It was utterly fascinating.
As we entered the grand hall with its imposing staircase, Charlie paused, rubbing her temple. "Is it normal to feel... buzzy after exposure to your energy? Like waves of electricity under my skin."
"It's perfectly normal. I said, a few days and it will be gone."
"I've worked with enough supernaturals to know this feels different."
Behind her, Paz was frantically flipping through an ancient tome, his fingers trembling as he traced lines of demonic text. The panic in his eyes had reached new heights, and he was now silently mouthing what appeared to be emergency containment incantations.
I shot him a warning glare before turning back to Charlie with a reassuring smile. "Different practitioners, different sensations. I assure you, there's absolutely nothing to worry about." I genuinely believed this, despite Paz's growing hysteria. After all, how dangerous could a tiny fragment of demonic power be in the hands of a mortal?
"The terrace would be ideal for the pre-show reception," she said as we stepped outside. The storm, which had been raging moments before, had mysteriously cleared the instant she mentioned wanting to see the outdoor spaces. She didn't seem to notice this meteorological impossibility, simply making notes about where additional lighting would be needed.
"Did it just... stop raining?" she asked, glancing up at the suddenly clear sky.
"Ashcliff has its own microclimate," I said smoothly. "Very convenient for outdoor events."
As we concluded our tour in the entrance hall, Charlie closed her notebook. "Ashcliff is amazing, though there are several modifications required before the event. I'll send over a comprehensive assessment by Monday."
"I look forward to it," I said, meaning it more than she could possibly understand.
"Do you hear a ringing noise?" Charlie reached up and pressed on her ear.
"No but I'm used to all the sensations that you normally would not feel. You're more than welcome to stay at Ashcliff until it fades." I could barely contain myself at the thought of it. "There is a beautiful suite overlooking the ocean. It's private and you won't be disturbed. You'll have full access to anything you need."
"That won't be necessary. I really should get going."
"Then allow me to walk you to your car."
The gravel crunched beneath our feet as we crossed the drive. When we reached her vehicle, she turned to face me.
"Thank you for the tour," she said, extending her hand.
I took it, holding it longer than I should have. Her skin was warm against mine, and I could feel the faint pulse of my power thrumming beneath the surface. She felt it too. I saw the slight widening of her eyes, the way her lips parted as if to speak before she thought better of it.
"Until next time, Charlie Davenport."
She withdrew her hand, climbed into her car, and drove away without looking back.
After she departed, Paz emerged from the shadows, arms full of ancient tomes. "Master, the protocols explicitly forbid power sharing with mortals!"
"She doesn't even know what happened. She has no idea she's carrying a fragment of my power."
"But when she discovers the effects aren't temporary?—"
"Of course they're temporary," I countered. "No mortal has ever permanently retained demonic power. It's simply not possible."
"The ancient texts specifically warn against?—"
"I know what the text says. I wrote most of it."
"Yes, but Sir." He said as he wiped his brow. "You haven't attended a Gathering of the Damned in centuries. Not one."
"The knowledge adapts, Paz. It always has."
Paz was still citing protocols behind me, his voice edged with panic, but the words faded to nothing.
I moved to the window, watching her car disappear down the winding coastal road into the gathering fog.
