Page 269 of Castings & Curses

Mercy just nods. “I guess that makes sense.”

I hate to leave her here like this, with this weird energy between us, but I have to wrap this up. I have a home and dog who’s probably wondering where the hell I am. I’m not usually late…

“Don’t worry, I’ll give you directions where to go.” I head back to the computer, punching in the last bit of information before I hit submit. The printer whistles and whirs as the paper slowly prints out. I don’t even bother to look at it, just hand it right over to her.

She takes the paper from my hands, staring at it for a moment before looking back up at me. “Thanks for everything, Valory. Hopefully, I’ll see you again someday.”

I do my best to appear happy and excited, even though I feel a sense of sadness as well, because this may be the last time I see her.

“One can only hope, sweet Mercy,” I say as I walk toward the door and open it for her, waiting for her to take that first step.

And when she does, when she steps foot out of the Annex into the glow of the setting sun, I pray she is right.

CHAPTER5

Endor

Mercy stands there,clutching her paper to her chest as I make haste picking up the papers strewn about the floor. I’ll have to sort them all over again…

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t—”

“It’s fine,” I grumble. “What does your paperwork say?”

“It says temporary placement HAD…” she answers as she bends down to help pick up a few pieces.

I pick up the last few strays, my eyes meeting hers as we both stand, and in them, I can see many things, but fear is not one of them.

Who is this girl that is not frightened by the mere sight of a demon?

Does she not know where she is?

Or what I am?

The wording makes me blink.

Temporary placement?

There is no such thing as temporary placement in Hell. It’s one way only. You don’t vacation in Hell and get to skip back out of here.

We both stand as I set the stack of papers on my desk, accepting that I will have to sort them again tomorrow. I grab the paper from her, scanning it carefully.

The form looks like one of the ones the angels use, but sure enough, it says HAD under placement.

Mercedes Rose James.

I look back at her for a moment, debating what to do, and sighing when I realize what I should do.

“Come with me,” I say as I hand her back her paper, not even bothering to wait. I’m sure she can figure things out.

I hear her footsteps behind me quickening as she follows me.

“I didn’t catch your name, Sir?”

A smile tugs at my lips at the polite tone of her voice. It isn’t exactly the first time I’ve been called sir, but it is the first time someone’s used the title in a polite manner and not a depraved one.

“Endor,” I say with absolutely no inflection, hoping this tidbit will be enough to satisfy her and end the small talk.

“Wh-where are we going, Endor?” she asks as she comes close to my side.

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