Delaney was watching me very closely. Too closely. Had I said something wrong?
“I don’t think we should just assume they’re gone,” I added. “Demons don’t play by the rules. They say things and do things to make you think, to make you feel, to make you do what they want.”
“Myra,” she said softly.
“Enough of that,” I interrupted with false cheer. “WhatIwant to know is if you have your soul back.”
Ryder chuckled. “Oh, she has it back.”
Delaney slapped him gently on the leg. “Yes. I do have it back. Than was here. He helped make sure it settled back correctly.”
“He can do that without using his power?” Jean asked.
Delaney nodded. “Yeah. He was just observing.”
“He made her open her mouth and say ‘Ah’ and used a tongue depressor to stare down her throat,” Ryder said. “Then he used that little light cone thing to look in her ears.”
“So he could see her soul?” I asked.
“No,” Delaney scowled. “He said he’s just always wanted to do that.”
Jean barked out a laugh, and I couldn’t help but chuckle too. That was a ridiculous enough image, I could push the snarl of emotions I had no hope of untangling away. “He said you’re all right?”
“He didn’t have to,” Delaney said. “I can feel it. Not like it’s a physical thing, just…colors are more colorful, and smiling feels more normal, and…it’s hard to explain. But I feel right. I feel good. I feel my soul. And now that I know what it’s like to give it away…” Her voice faded, and she sort of stared into the middle distance.
Ryder rubbed his hand on her arm, comfort, connection, an anchor to this now.
“Well,” she said, shaking off whatever had taken her attention. “I don’t want anyone to ever make a deal like that again.”
“No one but you is dumb enough to do that,” Jean said.
Delaney just shook her head.
“What about Bathin?” Ryder asked.
My skin tightened at the sound of his name. “What about him?”
“Think we should send the dragon pig after him? Find out if he’s in Ordinary? Xtelle too?”
“Yes,” Delaney said. “As soon as they release me, we can get the dragon pig from Crow.”
“Are you sure you should go home so soon?” I asked.
“I wasn’t out that long, and really, we know it wasn’t a medical thing that caused the coma.”
“Finally!” Jean said. “We can call this one a win. I thought we’d never find a way to get your soul back. Nice job, My,” she added. “Let me see if I can speed up your check out.” She stepped out of the room.
“I’m fine,” I told Delaney before she could say anything. “I really am.” I didn’t try smiling because she wouldn’t believe it. “I’m still processing everything, though. This was a long fight, and having it over so quickly has me a little off balance.”
“Why don’t you stay with us tonight?” she offered. “I’m going to stay in and make sure Ryder sleeps.” He grunted. “You and I could watch some Netflix.”
“I’m good,” I said again. “I should get out there on the street, keep an eye on things.” I pushed up onto my feet.
“No, Myra, don’t.” Delaney got out of bed and walked over to me. Her eyes, stormier blue than mine, searched for something in my expression. I just raised one eyebrow.
“You giving me the day off, boss?”
“Yeah,” she said. “I am. And I don’t think you should be alone.”
