Devil's Deal (Infernal Contracts Book 1)

by Tessa Hastjarjanto

  “Are there people who drink human blood? Yes. Are there people practicing witchcraft? Yes. Do I know they have real magic, or die when they’re exposed by the sun? No. I’ve never met a vampire, a werewolf, or a witch. Not here at least.”

  “Matthew, I…” Nora paused to think about what she wanted to say. Her mind was trying to form this mess of information into something coherent. “It’s all a bit much. If what you say is true, then I don’t know this world anymore.”

  “Think of it as a shadow world. Another world existing in the dark of the real world. You rarely see it, but sometimes something will cross over. And it has happened here, with Felicia. When this is over, you can forget all about it,” Matthew suggested.

  “Do you have a magic spell to help me forget?”

  Matthew laughed and shook his head.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t make you forget. When you learn more, you might not want to forget. But I’ll leave that up to you.”

  Nora stayed quiet. She didn’t know what to do with all this information. “Why are you telling me this? Can’t you just do something about it?”

  “I wanted you to know the real Felicia is still there. Maybe she has always been jealous of you, but it never bothered your friendship before. That says something about a person. Don’t give up on her.” Matthew grabbed a box from his pocket. “I think you can help us get your friend back.”

  Matthew gave her the jewellery box he was holding. Inside was a bracelet made of gemstones, round beads of celestite.

  “These gemstones can help contain the Fury inside her. It’s best if we don’t find out who she actually is until we can banish her. The problem is, Felicia has to wear it.” Matthew explained.

  “You should have gotten one with a golden frame, then she might consider it. I don’t think she’ll appreciate the fashion value of this. I’m sorry.” Nora said as she closed the box.

  “She has to keep wearing it until we can do something about the Fury. Maybe if it’s a sentimental gift, she might consider wearing it.”

  “Then I shouldn’t be the one to give it to her,” Nora said. “She doesn’t care about me at all. You know how she’s treated me the past months. She’d treasure it if Danny gave it to her.”

  “Until she becomes sick of me and moves on to someone else. If what you said about how she treats boys is true, I would be the last choice,” Danny said.

  “That’s why it has to be you. She only reacts like this because she cares about you the most. Give this to her when you make up with her. Slide it on her wrist during your conversation and keep talking to her. When the stones touch her skin, the Fury will go into a slumber. When the real Felicia hears your voice, she’ll agree to make up with you and realise how much you—and that bracelet—mean to her.” Matthew said.

  “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” Ben asked Matthew.

  “Only a few times. Sometimes the right people know how to find me and I help them out. Not all people with supernatural auras want to solve their problems peacefully. I’m grateful that I haven’t met an aggressive one, but they’re definitely there. Nora, I trust you to keep everything you’ve heard today to yourself. You’re taking this better than most others, and I don’t want to risk my reputation in the shadow world.”

  Nora nodded. She wasn’t even sure if what they said was true or not, and she doubted anyone would believe her.

  “Thank you,” said Matthew as he walked back to the kitchen. Diana followed and spoke to him in whispers. There was more going on, thought Nora.

  Nora held the box in her hands. She liked the bracelet, but it wasn’t her friend’s style. It’s been years since she had worn anything but gold. And she also knew that Felicia didn’t appreciate Nora’s fashion sense.

  She wanted to help her friend, but she couldn’t see how she would get her to wear the bracelet.

  Matthew returned from the kitchen. “I think it’s time to tell Nora, guys. You owe that to her.”

  Ben and Danny looked at each other and then to Nora. “She took it well, but this could overwhelm her.”

  “She’s strong. If you explain it well enough, she will understand.” Matthew patted both of them on the arm and asked Diana to leave with him.

  Ben sat down next to her on the couch, while Danny sat on the salon table in front of her.

  “You know we’re both not from around, and our upbringing has been… unconventional,” Ben started.

  “Yes?” Nora was nervous for what they had to say. She folded her hands together to hide her trembling.

