Page 89 of The Demon's Delight
“It’s not enough.” Worry for him had long since infected my thoughts, and visiting always reminded me that he was not taking care of himself.
“Are you here to hen peck then? We’ve had this conversation at least the last seventeen times you visited.”
“Actually, I’m here to offer some relief.”
“Oh?” He perked up a bit. “How so?”
I gave him a brief version of my plans, measuring my enthusiasm against his careful questioning.
“And you think it will work, truly?”
“I do.” I grinned at him, pouring him another ale from the seemingly endless bottle that always sat in the same spot on his little table.
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve always held it together, but this past little while…” He frowned, chin going to his chest as he shook his head. “I’m ashamed to admit I feel as though I’ll never catch up again, never feel like I’m on top of things. I don’t have time to reorganize or train someone to pick up some of the weight, never mind filing all the deals that are stacking up. I’m barely keeping the familiar bonds in order.” He heaved another sigh, adjusting his spectacles as they slid down his nose.
“That’s not shameful, Tap. It’s alright to need some help. I’m sorry I wasn’t faster thinking this one up. Truth be told, I’ve been trying to find a way to help you for a very long time.”
“I know. I appreciate you for it.” He stood, the weariness twice as apparent as when I first arrived. “Alright then. I’ll send my approvals over and requisition some things. I’d be grateful for the help, and I trust you can manage without my guidance. You’ve watched me do the job here more than most.”
“I have. Sorry I can’t stay longer, I’m rather hopeful to get back quickly.”
“Back?”
“Oh! Of course, I haven’t told you that part yet. I’ve found my mate, on Earth. She summoned me! I think you’ll like her. There may be another wedding for you to attend at some point in the future, so it’s best we get some of these things straightened out sooner rather than later. You need a holiday. A real one.”
I dragged him in for another quick hug, then dashed for the portal back to Hell, leaving him standing there with his mouth hanging open.
Chapter 39
Hailon
It felt like there was a hole where my heart should be. One that was full of hot coals.
“I’m so sorry,” Lovette said kindly, her hand resting on my shoulder. She’d wandered over as I stood there stunned. She led me toward the carriage gently, not bothering to fill the space with small talk. “I can only imagine what it must feel like to have to do that to your mate.”
Magnus appeared, carrying my packs. He loaded them inside and, after a brief rearrangement, they decided among them who should ride inside with me first and who would drive the horses. Magnus would be flying just far enough behind he wasn’t affected by my power.
And so, I found myself seated inside a strange carriage with a stone kin woman named Lovette, headed toward a city I’d never been to, to meet two more demons, a witch, and an alchemist after having banished my mate back to Hell.
It had been a very busy day.
“I’ll bet this is really strange for you.” Lovette smiled at me gently. “Sorry about that.”
“Compared to the last several months, this at least feels somewhat exciting. I’ve rarely traveled by carriage, and I’m going to a city I’ve never been to.”
“That’s a nice way to view it. Is there anything you’d like to know about us? I realize it must be a leap of faith to go with us after such a short introduction.”
I appreciated her understanding, but I felt no sense of distrust for any of them. “I’ve met your brother, so at least you’re not total strangers. Seir trusts you, and I trust him.”
She nodded. “We came as quickly as we could but had no idea how long the trip might take, considering your abilities. It seemed best to send those of us who could fly and fight. You can, too, by the way.”
“What, fight? I definitely can’t fly.”
Lovette laughed, the sound like tinkling bells. I warmed despite the fact that she was laughing at me. I could tell it wasn’t malicious, just good-humored.
“I don’t doubt that part, if you’re anything like the rest of us. No, I mean you can trust us. I know that’s asking a lot since we just met, but you can.” Her golden hair bobbed as she nodded, smiling encouragingly. I made a noncommittal noise in my throat. “They—the demons I mean—said you have a healing ability?”
I shuffled my hands under the layers of my cloak. I was plenty warm, but it was good armor. “Yes.”
