Traffic on the highway was light and they progressed steadily. After a few minutes, Tex said, “So what’s on your mind, Frost?”
“Nothing.” She sighed. “Everything. Jaeryth.”
Tex’s mouth tightened for an instant. “What about him?”
She hesitated, and finally decided to risk confessing. “I’m worried about him,” she said. “I want to find him. Just to make sure he’s okay.”
“Oh, great idea.” Tex snorted. “He’s probably long gone, you know. He could be anywhere. What are you going to do, file a missing demon report?”
“Thanks a lot.”
He deflated visibly. “I’m sorry,” he said in gentler tones. “It’s just…I don’t think you should run yourself ragged right now, especially trying to find someone who doesn’t want to be found. You’re too important to—”
“Maybe I don’t want to be important!” She closed her eyes and drew a calming breath. “I’m trying, Tex. This Prophet stuff is a little overwhelming.”
“That’s why you’re not supposed to know about it. I told you, it doesn’t usually happen this way. Jaeryth shouldn’t have explained so much to you.”
She glared at him. “He saved my life,” she said. “I think that kind of makes up for it.”
“Maybe it does. But, Logan…he’s a demon.”
“Not any more.”
Tex shook his head. “Only a Prophet would try to help a demon.”
“Damn it, Tex. If you’re going to be this obstinate, you might as well pull over here and let me walk home.” It was a real effort not to scream. “And yes. I want to help him, if I can. I’m going to look for him—with or without your approval.”
“All right.” He slumped in the seat. “Will you listen to me, just for a minute?”
“If you’ll stop being an asshole.”
His fingers clenched on the steering wheel, and then relaxed. “Okay. I’m done.”
“Thank you.”
He nodded once. “I have to ask you something, and I want you to think before you answer. I’m not trying to rub it in or imply anything.” After a pause, he said, “Have you seen any Tempters since Jaeryth left?”
She managed to resist snapping at him. “No, I haven’t. But that doesn’t mean he was leading them to me.”
“I know. That’s why I said I’m not implying anything.” Tex grimaced. “It probably wasn’t intentional. But it’d be much easier for the Tempters to find him than it is to find you—and I think that’s why he hasn’t come back. Being with him makes you an open target.”
“Oh, God,” she whispered. “That means they’re after him now.”
“Maybe. I really don’t know.” He sent her a strange look, and said, “You love him, don’t you?”
She considered lying for all of two seconds. “Yes.”
“Well. That complicates things.” He drummed an anxious tattoo on the wheel. “Right now, it’s just too risky for you to be around him. Wait, hear me out,” he said when she started to interrupt. “But once you manifest, the Tempters won’t bother with you. Then you can find him and do whatever you want with him.”
“Great. So all I have to do is perform a miracle.”
He smiled. “I’m pretty sure you’ll do that tomorrow night. Transforming the souls of eight thousand people at once has to count.”
A lump formed in her throat. “You really think that’s going to happen?”
“I know it will.”
Part of her wanted to insist on looking for him now anyway. But Tex was right about at least one thing—she couldn’t afford to draw the attention of the Tempters. She’d never find Jaeryth if she was dead.
She’d wait until after the concert. And not a minute longer.
* * * * *
Jaeryth crouched with the shivering girl in the narrow space behind a Dumpster. His heart pounded in his ears, and every breath drew a painful stitch in his sides. But the thugs had run past their hiding place five minutes ago, after he’d led her through every twist, turn and shortcut he could get them to, and he thought they might have lost them for good.
He waited another five to be sure. By then, breathing was no longer agony, and he’d heard nothing to indicate danger. “All right,” he said. “It’s safe now.”
She slithered out, and he emerged after her into the dimly lit alley. He stiffened as a group of people passed in front of the corridor, but it wasn’t the men who’d chased them.
The girl drew a sharp breath and faced him. She drew her quivering lips into a smile. “They’re gone.”
“Yes.”
With a soft cry, she threw her arms around him. “Thank you,” she said. “I thought I was a goner.”
