Devil's Deal (Infernal Contracts Book 1)

by Tessa Hastjarjanto

  “Thank you. I’ll text you when I’m done with this.” He held up the notebook and closed the door.

  Nora looked towards the school, hoping Ben and Danny were still inside. She didn’t want to raise suspicion if they came out now and took a large detour through the city. She passed by the bakery she worked at, and bought a cupcake. It would help her forget about the awkwardness and tension of what just happened.

  ***

  A few days later Michael texted Nora to say he had a new bracelet. He wanted to stop by that evening to discuss the plan further. Nora had thought of how to talk to Felicia. It was probably best to visit her at home, even though no one else would be present.

  Michael showed her the new bracelet. The gemstones were set in filigree metal, but only on the outside. The back of the gems would still touch her skin. And it looked more elegant and fashionable now.

  “Wow, that looks great,” Nora exclaimed. “Thank your aunt for me, please. It looks wonderful.”

  “Will do,” said Michael. He grabbed a pouch from his coat pocket. “She had some stones left over, so she made another one for you.” The bracelet slid out of the pouch into his hand.

  Nora wanted to take it, but he wouldn’t let her. He held her wrist so he could put the bracelet on.

  “Tell Felicia that you share these bracelets as best friends.”

  “That’s a great idea. You do know how to solve a girls’ problem.” Nora’s smile almost reached her ears.

  Michael mirrored her smile. “I like that look on your face. I hope I’ll see it more often when this is over.”

  “I’m sure. I’ll talk to Felicia tomorrow. I hope she’ll accept it.”

  Chapter 22

  Nora hoped Felicia would be home. She didn’t want to ask Emily, because she would tell Felicia she was coming. That would ruin the surprise, for the better or for worse. Her ignorance was probably for the best.

  She’s been going over the conversation a million times since last night. Every time it played out a bit differently, but she got the bracelet on, and that was the goal. She hoped that she could at least achieve that.

  For now, she needed to convince Felicia to let her inside and listen to her. And why would anyone let their mortal enemy inside their house? Maybe Danny’s absence would make her less on edge.

  It was almost a year ago since Nora was last here. She rang the doorbell and waited. Felicia must’ve looked out the window, because she still hadn’t opened the door.

  Nora looked in the garden and saw her bicycle. She rang the doorbell again, but stayed out of sight.

  A few minutes later Felicia opened the door. She scowled the second she saw Nora. She didn’t say anything, but left the door open as she walked back to the kitchen.

  Nora accepted the strange invitation and closed the door behind her. Her hand went to the bracelet she had in her pocket.

  Felicia sat at the kitchen bar doing her homework, paying no attention to Nora.

  Nora sat down next to her, not as anxious as she thought she would be. “I’m sorry for the past months. I really want us to make up, so I told both Ben and Danny to stay away from me. I don’t care for them if that means losing my best friend. I tried to honour your wishes the past months, so I hope you’ll forgive me.” She grabbed the bracelet out of her pocket and put it on her wrist. She made sure the gemstones touched her skin before she noticed what Nora was doing. “I want to give you this bracelet as a sign of our friendship. I have one as well.”

  Felicia looked at the bracelet and she showed Nora a smile for the first time in months, but it didn’t last long.

  “I hope you know I was never out to steal Danny away from you. He’s all yours. I’d be happy if I don’t have to see his face ever again.”

  “Why didn’t you just say that seven months ago?” was the first thing Felicia said.

  “I think I did, but my memory is blurry. You know I’d never try to steal someone away from you. And why would he be interested in me? I’m guessing his interest in me was just jealousy. A trick to see how you really felt about him.” Nora tried to keep the hostility out of her words, but it took a lot of effort. It was good that she already let out most of her anger during their fight at prom, but it was still hard to forget all the pain she’d caused.

  “What are you talking about? There are plenty of reasons why Danny would fall for you. You two have so much in common and he seems to like your look.”

  This compliment took Nora complete off guard.

  “Maybe he was trying to make someone jealous, but it wasn’t me.” Felicia put her hand on Nora’s. “I already told you, didn’t I? Ben and Danny made a bet who could make you fall in love with them. Ben chose you.”

  Nora looked down. Hearing Felicia say it again, but with sympathy instead of anger, made it more real.

  “I’m sorry. Really. I overheard them talking at school.”

  “So you believe me when I say it wasn’t my fault?”

  “Of course. I was crazy not to believe you. I’m sorry I said all those things.”

  “As long as you know what you did. Please don’t do it again. I can’t stand losing you.”

  Felicia got off the bar stool and hugged her friend. “I promise. Will you come to girls’ night Saturday?”

  “Maybe next time. Tests are coming up and I still have to study, my mind has been occupied with other things lately.”

  “I understand.” Felicia let go of her friend and look her in the eyes. “Please know you’re always welcome here. If you want to talk about boys or something else. I really hope you’ll still want me as a friend.”

  Nora smiled. “I do want you as a friend. That’s I’m here.” Nora touched the bracelet on Felicia’s wrist and showed her own bracelet. “Give me some time. I’ll be back soon.”

  “I hope so. Will you sit with us for lunch again?”

