Page 27 of Flying Blind

“Are they all like that?”

“Yup. Their skin is like a radiation sensor that has been fully exposed. We are just a light source. But instead of radiation, it’s magic.”

“Magic. Right.”

“Says the woman who is bound by a brand, has been blinded by acid, and her mates have demon adaptations. That’s why my brother is so good with metal. Fire comes to him when he calls.” She chortled. “He can do detail work with his fingers, but here, he has to use the forge. Optics.”

“Why aren’t the folks in this tent freaking out that you aren’t serving them?” She sipped at her glass and smiled. “This is lovely.”

“Thanks. I help my neighbour wrangle the bees. She has to pick the raspberries on her own. I just eat them all.”

Zara smiled. “I am hoping to get back to that activity one day. The chore will feel like a treat.”

“Yeah, Lykon has told me about it. I hope it’s everything you need.”

“Me, too. You didn’t answer why folks don’t seem to notice you are seated.”

Lyric snickered. “That is the bonus of being what I am. If I don’t want to be seen, I am not seen. Like now. Not seen, not heard. The demon who just walked in here looking for you can’t see you. It’s all good.”

Zara jolted and gripped Lyric’s arm. She could see the swirling darkness but nothing else. Rayd was coming behind him, and then the swirl stopped and was moved backward. The demon disappeared from her senses, and the crowds closed in immediately after. He was truly gone.

Rayd called, and Zara said, “Go to the spot that you dropped me off at, and Lyric will let you see us.”

He got close, Lyric let him see them, and he sat down across from Zara, taking her hand. “He’s gone for now. He’s dealing with a rather intense scorching.”

Lyric chuckled. “No one noticed?”

“No, it was done with a light contact. A pat on the shoulder.” Rayd squeezed Zara’s hand. He came into full focus for a moment, still black and white but focused.

“So, he was after me?”

“Yes. Lyric, is Lykon working from home this week?”

“Yeah.”

“What about you?”

“I can. Why?”

“I am worried about having her with my grandmother if others are hunting. I know you can handle yourself.”

“Well, until my mates show up, handling myself is all I’ve got.”

Zara giggled.

Rayd sighed. “Funny.”

“I think it is both hilarious and frustrating.” Lyric chuckled. “Zara, did you want another melomel?”

“Yes, please. That stuff is good.”

Lyric slipped away, and Rayd said, “Thank you for telling me about the other demon.”

“No problem. I know that the demon I know is better than the one who blinded me.”

He sighed and continued to stroke her hand. Lyric brought her the alcohol, and she sipped it slowly. It was lovely.

Rayd sighed. “Lyric, how do I get a few bottles of that?”

---