He patted her back awkwardly. “You’re welcome.”
“I can’t believe we ditched them.” She drew away, twisted and peered through the entrance to the alley. The lines of her body went rigid, and sorrow washed over her when she turned back. “Well. Guess I’d better go. It’s late.”
“I’ll walk you home,” he said. “In case they turn up again.”
“Um. Nah, it’s cool. I…uh, I’m staying with a friend. She might not be home yet, though, so I’ll probably just hang…somewhere else.”
Her hesitation and distinct discomfort told him she was lying, and somehow he understood that she had nowhere to go. Perhaps he could help her one last time. If he recalled correctly, her parents’ apartment was close by. “Go home, Elizabeth,” he said gently. “Your mother and father miss you. They’ll welcome you back.”
The girl’s mouth fell open. A single, fat tear ran down her cheek. “How…”
“Go home,” he repeated. “You’ll be all right.”
“I never told you my name.” Amazement colored her words. “Are you an angel?”
Harsh laughter escaped him before he could stop it. “No,” he said. “Just someone who wants to help you.”
She gave him a radiant smile. “You’re an angel to me,” she said. “And I’m going home.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”
He walked out of the alley with her and watched to make sure she headed in the right direction. When she turned the corner that would take her home, he withdrew and leaned against the wall with his eyes closed. How many more of these people did he know by name, and how many lives had he destroyed?
“Hey, look. It’s the thief.”
The voice of the lead thug somehow failed to surprise him. At least the girl had gotten away. He opened his eyes and found the four of them blocking the mouth of the alley, an impenetrable wall.
Then his perception shifted without much effort—and the four became six. Two Tempters hovered behind the thugs, whispering their poison. As if these men needed persuading. If he’d still been in charge and caught them here, he would have punished them for wasting time.
“Nothing to say, huh?” The leader grinned at him. “Well, you said we should find a new toy. I think you’ll do.”
Hands grabbed his shirt and propelled him deeper into the alley. His back slammed against the Dumpster. The grip loosened, and a fist drove into his stomach. He doubled over.
“So far, you ain’t much fun.” The leader grabbed his shoulder and banged him into the metal surface, then landed a blow in the same spot.
Jaeryth dropped to his knees as pain surged through him. Perhaps this would be his end. Though he didn’t relish the idea of being beaten to death, he would accept it.
But instead of striking again, the leader backed away with a sneer. “Get up, hero,” he said. “I wanna see you fight back. It’s no fun if you don’t.” He folded his arms and added, “I was lookin’ forward to banging that chick. Maybe I’ll bang you instead.”
“What in Hell’s name are you doing?”
The distorted words weren’t meant for mortal ears. Jaeryth looked beyond the thugs, and found the alley a bit more crowded as the Tempters cowered before a great winged demon, who was turned away just enough so he couldn’t see the face. “Lazy creatu
res!” the demon thundered. “Go and find some real work to do. Corrupt a nun. These humans are already blacker than you.”
One of the Tempters vanished instantly. The other glanced at Jaeryth, and his gaze narrowed in recognition before he faded to join his companion. If Ronwe didn’t know he was here before, he would now.
Or perhaps this demon was Ronwe, ridding himself of witnesses in order to bend the rules.
“I said get up.” The lead thug launched a kick that connected hard with his ribs.
Jaeryth curled over with a gasp. He had to stand, if only to see what the demon was doing. Grabbing at the Dumpster for support, he hauled his body upright as his limbs trembled with exertion.
The demon had assumed a mortal body and stood a short distance behind the thugs, looking more furious than his demon form had sounded. Jaeryth managed a smirk. “Hello, Kobol,” he said. “You handled that well.”
“The hell you . . .?” The leader turned to follow Jaeryth’s gaze. “Oh, you have a friend,” he said. “Just one? You’re gonna have to do better than that.”
He nearly collapsed again. They could see Kobol—he must have shifted fully into the mortal plane. And Jaeryth had no idea whether he’d done it to help or to harm.
