Page 134 of Thicker than Water
A tendril of dejection seeps through Cass’s chest. Much as he appreciates Ez’s frequent offers to cast spells for him, the fact remains that his magic has been weaker than ever since the soul exchange. His myriad pocket dimensions are thankfully unaffected—which is good, especially because JJ has expressed mild interest in those handcuffs—but he has to concentrate just to open a rift, and maintaining even one glamour is a struggle.
JJ is experiencing the same problem with his own spellcasting. Demon souls weren’t made to perform human magic, and human souls weren’t made to perform demon magic. Now that Cass’s and JJ’s souls are mixed, it’s like they have to relearn everything from scratch. Ez and Obie seem convinced that they just have to strengthen their spellcasting “muscles” again, so they’ve been practicing every day while they teach Desi, but, well.
It’s going to be a long road to regain their old skills. Cass is trying not to let it frustrate him, though. “Churros sound amazing,” he says, tweaking Desi’s nose. “From Tacos Near Me or Churrería?”
Desi wriggles happily. “Both!”
“Both?”Cass repeats, and he squints suspiciously at Ez and Obie. “I need to stop sending her on field trips with you two. You spoil her too much.”
Obie scoffs. “Please. We spoil her precisely enough. Right, Desi?”
“Right!”
“And maybe real food for those of us who need it?” JJ adds, gesturing between him and Cass. “I’m game for tacos if everyone else is.”
“Taco lunch!” Desi cheers, throwing her arms up.
“Tacos sound great,” Ez confirms, and this time,shemakes grabby hands at Desi. “I want Desi back. You guys get her all day.”
“Touchy,” Cass drawls, and he deposits Desi into her arms before slipping his hand into JJ’s. “Onward to tacos?”
JJ’s smile is soft and fond and makes Cass feel like he’s falling in love all over again. “Onward to tacos,” he agrees, and Cass smiles back as they follow their friends through the rift.
