Page 64 of The Demon's Delight
“They’re all dead now, though,” I reassured her with a friendly pat on her shoulder, and the tendrils disappeared.
“Good.”
“Well, except for one. But we could definitely take him, should he show his face. In fact, he’s some kind of councilman. Perhaps you could put out an inquiry?”
“Of course.” Both my brothers focused on me as I relayed the description Hailon had provided.
“Hailon was very helpful there, actually,” I said proudly. “Took my dagger and dispatched three of them all on her own. It was beautiful.”
“Yourdagger?” both Rylan and Vassago asked at the same time.
“Yes, my favorite one! She just grabbed it right out of my hand.” I waved my arm around in illustration of how she’d slashed and stabbed, my heartbeat a proud thump behind my ribs.
My brothers exchanged shocked looks, sharing a whole conversation with their eyes. It ended with them both smiling.
“Is that her name?” Greta asked. “Hailon? That’s pretty.” Greta was a stone kin and Magnus’s niece, actually, which made her Coltor’s cousin. But she hadn’t known much of anything about her heritage until very recently. She was also part fae, the daughter of King Ris.
“Take this,” Vassago said as he came over. He handed me a mirror the size of my palm.
“Same words?”
“Yes, same as always.”
“You know I don’t have any luck with these,” I told him, grimacing. “I’ve broken what, six?”
“Nine, actually,” he corrected, “but we need a way to get in touch. I should’ve made you another ages ago, whether I was frustrated with your inability to keep them intact or not. Be careful with this one, yes?”
“I was careful with the others too,” I pouted, realizing I was acting every bit the petulant little brother but unable to stop myself.
“Bemorecareful. Keep it wrapped and in your pocket or something.”
“That’s where I had it the last time,” I muttered.
“What was that?” Vassago asked, head tilted to the side, arms crossed.
“Nothing.”
“You said she’s waiting for you?” Calla asked gently.
“Yes. I have to go. Thank you all! Once I get her home I’m supposed to return to Hell pretty much immediately.” I frowned. The more I realized I actually had to be separated from her for an unknown amount of time, the less I liked it.
“You’re going to leave her there?” Vassago asked.
“I have to go back to complete the summoner contract. Also, so my unit leader can process my reassignment. So, I can be here more. With her.”
“Will she be safe where you’re going?”
My heart clenched. “I think so. It’s her home. She’s trying to get back to a sick aunt.” Doubt began to fester.
“Oh, poor thing!” Calla gasped.
“But you said she was taken from there?” Vassago’s forehead furrowed. “We could send someone, perhaps. Just to keep an eye.”
“You have someone in mind?”
My brothers looked at one another. “Surely one of the stone kin could, if we can’t?” Vassago suggested.
Rylan agreed. “We’ll ask.”