“My friend and I have business to deal with.” Kobol stepped toward the nearest thug, who shrank back in fear. “I strongly suggest that you leave us to it.”
The leader snorted. “Somebody waste this asshole.”
One of the thugs pulled a knife and lunged.
Kobol moved too quickly to follow. In less than a minute, all four thugs collapsed with grunts and groans. “Leave us, while you still can,” Kobol snarled.
They cleared out with no further comments.
Once they were alone, Jaeryth watched his old friend with dull anticipation. Kobol was still a demon—and he’d interfered directly with humans. What he’d done was not quite forbidden, but it was severely frowned upon. Jaeryth could only assume that he’d acted with Ronwe’s blessing, that he had been sent to collect on Samael’s due. He couldn’t blame Kobol. It was his job.
The only thing he couldn’t figure out was why Kobol had stopped the humans. If anything, he should have encouraged them to continue.
Kobol made a disappointed sound. “I see you didn’t listen to me,” he said.
“No.” Jaeryth shrugged, and winced at the pain movement caused. “What can I say? You were right, Kobol. I never had a chance.” A shudder ripped through him. “Do what you must. I’ll understand.”
“Jaeryth.” A kind of horror washed over Kobol’s face. “You truly believe I’ve come here to destroy you?”
“You must have. You’ve broken the rules.”
“Yes I have, my foolish young friend.” Kobol started toward him. “Of my own accord. To save you.”
“Save…”
At once, Jaeryth’s legs decided to stop supporting him. He slid toward the ground—but Kobol grabbed him before he fell. “Come along, you poor, pathetic mortal,” he said in teasing tones, supporting him easily with an arm around his waist. “There is more danger here than what I sent away, and I didn’t risk damnation to watch you die in some filthy alley.”
Jaeryth moved along with him as best he could. “How did you find me?”
“Ah, yes. I meant to mention that.” Kobol’s brows drew together. “I was minding my own business, taking care of paperwork, when a Shepherd appeared in my office.”
“Daan,” he blurted.
“So you do know the cheeky little thing.”
“Unfortunately.”
Kobol chuckled. “Anyway, this Shepherd babbled on about someone I knew that needed intervention, and how it had failed as a guardian and would throw itself on my mercy, if only I would enter the dark place and retrieve you.” A smirk lifted his lips. “I promised your little friend that I would torture it later. I won’t, of course, but its reaction was amusing.”
“Daan is not my friend.” Some of the strength had returned to his body, and he eased away to stand on his own. It took Kobol a moment to realize he’d stopped walking. “I appreciate your efforts,” Jaeryth said. “However, I intend to stay in Crystaltown.”
“Really, Jaeryth. You can’t—”
“I’m staying.” He drew a trembling breath. “As I mentioned, you were right. I do love Logan. I’ve already sealed my fate…Kobol, I saved her life. Now I’m only waiting for Samael to claim me and carry out my sentence.”
Kobol stared at him. “Your sentence,” he echoed.
“Yes. I’m to spend eternity in Tartarus for failing to kill Logan. She is safe—I’ve ensured it would be so—and she could manifest at any moment. When she does, I will be collected.”
“So you’ve damned yourself for this mortal woman,” Kobol spat. “Does she realize this?”
“No. I had to reveal the truth to protect her, but I didn’t explain the terms of my failure. She threw me out, and rightly so.” A sudden realization wrenched his heart. “I never told her that I loved her,” he whispered.
Kobol grunted. “Well, do that,” he said. “At least it would get you out of this place.”
“I can’t. If I went back to her, she wouldn’t be safe.” Jaeryth lifted his gaze. “Kobol, would you…”
“Hell’s flames, Jaeryth. I’m in no mood to act as your messenger.” His mouth drew down in a scowl. “I’ve got work to do tonight. However, I’ll pay her a visit tomorrow, under one condition.”
“And that is?”
“You will leave this wretched place. Just until I’m finished. And then you can get back to needlessly punishing yourself.”
