Page 31 of Hell-Bound

He shrugged.

“Any other leads, missy? It’s just a meeting, and itwillbe with your patron. He won’t be able to hurt you while your contract is still valid.”

Ren cautiously lowered her dagger.

“Who is he? I don’t know anything about this…patron.”

“Sure you do! I’m sure he’s been talking to you. Quite chatty, that one.”

“The voice?”

Well that explains that.

“What are you getting out of this? Don’t Devils always want something?”

He smiled. “You’re catching on. I like it! But no, I’m just here to watch. You wereincrediblyentertaining last night, and I find myself a bit…bored with the revelry ofnobles, and the sleepers aren’t great conversationalists.”

He snapped his fingers and disappeared again, only reappearing laying on her bed, leaning on one arm, his tail whipping back and forth.

“So what?” she said, trying to keep the anoyance out of her voice. “Do I just…make an appointment?”

“My dear, he is waiting now! You shouldn’t keep him waiting.” He waggled his finger at her. “Of his many attributes, patience isn’t one of them.”

Suddenly anxious, Ren grabbed her tunic and trousers, dressing hurriedly. This meeting could finally mean answers. She slung her satchel over her shoulder and reached for the doorknob.

“Wait…where am I going?”

Jester gave her a pointed look. “You’re notgoinganywhere. You just gotohim!”

“Do you plan to explain the difference?” she retorted.

He hopped up and made a small jump on the bed before dismounting.

“I just need an amulet, something to tether you with him.”

“But I thought you said we were already connected?”

He rolled his eyes, losing patience.

“Sheesh, I hate working with virgins. The transportation link is stronger if you have atether.He’ll be able to summon you whenever he needs you.Where’s your contract?”

“Oh. About that. I actually don’t know.”

“What do you mean youdon’t know?”His eyes widened. “You have to have your contract on you at all times, or it’s void! And since you haven’t died or become a sleeper, youmusthave it somewhere.”

Ren ground her teeth together.

“Look, I don’t have it. Search me!”

Ren threw her satchel at his feet and pulled up her shirt to show her waistband.

Jester made a disgusted face.

“Um…no thanks. Soulless female Half-Elves aren’t really my type.

Ren glared.

Sure, and Devils with long nails are so much more attractive.

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