  “Well. It’s true that we’re not from here. We’re not from Earth.”

  “You’re aliens?” If Furies are real, aliens could be just as real, she figured.

  “No, although that would make sense in Danny’s case,” laughed Ben. Danny stomped his arm.

  “I know you’re Catholic, which makes it easier to explain, but it might seem far-fetched. Do you remember our project at the beginning of the school year?” Asked Danny.

  “About the Duccio fresco.” Nora nodded once.

  “Exactly. You have a good memory. I had a reason for picking that one, a narcissistic one. Duccio painted me in that fresco.” Danny had an apologetic smile while Ben looked disgusted. “The resemblance has faded over the centuries, but it’s still me.”

  “You’re a saint?” Nora shook her head in disbelief.

  “An angel.” Danny looked Nora in the eyes and didn’t blink.

  Nora’s mind was blank for the first time in an hour. The only word that resonated in her mind was ‘angel’. She looked at Ben who only nodded in return. After a few seconds, hundreds of thoughts and memories flooded her, inducing a headache.

  “Are you one as well? Like guardian angels? Did you come here for the Fury? Why do you appear human?” Nora had so many questions that she could barely stop speaking.

  “You’re right. We’re not here as guardian angels. We changed our appearances, also for narcissistic purposes, but you would be shocked if you saw my real face. It’s a coincidence we ended up here and met Felicia, but people with auras are everywhere. We could’ve expected to encounter someone like that.” Danny explained.

  “When Felicia met Danny, it was probably the first time she encountered a divine being in its full power and that must have enhanced the Fury’s power. Sadly, that resulted in hatred towards you, borne from jealousy, lust, and longing,” Ben continued. He wanted to grab her hand, but Nora moved away as Ben got closer.

  “At Halloween, that girl was scared of you. Called you a demon. What did she see?” Nora wondered.

  “She saw my real face. She might have used drugs and saw through my glamour. The wings we had that day were real.”

  “Why do you have different wings? His were white, yours black, I remember.”

  “Not all angels have the same sort of wings. Maybe I can tell you about it later, when you’ve processed all of this.”

  Danny gave her a cup of lemon tea. “I know it’s weird hearing something like this, but you seem to take it very well,” he said.

  “I don’t know if I’ve accepted it, or just don’t believe it,” she answered. She avoided looking at both of them. They had lied to her. Everything they told her about themselves was a lie. She sipped her tea and stared outside.

  “I’m sorry I lied to you,” Danny added.

  “You didn’t just lie to me. Everything I know about you, and you too, Ben, is fake. I bet if you’re both real angels, you don’t look like this either. Why should I help you anyway? Why don’t you help me by just leaving?”

  ***

  After leaving Matthew’s house, Nora cycled around town for an hour, to clear her head, but it was still filled with questions. The box with the bracelet was in her coat pocket, bouncing against her leg as she pedalled. She fought the urge to throw it away, but the bracelet could be her only way to get Felicia back. It might not be possible get another one. Confusion and the cold wind increased her headache. She came home just in time for di
nner.

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” her father asked over dinner.

  “Two friends lied about something, the same thing, and I don’t know if I should believe them and, if everything else was also a lie.” Nora played with her food, but didn’t take a bite.

  “Lying is a terrible thing. But you must know that some lies are told because they have to protect someone. If they both lied about the same thing, it may very well be because they wanted to protect you,” her father said.

  “And even if they lied, I’m sure someone would have noticed. They’re young. Try to remember how they behaved. Actions speak louder than words,” said her mother. “Especially with boys. They do before they think.”

  Her father nodded in agreement. “Let me know if they hurt you and I will have a stern talk with them.”

  “No, that’s okay. I think I can figure it out myself. Thanks, papa.” She gave her father her sweetest smile. She adored him, even when his overprotectiveness drove her crazy sometimes.