“Very well. Thank you, Kobol.” Jaeryth let out a breath. “You should return to work. I promise to go elsewhere.”
“Oh, no. The moment I leave, you’ll decide that it doesn’t matter if you stay here, since you’re doomed anyway. You’re coming with me, right now. And you’ll stay with your eager young Shepherd until I return.”
He groaned. “You drive a hard bargain, old friend.”
“Well, I am a demon.”
Despite himself, Jaeryth laughed and followed Kobol, his spirits lifted slightly with the idea that Logan would know he’d loved her. It was a small consolation—but like a flame in the dark, it would sustain him for a time.
Chapter 23
Logan managed to sleep in until almost eleven. But she woke with a stomach full of butterflies, generated by the promises of the day. First the concert. And then, Jaeryth. She refused to think about how hard it would be to find him. She just would, and that was that.
Despite her worries, she couldn’t help feeling excited. She was going to perform for thousands tonight. How many people actually got to live their dreams? Even if the band went no further after the concert, she’d always have this experience. And it would be big enough to satisfy her for the rest of her life.
She showered and dressed, and was headed for the kitchen to start coffee when someone knocked at the door.
Mild concern rippled through her. Blue was picking her up at five, so they’d have time to prepare for the show at seven, and Tex was supposed to be tied up at the venue all day. Of course, it wouldn’t be Jaeryth. Maybe it was a door-to-door salesman, though she hadn’t seen one of those in years.
She crossed the living room, twitched the curtain aside and peeked out. A tall, stern man in a long black coat stood on the porch, glaring at the door like it had insulted him. It wasn’t anyone she knew. But he looked official, and there were no Tempters hanging around. She should probably see what he wanted, at least.
Frowning, she engaged the security chain and opened the door to its limit. “Can I help you?” she said through the small gap.
He shifted his position to regard her with frigid hazel eyes. “Logan Frost.”
“That’s me.” Unfortunately, she was tempted to add. This man looked extremely unhappy. It dawned on her that he could be a cop. They would have gotten her number when she called 911 the other night.
�
��Let me in. I won’t speak with you through the door.”
Okay. That wasn’t cop-talk. “I don’t know you, and I don’t know what you want,” she said. “So you can stay on that side until I do.”
“I have a message for you.”
“And you are…what, from the post office? The mailbox is right there.”
“Open the door, woman.”
“No.” She slammed it shut and engaged the deadbolt. Definitely not a cop, or anyone else who needed to be here. Heart pounding, she started away to grab her phone from the bedroom.
And then she smelled smoke.
She turned slowly. Thick black clouds gathered on the inside of the door and coalesced into the stranger. She opened her mouth to scream—and the stranger said, “Jaeryth sent me.”
Every muscle in her body went limp. She staggered to the couch and sat down hard. “You’re a demon.”
“Of course I am.” The stranger waved a hand dismissively. “And you are a Prophet, or so I’ve been told. I am Kobol. You are Logan. Now that we’ve finished the introductions, you will kindly refrain from screaming.”
She blinked at him. “Right. There’s a demon in my living room, but I’ll just stay calm,” she muttered. “I thought you were supposed to have wings and a tail, or something.”
“I don’t generally walk about in demon form. But if you’d prefer, I can do something demon-like. Perhaps we could bargain for your soul.”
“No, thanks.” Her throat had gone completely dry. She swallowed, but it didn’t help. “You said…that Jaeryth sent you.”
Kobol folded his arms. “He did. And I would not have agreed, but it was the only way to stop him from—” He broke off with a frustrated sound. “I’m not sure I should deliver his message. It may cause more damage than it’s worth.”
“You know where he is.” Her heart sped frantically, until she was convinced it would burst. “Please tell me. I have to find him.”
“Absolutely not.”
“But I—”
“Hold your tongue, mortal.” Kobol’s eyes flashed a deep, electric black, and then returned to hazel. “He’s already sacrificed enough to protect you. You will not endanger that by seeking him out.”
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