Page 101 of The Demon's Discovery
“I’m not sure this is a good idea, Greta.” I spoke over the top of Magnus, both of us wound tight at her suggestions.
“Why not?” Her forehead wrinkled in confusion.
I glanced at Magnus for backup, but neither of us had a viable explanation, only a gut feeling that there was a reason this wasn’t done. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but wonder what the harm would be in seeing if it could be accomplished. There was no law against it, no council edict that I knew of. It just simply wasn’t ever mentioned.
“We must be careful,” I said seriously, to which she scoffed but smiled.
“I’m always careful.”
“You are,” I muttered. Magnus and I shared our concerns through crossed arms and tight mouths while she moved around us, pleased with herself for having gotten what she accepted as approval.
“Are you offering blood or feathers?” she asked, and just that quickly, she’d rendered me speechless. Mostly because I’d give her anything she wanted, and it terrified me. I nearly brought my wings out in reflex to her request.
“We can discuss the particulars once Imogen has been brought up to speed,” Magnus chimed in. “Exchange of Heavenly essence is highly monitored and regulated?—”
“We’re not using Heavenly components,” she argued, settling down in the corner spot of the sofa. “We’re using essences from creatures of Hell. Those are not regulated, correct?”
Magnus opened his mouth, then closed it again. “Are you sure you weren’t meant to be a negotiator? Perhaps practice law?” he teased.
Greta smiled. “It may be a technicality, but there’s no precedent for this. They no longer count you as a Heavenly creature despite your true origins. Your essence is fair game.”
I grunted, as it was the only response I could muster. She wasn’t wrong, and now she had me curious.
Curious enough to consider using both my talent and my connections to books that might contain historical accounts to see if such things had been done in the past… and what the outcome was.
“We will have to be sure before starting,” I said firmly, but she saw the permission I wasn’t even sure I was qualified to give through my stern tone.
“Of course.”
“And it will only work if Imogen is one hundred percent in agreement,” Magnus added. “It must be her choice, especially considering the danger that’s implied.”
“Naturally. Will you speak with her? Or can we arrange a trip to the conclave so I can?”
Magnus sighed. “Yes, I’ll speak with her.”
Greta beamed and clapped her hands together once, the noise echoing around the room.
“We’re going to regret this,” I muttered, but excitement fizzed through my veins all the same.
“Most likely,” Magnus sighed, though pride and amusement were evident on his face in the lopsided grin and crinkles around his eyes. “I’ll get in touch with her at first opportunity. And I’ll do my own checking into the archives to be sure there’s no chanceof us all ending up on the wrong side of a dungeon cell for our efforts.”
“Thank you!” Greta bounced up on her toes and kissed the gargoyle on his cheek, then repeated the same with me before gliding out of the classroom. She was headed out to the yard no doubt, to visit with Belmont. The bird still checked in frequently but spent more and more time away from the grounds. I wasn’t sure what that meant, and mind-speech was not something he and Greta had developed. Everything made me suspicious lately, and I detested it.
“Oh gods, we’re in so much trouble with that one,” Magnus exhaled, steadying himself with a palm flat on the nearest tabletop.
I grinned, my heart traveling down the hall with her, nerves and joy all tangled up together under my skin. “You have no idea.”
I watchedthe drops of blood I’d provided mix into the simmering flask of elixir, dread curling in my gut.
“You could have given me a feather, you know,” Greta smiled, stirring everything together carefully with a long-handled spoon made of silver.
“I know. This seemed easier.”
“And also more dangerous? More permanent?”
“Yes.” I couldn’t help but smile as well. She had my number, well and true.
She’d wasted no time getting started once she’d come back inside. Belmont had been nowhere to be found, which was odd, but he was unusual at the very least.