  After dinner she wanted to do homework, but her mind kept wandering off to Ben’s kiss first. She felt anger and longing at the same time. He couldn’t love her—angels weren’t allowed to love humans.

  She replayed all the conversations she had with Danny. Everything he said made sense now. His way of speaking, his attachment to the community of the church, and the woman in Italy. He must have been her guardian angel; his duty to take care of her. After her death, it left a void in his heart.

  There was one thing she was certain about. She needed time to herself. This wasn’t something she could process in one evening. Angels and Furies existed, and Matthew didn’t deny the possibility that vampires were real. She was afraid. What if they found out she knew and would come for her?

  She gave up on her homework and spent the rest of the evening researching Greek mythology, hoping to learn more about the mythical being she had to face. The box with the bracelet sat on her desk; she had to give it to Felicia. If she didn’t, she’d lose her forever. It couldn’t have been her wish to be a host to something so hateful, despite of what she had done in the past.

  Maybe the Fury had spread the rumour about her and Ben. What if the Fury had repressed Felicia at that time?

  More questions. She grabbed an empty notebook and wrote down all of her questions. When she was ready, she would ask Matthew to answer them all.

  Next week she would talk to Felicia and give her the bracelet. Then she needed to spend some time with other people, humans. It was a good thing spring break was coming up soon. She hoped Josey had time to hang out for some normal girl time. Go shopping for books or see a mundane romantic comedy. Things she used to do with her friends all the time.

  She needed a plan for Felicia. There was still one person she could trust, Michael. Despite what Matthew had asked, she would talk to him about the bracelet. She would leave out a few details about all the supernatural stuff. The celestite was a gem that could help with negative thoughts and helped the wearer open up to the love of others. Even though Michael was too rational to believe in this stuff, he knew that Felicia would believe in it, and that it could help her. He also knew Felicia and he could help come up with the right way to approach this. Nora texted Michael to ask him to meet up the following afternoon.

  Chapter 21

  It took Nora more energy to avoid Ben, Danny, and Felicia. Danny was still surrounded by a flock of ever-changing girls, Felicia and Emily paraded the hallways as if they owned the place, and Ben had taken over the library, Nora’s favourite spot. Ben probably sat there hoping to run into her, but she wouldn’t give him the opportunity. She knew the school well enough to find the quiet spots, even during breaks. Some of them were off limits during the breaks, and a teacher would scold her if they found her there. It was worth it though.

  After school Michael came over. Nora’s mother gave them cookies and tea before going grocery shopping. She trusted her daughter and liked Michael enough to give them complete privacy. Nora was glad her mother left the house instead of doing laundry upstairs, so she couldn’t overhear anything.

  “So, what’s wrong?” asked Michael.

  “It seems that Matthew found out what’s wrong with Felicia. He thinks she’s possessed by some sort of jealous and greedy being. I don’t really know if I should believe it, but she has changed.”

  “Well, that sounds about right.”

  “He thinks this bracelet can help.” Nora put the box on the table. Michael opened it and frowned. “It’s celestite. It’s supposed to get rid of negative thoughts and open up to receiving love.”

  “She has to wear this?” Michael took the bracelet out of the box and looked closer. The beads were tied together with a metal wire. It was handmade and looked it as well. There was no way Felicia would pick this out if she went shopping. The only thing she might like is the white colour of the beads.

  “Yes, that’s exactly my thought,” replied Nora. “He also wants me to give it to her, because she might give it more sentimental value and she’ll wear it despite how it looks.”

  “At least he has a sound reasoning, but will she accept it? Doesn’t she hate you too much for that right now?” Michael looked worried.

  “I don’t know. I’m grateful he took the time to help me, but I doubt it’ll solve things.” Nora sighed. Her hands were cold, and her lips were dry. This was a last resort to regain Felicia’s friendship, and she didn’t want to fail.

  “Too much can go wrong. If the bracelet works and that spirit thing leaves her once she wears it, it would be better if she wears it before you talk to her,” Michael thought out loud.