  “Only if we banish any boys.”

  “Promise.”

  Both girls laughed and hugged again.

  Nora left and went back home.

  ***

  “You look happy.” Nora’s mom sat on the couch reading a magazine.

  “I just came back from Felicia. We made up.”

  “That’s great. I’m glad you’re friends again. I knew you had it in your heart to forgive her.”

  “It sucks that we have tests again in two weeks. I’d like to have a normal Saturday evening again.”

  “Soon you will. I’m proud of you.”

  Nora didn’t have the heart to tell her mother there was still a lot unresolved. Her rekindled friendship was just one thing on her long list of problems. She had texted Michael and Matthew the good news.

  Later that night, Matthew called.

  “Hi Nora. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m still reading.” Nora closed her book after remembering which page she was on.

  “Okay. Thank you for giving Felicia the bracelet. We will do a ceremony tonight, to call away the Fury.”

  “You don’t need Felicia?” Nora knew nothing about spirits or rituals.

  “The Fury is a spirit and we can summon it wherever. We just hope Felicia is strong enough to push the Fury out.”

  “She is. She has to be. What happens if she isn’t?” There was a heavy feeling in her stomach, a sense of dread.

  “The Fury will stay with her. If that happens, we’ll need her here. But I don’t want to think about that yet. I hope this works.”

  “I hope so too. I wish I could be there.”

  “No, you don’t. We’re starting at two in the morning and won’t be done until you leave for school.” Matthew’s blunt rejection hit her hard.

  “But I want to help.” Nora raised her voice. Felicia was important to her. She had to do what she could to get her friend back.

  “I know, but this is not for kids.” His voice wavered.

  Nora wanted to say she wasn’t a kid anymore, but it was a lost fight. Her parents wouldn’t let her go out, and t
here was no way she could sneak outside. Her mother woke up from every little sound.

  “Fine,” she said.

  “I know you don’t like it, but it’s for the best. It’s not just the time span, the ritual itself might be scary for you, too. Seeing a Fury often triggers something in humans.” He did his best to find an excuse, but it was clear he didn’t even consider her helping out.

  “You’re human too.” She couldn’t help her sarcasm. It was an automatic defence system that acted whenever she felt vulnerable or weak.

  “Sharp. I’m fine. And even if I’m not, it’s not your concern.”

  “Hey, you called me. You told me about the ceremony. I don’t care if I’m not old enough to take part, but I’m old enough to care about you.” It infuriated her that he treated her like a child who needed protection from everything.

  Matthew sighed. “You’re right. I really need to learn how to handle teenagers.” His voice was softer now.

  “We’re more resilient than you think.”

  “I know. I just… I’ve been doing this on my own for years now, so it’s hard when people suddenly drop into my life. I still feel partially responsible for what happened to you.” Matthew was just as messed up as Danny and Ben.

  “Good luck with the ceremony tonight. Let me know what happened, I want to know.” Nora was tired.

  “Thanks. I will.” Matthew waited a minute before he hung up, like he wanted to say more. Nora dropped her phone on her bed and opened her book again, but she couldn’t get back into it.

  Felicia was going to be okay. She repeated the sentence to herself, like a mantra, to make herself believe it. Matthew had done this before and she had to trust him.

  Chapter 23

  A week after Nora had dropped off the notebook, Matthew asked Nora if they could meet up somewhere in the city.

  Nora proposed a large department store with a cafe area. It was noisy enough so people couldn’t overhear them, and the beverages and cake within reach was a big plus. She didn’t know what to expect from their talk, but she knew she’d want pie at some point.

  Nora was already at the table when Matthew arrived. “Hi, do you want something to drink? I’ll go get us something.” Matthew took off his coat and dropped his bag on the floor next to the table.

  “Green tea, thanks.” Nora rubbed her hands, they were cold and her stomach was already in turmoil.

  Matthew came back with a tray filled with cake, pie, cookies, and a large pot of tea with two cups.

  “This should get us through lunch. I hope you find something you like in this selection. Danny told me you have a sweet tooth, but couldn’t remember what you liked best.”

  “Does he know you’re meeting with me today?” Nora picked out the grandmother’s apple pie with whipped cream.

  “No, I told them I have a work meeting and won’t be back until tonight. So we have all day. Ask me anything.” Matthew poured the tea and waited for Nora to speak.

  “Thank you. For the tea, pie, and your time. I really appreciate it.”

  “I know you have hundreds of questions. I remember I did when someone told me there was more than we knew. You took it better than I did. I’m not really a patient person. If I don’t understand or know something right away, my brain freezes. I’ve hoarded knowledge for years through four degrees. I’d have more if I didn’t need the money.”

  “So you really are an architect?”

  “It’s one of my sources of income, but I make most of my money with consulting work. Scholars, occult enthusiasts, and some mythical beings require my services from time to time.”

  “You sell knowledge.”

  “That’s right. Knowledge, advice, ceremonies, sometimes it’s an address or a name. If you know the right things, people will pay for it.”

  “What makes you so special? Isn’t there anyone else?”

