Page 77 of Spit

“I’m coming closer.”

“Don’t,” I whispered. “Check on Legion. He might be…” I didn’t finish the sentence. I didn’t know how to tell Arlo that his friend might be gone forever.

“No offense, Lexi, but Legion is a demon. He can take a few licks. You look like you’re in a lot of pain.” Arlo sounded concerned.

“Please.” I pleaded.

His silence was the only answer as Arlo took careful steps toward his friend and fellow steward.

I couldn’t imagine the next few moments. If Legion was awake and if he tried for me, that would be it.

I pushed myself up, glancing at the door, my heart skipping like a frightened rabbit.

Arlo called Legion’s name, but the pride demon didn’t answer.

I ran while he was distracted.

I moved so quickly that the mansion seemed to react to my speed, the walls moving away from the ceiling as if the building couldn’t keep up. My shadow stretched out in front of me, leading me out of the house.

I had no idea why my magic hadn’t worked.

I knew my shadow couldn’t target demons, but my null magic could—I just needed touch for it to work.

Why hadn’t it worked?

I found the front doors quickly, putting my whole body into opening them. The wood was heavy, fighting against my hold before finally giving way.

Rain slapped me, harsh and thick. The porch was a lake, and the steps were a waterfall. The raindrops were cold, and my clothes quickly soaked.

What had I done?

How could I let this happen?

It was dark. Millions of stars looked down at me; the moon was fat and full—like a judgmental face in the inky sky.

My ears roared with the sound of my breathing and thumping heart. Too loud to hear anything else.

I ran down the drive, my head down as I watched my feet on the gravel road, so I did not fall.

I didn’t see him until it was too late.

My body bounced off his chest, and I fell back. My hands hit the ground, torn by the fall though I was just able to protect my head.

I wasn’t sure what I saw, though I knew it was a demon.

His skin was like glass shards, reflecting the night sky. His hair was long enough to reach his knees—inky black to match his eyes. A living mirror.

Like folding paper, the demon form retreated, revealing the familiar face of Ichi Legion—his fox-like features. High cheekbones and almond eyes that constantly looked down in condemnation.

My nostrils flared, and my stomach twisted. It took every thing in me not to scream. Running would do no good; he was a demon and would catch me.

I had to be careful.

“You found me.” I was out of breath.

Ichi Legion—Pride—cocked his head to the side. “You ran.”

I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “I went for a walk, but you found me now. Are you feeling better?”

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