splayed his huge hands out in front of him.

I had a horrible déjà vu of Candy Vargo sharing her version of the Higher Power’s plane. Thankfully, Ezzanod’s plan wasn’t a repeat of the Keeper of Fate’s experience.

Ezzanod continued to explain. “When the competition begins, you shall pretend to lose your mind and kill all three of us. It will give you a lead and an advantage as we will be goo on the ground for at least five minutes!”

“Umm… kill you?” I choked out.

“I like it,” Pandora commented.

Of course, she did. “Guys, I’m kind of starting to like you, and murdering you seems...way harsh.”

Drogruzun patted my head. “It would only be harsh if you didn’t have our blessing.”

“No pain, no gain,” Brolrath added with a double thumbs up. “The next part of the plan is Ezzanods idea.” He saluted his buddy as Ezzanod blushed a deep scarlet. “When we regenerate, we fight each other. Drogruzun will end Ezzanod. I will end Drogruzun. And then, I will trip over Ezzanod’s body and accidentally decapitate myself!”

“It’s brilliant!” Ezzanod gushed. “That buys you another five minutes!”

“It actually is rather ingenious,” Pandora stated.

While it was ingenious, it also made me feel wonky. I’d never killed for sport. It wasn’t in my DNA. However, the way the guys laid it out, it was more of a battle plan than random mass murder. If I really thought about it, it was one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for me.

The trio stared at me in anticipation. Their eyes were wide, and their huge hands were clasped in front of them. I bowed my head in respect. “I accept your deal.”

The three smelly, unfortunate-looking beauties squealed their delight. It was a surreal moment. My next words surprised me and horrified Pandora.

“If you’re ever on the human plane, you’re all welcome at my home,” I told the Demons.

“Are you fucking crazy?” Pandora shouted.

“Shut up, Shitty Whore,” I told her. “I might be crazy, but I choose to own it.”

“We would be honored, Bitch Goddess Cecily,” Ezzanod replied as tears rolled down his cheeks.

“I am speechless,” Drogruzun whispered. “No one ever invites us places. Thank you, Bitch Goddess Cecily.”

“What they said,” Brolrath added, sniffling. “I do believe our absence might be suspect. I’d suggest we do some play-acting now. Let’s pretend to despise each other in the open so the killing will look like a natural consequence of demonic behavior.”

“So smart,” Ezzanod said, patting his friend on the back. “You’re always thinking ahead!”

It would be nuts if they actually showed up at my bungalow in LA, but I would welcome them with a hug and a nose plug. This was a very good lesson in never judging a book by its cover or a Demon by his stank. As bizarre and scary as the dream state was, I realized I was growing as a person and a leader.

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