  “I think so. She might not claw my eyes out immediately.” Nora nodded.

  “I remember seeing her go to drama practice. She might have a part in the school play. Then we can pretend the bracelet is part of the costume,” he suggested.

  “That won’t be enough. If she thinks it’s part of the costume she’ll take it off right after the play. We have to convince her to keep it on at all times.”

  “Can’t we make it look better? Did he say anything about how it works?”

  “No, not really. Just that the gemstones need to touch her skin.”

  “Maybe my aunt has an idea. She likes to make her own jewellery and she can be very creative with metals. Can I take this home with me?” He put the bracelet back in the box and closed the lid.

  “Sure, I wasn’t planning on giving it before I had a solid plan.” Nora looked Michael in the eyes. “Thank you for helping me.”

  “No problem. I’ll be glad when there’s no one out to get my best friend. I want to see you smile again.” He smiled at her.

  “Do you believe me when I say Felicia is possessed?”

  “I don’t see why not. If you don’t believe it, you probably wouldn’t say it. I trust you and I believe you.” Michael shrugged.

  Nora was glad he believed her without question. Throughout the years their bond and trust in each other had become stronger than anything else she knew. She started to appreciate him more and more every day.

  “Thank you. I’d be lost without you.” She blew him a kiss.

  “Why did you come to me and not someone else?” Nora knew he meant Danny, Ben, or Josy.

  “Because you’re the only one I can trust right now. Ben and Danny lied to me and I can’t forgive them yet.” She didn’t want to say anything more on the subject and she was glad when Michael didn’t push her. All he did was smile, the kind of smile she knew meant he understood.

  “And how are you going to repay me for my kind services?” Michael joked.

  “Stay for dinner?” She hoped he’d accept that. He would take any opportunity to eat her mom’s spaghetti. “And you can have the rest of the cookies.”

  “That would be great.” He grabbed the plate of cookies and started eating.

  ***

  Nora hoped she was still on time before the boys came home. It felt odd to go to their house while they weren’t there, but she
had to see Matthew. The questions piled up after their talk, and she wanted answers. Matthew worked from home which worked in her favour today. It gave her the opportunity to talk to him in private, but she had to be quick. She pressed the doorbell and grabbed the notebook from her bag. She knew she wouldn’t get all the answers today, but she had to try.

  “Hi, Nora.” Matthew said as he opened the door. His hair was the usual mess, and he hadn’t shaved for a few days. Or showered, judging by the smell. “What can I do for you? I don’t believe the boys are back yet.”

  “That’s okay. I’m here for you.” She held the notebook tightly. “I have a few questions and I was hoping you could answer them.”

  Matthew scratched his head and looked towards the hallway.

  “If you’re busy now, I can come back a different time,” Nora proposed.

  “That would be better. Things have been a little hectic here. I’m sorry.” Matthew was grateful she offered a solution.

  “Ehm, I’ve written them down in this notebook. Maybe it would be easier if you saw all of my questions first.” She gave him the notebook.

  “Ah, that’s perfect. I can write down the answers if you want.” Matthew looked relieved as he accepted the notebook.

  “My number is in there as well. Can you text me when you have time? I’d like to talk to you about some things.”

  “I owe you that, don’t I? I’m sorry you got involved in all of this. I’ll do my best to help you. I should really head back to… Well, work.”

  It was obvious he didn’t want to tell her, but that didn’t stop her curiosity. Was it related to what he had heard about Felicia?

  “You should give the bracelet to the Fury soon,” he urged her.

  “How do you know I haven’t given it yet?” she asked.

  “That’s for later. But, please, we have little time. If the Fury knows what we’re planning to do, she’ll do something unpredictable and I won’t be able to guarantee your friend’s safety.” He looked flushed.

  “Okay.” Nora sighed. “I was planning on doing it next week, but I’ll see if I can do it this week.” She felt sorry for him although she couldn’t figure out why.