Page 22 of Living Legend

I finally settled back into my chair, casually resting my arms. “She did discover something you apparently were already aware of.”Jonah raised his manicured eyebrows.“The Oculus glamor.”

He let out a low laugh. “Ah yes, that. I discovered it during my initial meeting with Natalia. Beautiful craftsmanship. Her mother really was a wonder. I promised Natalia and her mother it would remain a harmless secret.”

“You could also tell them to remove it. They can go back to living their lives as normal without having to hide.”

Jonah shook his head, casually tapping a pen on the desk. “If it were that easy, I would agree. The Enchanters have been ravaged -- they would rather remain the way they are, just to have peace of mind. I won’t force them. It isn’t my place. You know, once upon a time, you could travel to Oculus and were greeted with a smiling face and a hug.”

I smirked. “Things have changed, I assure you.”

“So it seems.” He nodded at the bruise on my wrist. “None of this concerns the issue at hand, though. What have you brought me?”

I cleared my throat. “Natalia didn’t give much, but I get the feeling none of her people want anything to do with this or would have the power to pull apart a portal. She did say she created it, but it would take more than one to destroy it.”

Jonah rubbed his thumb and index finger over his stubbled chin. “More to destroy it.”

“Yes, sir.”

He pushed back from his chair, walking to the fireplace. A lit candle sat in the center, the flame small but releasing that intense forest scent. “So, we have more enemies than I thought.”

I remained in my chair. “It would seem that way.”

I waited for a response, but he said nothing. He stayed with his back to me, facing a fireplace with no raging fire. “She knew Dani; not like a friend, but almost in a curious way. She asked why Dani was there instead of another demon. I’ve been wondering that myself.”

Jonah turned over to his bar. “Do you know why Dani is called the Soul Seether?” I shook my head as he poured an amber liquid into a glass, raising it to his lips and taking a long drink. “I only know Lilith gave her that name for her ability to rapidly and violently mutilate the soul. Not just the body it lives in, but the very nature of your being. That kind of power… people either gravitate towards it or cower in fear.”

I got to my feet. “If you fear her, then why bring her here?”

Jonah downed the rest of his drink, placing the glass gently on the bar. “I don’t fear her, Nicholas. Lilith covets her, but the Soul Seether isn’t tethered to that place. Having her on our side could give us an advantage for what’s to come, however dangerous it may be.”

“What’s to come?” I asked.

“You think one demon coming through the portal was the beginning and end? He was likely an experiment for something I assure you will cause bigger problems.”

“Shouldn’t we be preparing for that?” I questioned, confusion heavy in my voice.

“We will never be truly prepared for what may come. Unfortunately, I am no oracle.”

I tapped my fingers on the bar. “What if Lilith decides to come looking for them? The portals are already weak.”

“We will fight as we have always done, but Lilith coming through is quite impossible. Do not concern yourself with that -- I have Natalia working on the portals as we speak. For now though, I have restricted access to portal keys for the time being.”

I walked back over to my chair, laying my hands on the back. “You make this sound like the calm before the storm.”

“Exactly,” he replied. “I will summon you again soon with your next task. You handled yourself quite well.”

I squeezed the chair in annoyance at my dismissal. I wasn’t annoyed with Jonah, but with the situation. I felt like someone’s errand boy, like exactly what my father warned of. The doors creaked open as I headed towards them.

I stopped, turning slightly. “You aren’t planning on sending them home, are you?” He acted as if Dani was a demonic calling card. Maybe she was.

Jonah peered at me, his gray eyes sparkling. “Not quite yet.”

“How long do you plan on napping for?” I asked, shaking my best friend. I had taken the elevator back down to the second floor and strolled down the hall to Reese’s bedroom. The lights were off, but I could hear his faint snores.

“Go away.”

I rolled my eyes, shaking him again. “Wake up! You slept all day yesterday, you ass.” I lightly punched right between his legs as he was turning over, receiving a loud groan in return.

“Fuck off.”

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