  “Not in the Netherlands. The closest other speaker is in the UK. Speakers are the ones who speak with both worlds. Each of us is specialised in a branch of the occult and we value our network. Researching someone else’s specialty is lost time. We only have our limited human lives to learn all we can and pass it on. Mythical beings can be immortal and aren’t bound by time, but that also makes them blind to what makes us human. We have limited resources, time, and we have to make the best of it.”

  “I wasn’t expecting such a deep conversation.” Nora wasn’t sure if she understood all of it.

  “I’m sorry. Maybe that wasn’t the right way to start. Please, ask away.” Matthew took a bite of a chocolate chip cookie and was surprised at how good it was. He devoured it in seconds.

  “Why did Ben and Danny come here?”

  “That’s not really a question I should be answering.” Matthew took a sip of his tea to flush down the cookie.

  “I’m asking you anyway. I’m not ready to talk to them yet.”

  “Fine, but I won’t give you the full answer. They’re here for you. They both had something to prove. I don’t know why it had to be you though.”

  “Do you know what they want to prove?”

  “I do, but they should be the ones to tell you. Not me. I know both of them have changed since meeting you, in a good way. Maybe that’s enough for them. I hope so.”

  The answer confused Nora even more. She hoped to get an answer that would help her decide. This only showed another side of them.

  “Are they staying with you because you’re a speaker?”

  “Yes. They’re not my first guests and I know they won’t be my last. You’ve met Diana.”

  “She’s also—”

  “She’s been around for a while.” Matthew quickly finished her sentence as someone walked by. “Ben and Danny know who she is. Not everyone can sense the others and they need someone like me—with a gift—to identify them. I rarely take fieldwork, but I felt I had to protect you and keep an eye on these idiots. Making sure both worlds don’t cross over is another job of ours. We’re not policing the human-supernatural relations, but we know how to restrain someone if they interfere with the human world, like the Fury. A friend from Canada came here to help banish the Fury and we couldn’t have done that if you hadn’t given Felicia the bracelet.”

  “She still gave me mean looks the day after. Did it really work?”

  “It’s not an immediate process so you should still give her space. But try talking to her next time you see her. And be gentle. Don’t mention what happened.”

  “Thank you so much,” Nora said, a heavy burden falling off her shoulders.

  “It’s my job, but it was my pleasure helping your friend, and you. No teenage girl should be host to something as disgusting as a Fury,” Matthew said.

  “I don’t have anything to repay you.”

  “Don’t be silly. You don’t have to repay me.”

  “I still want to do something for you. Like a favour owed. Does that exist in their world?”

  “It does. I’ll accept that favour, and there’s something you can do for me right now.”

  Nora wiped away her tears and took a bite from her pie. Her grandmother used to make it whenever they came over. A feeling of nostalgia overcame her as she tasted the sweet dough with sour apples and the creaminess of the cream.

  Matthew tried to get her attention. “ Nora, I want you to keep your mind open. I know you were raised a Catholic and I’m not asking you to give that up. I want you to use your ability to believe and accept that what I told you is real. I can’t see your aura, but I know that you’ll do the right thing.”

  Matthew got Nora’s notebook from his bag and gave it to her.

  She opened it and saw her notebook filled with scribbles and doodles of all kinds of creatures and people. Answers to her questions, illustrations, symbols, book recommendations, lists of people and places, links to websites and stores.

  “You’re a speaker now too, in a way, since you know about both worlds and you’re in touch with them. I could use your help, as an assistant. Danny told me you’
ve an interest in art history. That could be useful.” He suggested.

  “I’m not sure.” The offer came unexpected. Nora had no idea what being a speaker meant and if it was something she wanted.

  “You don’t have to decide soon. But you can be part of both worlds. It’s up to you.”

  “Thank you. I feel like you’re giving me so much today and I can’t give back anything.”

  “You owe me a favour and that’s something big. I should probably tell you that you don’t want to give out any favours to mythical beings. Not even Diana. They don’t care about mortality, and a human’s life is insignificant to them. Some of their favours might get you killed.”

  “Thanks for the warning.” Nora took another bite of the apple pie, hoping it would replace the feeling of dread Matthew had given her.

  “I’m sorry. Maybe talking about death isn’t such a good idea.” Matthew laughed awkwardly. He fit the bill of the chaotic scholar stereotype she often read about.

  “Is this the first time you’ve had a teenage crowd?”

  “Obviously, I have no parenting skills whatsoever. I don’t know how to deal with kids or teenagers. Especially Ben is getting into his role as a teenager.”

  “He is. Although I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Seeing his behaviour doesn’t remind me of an angel, or someone who was an angel.”

  “The worst thing is, they don’t know what a father is or how to be human. Ben copies behaviour from teenage movies, but he doesn’t think it through.”

  “Like he doesn’t realise his actions affect other people. Or how.”

  “Exactly. He spent the first few weeks on Earth observing before showing himself. Danny knew more about humans and understood us better, but he’s still like his angelic self.”

  “It’s mostly his way of speaking that I’d say is odd. He’s kind. Sometimes a little too kind. Girls find that confusing and think he likes them. His looks don’t help either.”

  “He should enjoy the attention. It’s probably the last time he’ll experience something like that.”