Page 24 of Court of Heathens

“I get it.” I shrug and step back. Her hand feels almost patronising now after everything that happened. “I’m different, and differences are always questioned.”

That makes her frown sadly. “Be careful, Freya,” she cautions, not denying what I said since we both know it’s true. “I worry about what this means for you.”

“Why?” I ask.

Her lips purse as she stares at me, and it seems she is about to divulge something when the door opens. We both turn and frown at the empty doorway, then we share a glance. Was it the demon? If so, where is he?

“Anyway, I should let you get back to your day.” Agatha shakes herself, smiling at me. “We will update the coven when we know more, so for now, do not worry.”

I nod despite my confusion, but I see the fear in her eyes as she turns away. She’s telling us not to worry, but Agatha is terrified, and if something is scaring the most powerful witch on this Earth, then you can damn well bet I’m shitting my pants.

I wander the coven for hours, but it seems everyone can sense our head witch’s mood. The place feels subdued, as everyone is either working or hiding. Fear is thick in the air, like they are waiting for something else to happen, and the whispers as I show my face have only gottenworse. I can’t stand them anymore and decide to head home. The demon is quiet at my side for once, which also worries me.

“Do you know who stole it?” I ask once we are out of earshot.

He startles when I speak, which means he was lost in his own thoughts. “No, little witch, I do not.”

“You didn’t feel or sense anything?” I ask, frowning at him as I quicken my steps, feeling eyes on my back—not a threat but just watching.

“Nothing, though I could have been distracted,” he admits, winking at me. “You are worried about this.”

“Aren’t you? If someone can just waltz into the coven?—”

“Like me, Phrixius, and the god of death?” he jokes.

“Then they can do anything. They might be suspicious of me and mean sometimes, but this is my home, demon. These people are my family. I cannot let them suffer or be bound by fear. They blame me already, which makes me worry they are not really looking for who did this,” I explain out loud.

“You want to track whoever it is down, don’t you?” he grumbles. “That’s stupid, even for a demon.”

“I do, and you’re going to help me.” I turn to him. “Find out what you can. Check the barrier or ask your demon friends. Whoever it was has power and lots of it. Please.”

“And why would I help with this without a deal?”

I roll my eyes and step closer. Grabbing him by the horns, I yank him down and kiss him hard. “Please,” I murmur against his lips.

His eyes are wide and unfocused as he nods rapidly in my hands. “Sure, yep, totally. I will be right back.” He disappears.

Shaking my head, I turn to head home when he suddenly appears before me again, winding his arms around me as I yelp when he drags me closer. Dipping me deeply, he kisses me. “Fair is fair,” he whispers before he’s gone again, and I nearly fall on my ass, his laughter chasing after me.

“Asshole,” I mutter, even as a smile curves my lips.

When I get back home, Phrixius is studiously sitting in the circle, facing the door.

“Everything okay?” I ask as I take off my cape and drape it over the chair before heading over to check on the spell. My nose twitches at a burning smell. Shit, did I burn it?

I hurry over, breathing a sigh of relief when I see it bubbling away. Turning with a frown, I sniff deeper and head around my home until I stop at the smoking TV. “Fucking demon!” I roar. “This is the third one this year! It’s coming out of your pocket money.”

“You give the demon pocket money?” Phrixius asks.

“Is that important right now, Rodger?” I ask, my hands on my hips before I point at the TV. “This was the latest model. I’m going to tan that demon’s ass.”

His cheeks heat, and I wince. “Sorry, language. You’re a god.”

He huffs, rubbing his neck. “It’s fine. Demons are known for mischief. Why don’t I help you?”

“Huh?” I ask, and he rises gracefully to his feet and closes his eyes.

Within seconds, the TV is gone, replaced by a huge, brand-new one. “Oh, Willy, you didn’t have to do that. It wasn’t your fault. Trust me, the demon has broken enough things.”

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