“You got it.” Seymour pushed up to his knees, grateful for Sariel’s strong embrace to help him. “So, uh, where are we goin’ exactly?”
“There are many establishments run by monsters for monsters.” Sariel gently pulled Seymour the rest of the way to his feet. “Fallen Hope is particularly exclusive, as it is a place for those of the Ethereal. It is a realm that mirrors this one, and it is extremely dangerous for mortal creatures.”
“Like me?”
“Yes, like you.”
“So, I have to go to the extremely dangerous place and help who exactly?”
“The fae princes, Absolis and Vilanos Mostro. They will have a task for you to complete before they will give Mr. Heiss the item he is seeking.”
Seymour clung to Sariel a little tighter. “And the chances of me gettin’ outta this total shit nightmare alive?”
“Well, the horoscope for Aries today did say that your direction may be a bit unclear as you find a personal situation veering out of control, but you can still let the air out of the tires and obtain a peaceful resolution. So. Yes?”
Seymour grimaced. “I really don’t like how you saidyesas a question. Not really given’ me a lot of confidence.”
“Well…”
The oven beeped.
Sariel cringed. “Cookies?”
“Got any fuckin’ tequila to go with ’em?”
“Is that… a normal pairing?”
“We’re ’bout to make it one.”
CHAPTER
FOUR
Sariel didn’t have any alcohol, so Seymour settled for a glass of milk. It was probably for the best. He had a feeling once he started drinking, he wouldn’t stop until he found the end of the bottle.
For now, stuffing his face with cookies still warm from the oven would have to do.
“Are you all right?” Sariel asked quietly.
“Me?” Seymour asked through a mouthful of cookie number six.
“Yes, you.”
Seymour finished eating the cookie before replying, “Oh. I’m fuckin’ fine as frog’s hair.”
Sariel stared. “Frogs do not have hair.”
“That’s kinda the point. It just means I’m all right. I think I’m handlin’ all of this magical creature shit pretty well, but also could be my brain is just in shock.” Seymour winked. “Or maybe it’s the cookies.”
“You did not have to do that, you know.” Sariel fidgeted.
“What?”
“Stand up for me.” Sariel smiled, but it was sad. “Though I do appreciate it. Very much.”
“Well, he’s a fuckin’ bastard. You don’t deserve that?—”
“Even though he would obliterate you.”
