Page 120 of The Demon's Pet

“About what?”

“You can’t help me,” it said. “I will die never having served the Morningstar now. I opened portals, trying to find her. I wish I never had.” It slumped. “At least inform my family. Sam will know how to find them… once he kills me.”

I swallowed. “He might not if I talk to him, though.”

“Zarris will not give up. He will protect his brother.”

“Sam isn’t known for doing what he’s told,” I said.

“He is a celestial,” the creature replied, as if that were all he needed to say. “I am sorry for mistaking you for someone else and wasting your time. I hope you escape him, someday.”

“I don’t need to escape him,” I said. “I mean, I don’t have anywhere else to go. Well, Zadis did offer.”

The creature buzzed again, this time distinctly angry. “Do not trust the fae.”

“That’s what everyone says,” I said. “But I gotta say, I was treated really badly before I came here, and the fae have been nothing but pleasant.”

“They don’t see your real form,” the creature said. “I sense demon on you, mixed with celestial, so I mistook you for the child of prophecy. But you are still in trouble here. After I’m killed, make sure you aren’t the next target.”

I put my hand on the bars, staring at this creature, wondering what I could do for it. If I should do anything. If it was telling the truth.

But the thought of Sam killing it pained me now.

“I will talk to him,” I said. “I will tell him what you told me.”

But the creature had already moved to the side of the cage, a despondent swarm of black. In that moment, I decided. I was going to save it. I would convince all of them somehow.

But first, I needed to talk to Zadis.

“Griffin,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”

I heard Griffin call after me, but it was too late. I was already jogging toward Zadis’s house. Once I confirmed whether this story was true, I would talk to Sam and get to the bottom of this.

Because something deep inside me just said that creature in the cage did not deserve to die.

26

When I reached Zadis’s place, he was already walking out, and he stopped to greet me.

He was wearing black robes, looking oddly somber compared to only a little earlier.

He looked down at himself, then smiled. “My execution apparel. I’m sure you saw the slayer had his on also?”

“Slayer?”

Zadis’s eyes flashed. “Well, he slays things. All murderers are the same to me.” He tossed his long, glossy black hair over his shoulder. “But it’s lovely to see you, Cleo. Walk with me?”

“I need to talk to you, in private.”

He winked at me. “I’m sure I can spare a few moments when such a beautiful woman is making the request.”

I looked down at my jeans, sweatshirt, and ponytail, which was hanging over my shoulder. Beautiful. Sure. “Zadis, can we go inside?”

He nodded. “Don’t be so formal, Cleo. You know I’m hoping you stay with me when that monster moves on.” He opened the door to his home and led me in, then shut the door. It was cool and quiet and beautifully furnished as always.

Yet a part of me wished I was somewhere else. With Sam.

“You still aren’t convinced?” Zadis threw his hands in the air. “I’m rich. I’m handsome. I’ll shower you with jewels. You can come on my journeys to gather them.”

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