Page 18 of Prayer of the Damned

My father drums a finger on his lips and considers my words. “It’s a rather simplistic interpretation, but yes, you could say that.”

“And what happens in the end? What does winning the war mean?”

“Power, control over the human world. More real estate, if you will,” he explained.

“Why are wars always about territory? Why can’t anyone make do with what they’ve got?”

“Humans call it ‘human nature’, but in fact divinity and devilry instilled that nature in them.”

“Okay, but it’s endless, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“So what’s the point of all this?” I raise my hands in the air. It’s too much. I’m trying to get to the root of the reason I became this crazy hybrid creature, and I just can’t.

“Each side has their faith, and clings to it by their fingernails. But you, Bellcolor, Libretto may have found something in you that he can use.”

“Me?!” What would Libretto want with an eighteen-year-old girl?

“The Devil marks demons he recruits for the war, and only a few of them receive a demon with considerable power. But even when those powers are discovered, it’s never happened immediately, especially not before completing the transformation. And you, Bellcolor, are immune to physical harm. You must have noticed it. Libretto surely could find a use for your exceptional ability, a way to deploy it for his own benefit. The question is how.” He pauses for a few moments, and I almost lose my mind trying to understand what he’s thinking.

“What could that possibly be?” I demand.

“I don’t know yet, but I’m going to find out.”

“Too bad I’m not immune to pain… if anything I seem to be more sensitive to it.”

“I know, my dear, but from what I’ve seen your blood can’t be shed. Which means you’re immune to any blood sacrifice.”

“I’m not immune to having my mind read.”

“True, because I already took your blood before you went through the change. There’s no telling if your blood would stillrespond to my abilities once you complete the transformation. I hope your stay with other demons will accelerate the change.”

“At Demon University?”

“Yes, as far as humans are concerned it’s a very prestigious university that only accepts a handful. These are the years when you’ll learn all about our history and the war. You’ll be trained there, and the faculty will prepare you for your new life as a demon in the human world.”

I let out a groan. My head is spinning with the amount of information my father is revealing to me. “Will they be able to tell what’s happening to me?”

“If there’s anyone who would know better than me or the Council, they’re probably there. Professor Sapienti is the oldest historian and demonologist in the demon world. Maybe he can share his insights with us. I’ll set up an informal meeting with him tomorrow; The Council mustn’t learn of this.”

“How do you know he won’t tell them?”

“I’ve known Prof. Sapienti for many years. I also know he doesn’t always agree with the Council’s decisions. And if there’s anything that overrides the Council’s laws for him it’s his curiosity for new discoveries. He’ll sell his own parents to examine you once we bring you before him.”

“I’m not sure I’m as glad about that as you are.” Because hey, who wants to be a guinea pig? Fortunately, my body’s impervious, or I’d probably get jabbed constantly to see what’s wrong with me.

“Don’t worry, they’ll teach you to protect yourself,” my father answers my thoughts.

“That’s not especially encouraging, now that I know I’ll have to defend myself not just from angels but from demons as well… it doesn’t sound fair at all.”

“I won’t let anyone hurt you, Bellcolor,” my father promises, but I’m not sure he can keep his word.

“You won’t always be by my side. You have a company to run, and the Council…”

“I know, but even if I’m not at your side, I’ll make sure you’re protected at all times,” he assures me.

“How exactly do you intend to do that? Give me a bodyguard?”

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