She sucks in a deep breath, and the strangest feeling takes over. I’m not sure what’s happening, but my mouth falls, and it feels a little like she sucks my soul out.
I didn’t know demons could pass out.
You learn something new every day, I suppose.
My eyes pop open, and I jolt.
Oh yeah, something possessed Hazel.
Her face isn’t what it was before.
And I can’t tell if this version is worse.
Her face is skeletal with only two big, black, void-like orbs floating in the sockets where her eyes should be.
“Oh, good. You’re okay.” Her hand pats my chest.
“Not to sound repetitive, but sorry I have to do this.” I grab her shoulders and fling her over my head toward the wall.
She lands with a crunch that makes me grimace.
Fuck.
Here’s hoping she won’t remember any of this after I get whatever that is exorcised from her body. All sorts of lesser demons can possess a host.
Witches are an especially enticing prospect because of their magic. Hazel is exceptionally powerful to the point I can’t understand how something could successfully possess her.
Ultimately that doesn’t matter. I have to find a way to subdue her long enough that I can find a priest capable of performing the exorcism.
Planting my feet on the mattress, I push back on my shoulders and propel myself upright.
Hazel groans, preparing to climb off the floor. “Well, at least you apologized before tossing me into the wall.”
I land in a crouch in front of her and breathe a sigh of pure relief when I see her face is back to normal. Even her eyes have transitioned back to the blue I’m so fond of.
“Yeah, I mean, it had to be done.” I hold out my hand. I’m sure it’s still hiding in there somewhere, but it might be weak from taking control of her body. “Is the demon gone?”
She places her palm on mine, and I pull her upright. It might be dangerous, but I can’t help myself. I begin to check her over for injuries.
“Annex, I’m fine.”
I scoff. “I’m pretty sure you’re possessed, but it’s no big deal. I know a guy?—”
“I need to tell you something, and I need you to not freak out when I do.” Her chest rattles as her nose turns pink.
My jaw falls.
Oh shit.
“Did you sign a contract? Fuck, tell me you didn’t sign a contract…” Dammit, is that why her power level is higher than any witch I’ve ever met? My mind races with the possibilities of what she could have bargained away. “That’s significantly worse,but I’ll review it and see if there are any loopholes. Don’t stress, baby doll. We’ll figure this out together.”
“No, I didn’t sign anything,” she says firmly. “Please, just listen to me. I’m not possessed.”
Isn’t that something someone who was possessed would say?
“I’m a demon, just like you. I was born this way.” She swallows thickly, shoving her hair behind her ear. “I’m second generation. My mother is a blood witch. Blood magic does weird shit. I have two biological fathers—a reaper and a sin eater.” This time, she raises her palms like she’s trying to signal that she’s not a threat. “I’m a devourer.”
I was under the impression those went extinct. “Holy fuck.”
