Page 14 of My Silent Demon

I frowned but motioned for him to keep going.

Humans rarely notice, but paranormal creatures surround them. Those creatures — like me and Onyx — look like humans until you know we’re different. Some people sense it and are afraid of us without knowing why. Once you’re aware, you see us like we really are. Please don’t be afraid.

I blinked, and, in that second, Osian’s human appearance melted away. Something else sat in the chair wearing his clothes. The features remained Osian’s but tiny horns poked through his hair and his skin turned gray. His nose was gone, his black eyes set back further, and tiny decorative white tattoos surrounded his mouth.

I gasped and tumbled off the bed. I scrambled backward until my body was hidden behind the mattress. My breath came in desperate gasps and my heart pounded wildly in my chest. What was that thing? What had it done to Osian?

I squeezed my eyes closed and reasoned with myself. I was seeing things, right? There’s no way I saw what I thought I saw. Right? Right. I needed to calm down.

I pried my eyes open and peeked over the mattress.

The same creature sat there, arms on its knees, head hung as it stared at the floor.

I ducked behind the bed again and pressed my back to the wall.

Osian said,I knew you’d be scared.He paused sadly for a moment before continuing.Now that you’re aware, you’ll see supernatural creatures all around you. Whatever has been killing students is not human. Be wary of anything non-human. You need to see clearly for your own safety. I’m sorry it has to be this way.

As my heart pounded frantically, I squeezed my eyes shut again. “What are you?” I squeaked.

Osian sounded defeated.Onyx and I are demons. But neither Onyx nor I would hurt you.

Alarm bells went off in my head. Demons?! I’d been told horror stories about demons and possession and the terrible things they could do to people.

I whispered, “Does Wynn know?”

Yes, Wynn knows.He paused.I’m sorry. I wish things could be different. Please be safe. Goodbye, N.

Suddenly, the room felt empty. Like the air was sucked out of it into a vacuum. I opened an eye and peeked over the mattress to find the chair empty and Osian gone.

Chapter 7

Magdalene

I rubbed my eyes and yawned. What a weird dream. I’d dreamt Osian came to my room and revealed he was a demon. It was so crazy, it was obviously a dream, right?

The light out the window caught my eye. It was way too bright out before my first morning class. I glanced at the clock. My eyes widened. OMG, I was late!

I stumbled out of bed and hurried to change into jeans and a T-shirt. Pulling my hair back in a ponytail, I didn’t even take the time to apply makeup. I grabbed my backpack, shoved my cell phone in my pocket, and desperately pulled my shoes on as I fumbled out the door.

Running to class, I skidded to a stop in front of the closed door. I expected to see a room full of students listening to the professor, instead I found an empty classroom with a sign taped to the door that read “class canceled.” A glance down the hall revealed similar signs on many doors.

Clutching the straps of my backpack, I began the walk back to my room. The quad was more deserted than normal, which was weird.

As I walked up to my building, I saw that many students loaded suitcases into their cars.

My eyebrows furrowed. Had I missed something?

I pulled my phone out of my pocket. A text message notification flashed. I opened it to find a text message from the college president.

President Alvarez: EMERGENCY ALERT - Due to recent events, Martopia College will close until further notice. Students, all classes are canceled. Please pack your essentials in a suitcase and leave the dorms prior to 4:00 pm tomorrow.Furniture should be left and doors securely locked. Anyone still on campus tonight, curfew is 4:00 pm - strictly enforced!

A sinking feeling filled the pit of my stomach. Where would I go? I grew up in foster care. It’s not like I had a family to whom I could go. The few friends I had all lived on campus so they would leave, too. Maybe I could rent a hotel room for a couple of days, but then I’d be in the same boat.

Lost in my thoughts, I returned to my room to pack the essentials in my duffel bag. Laptop, phone charger, a couple pairs of clothes, makeup.

My phone rang, and I answered it distractedly, without even looking to see who called.

“Hello?”

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