Page 14 of Court of Heathens

“Gods do not need as much rest as mortals.”

With nothing else to do, I slump into my bed, and despite having his eyes on me, I fall fast asleep.

“Gods don’t need as much rest my ass,” I mutter, staring at the god. He’s sprawled across the circle, his mouth open as he snores loudly. He almost looks normal. He sighs and rolls over, and I swear he’s drooling as the snores start back up.

I grab a blanket and throw it over him as I look around.

My demon is nowhere in sight, which is strange in itself. He never leaves me alone this long. Did I hurt him? I should take the time to grill Phrixius for information, but I find myself heading out into the village to find him, leaving the god to his dreams.

I avoid Agatha’s shop and house in case she realises I broke in last night. Technically, all knowledge within the coven is to be shared, but that doesn’t mean I want anyone to know why I was looking for a freeing spell. I’m already in enough trouble, and I cannot afford another mistake.

My dress swishes over the cobbled steps as I walk through the village. It is early, the sun barely up, so most are still asleep, meaning the streets are empty. I wander aimlessly up and down winding paths, past Victorian mansions and the cute cottages, but my demon is nowhere in sight.

There are a lot of places for him to go, but as I step into the villagesquare and turn, I wonder if he left for good. All my worries would be over. I could be a normal witch with a normal life, so then why aren’t I happier with the idea?

Why do I feel almost hollow? Like I’m missing something?

Sitting heavily on the edge of the pentagram-shaped fountain, I look around, wondering where he could be, when there’s a pop and his grinning face appears before me.

“Looking for me?”

I scream and fall back, all while flinging my magic. I splash into the red water, sinking under with a sputter. When I break the surface, his eyes are narrowed, and he has a cage around him.

“Really?” he sighs.

“You scared me!” I yell as I look down at myself and groan. My hair and dress are soaked. I point at him. “Look what you did.”

“I like you all wet.” He smirks, and my eyes narrow. My hand moves quickly, and he laughs as he disappears from the cage just as I fling my magic at him again. I search around, looking for him.

“Get out here, demon,” I warn, magic waiting in my hand.

“I’m right here,” he whispers in my ear, and then I’m plunged under the water again.

I come up sputtering to find him laughing, and then he’s gone once more. Suddenly, a tidal wave of water hits me, and he laughs. I kick water back at him, and he howls as it hits him.

I race around the fountain with him hot on my heels, both of us flinging water at each other with hands and magic until we are drenched and laughing loudly.

Panting and grinning, I lift my head and find two coven members there, their mouths agape as they watch me have a water fight with myself and talk to thin air.

“Morning.” I wear a guilty grin, water dripping down my face.

“She’s getting crazier,” one murmurs before waving, and then they hurry away.

I kick out the demon’s legs, and he yelps as he hits the water and goes under as I climb from the fountain. Waving my hand, I dry myself off.

When he leaps from it, he pouts at me. “Do me.”

“You have your own demon magic,” I snap.

“Not what I meant.” He winks.

“Demon,” I warn, but he reappears dry, blinking innocently at me.

“Yes, little witch?” He backs me up. “Did you miss me?”

“Nope.”

“No, you weren’t looking all over for me?” he replies as I hit the edge of the cage I made. Swallowing, I meet his eyes. “I think you were. I think you were worried I left you, little witch. Keep denying it all you want, but we both know you like having me around.”

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