Something flickered across Zara’s face. Too fast for Ramona to read.
“Because this is an unsanctioned summoning, you will begin to feel the effects of being away from Hell.”
“Such as?”
“Your soul is bound to Hell. Contractually. And a requirement of that contract is residence. The side effects may be minimal but will likely present as physical. Please be aware of said effects around the mortals. Their demographic has not enjoyed such displays in the past,” Theron explained.
Zara nodded, her face looking paler for a moment. The spiked tip of her tail lay still on the ground.
“Now,” Theron said briskly. “Let’s discuss the severance itself. Have you considered the tether-dissolution method? It’s standard for proximity bindings.”
“I have. I’m currently conducting a comprehensive analysis of the binding’s foundational architecture to ensure optimal dissolution parameters.” Zara’s voice shifted into something Ramona had never heard before — completely detached. She could hardly even parse out the meaning of Zara’s words. “There are several variables that require systematic evaluation before we can proceed with implementation.”
Ramona blinked. What?
“Variables,” Theron repeated.
“The binding structure demonstrates anomalous characteristics that fall outside standard taxonomic classifications. I’m developing a customized severance framework that accounts for these irregularities while maintaining appropriate risk mitigation protocols.”
Theron looked slightly glazed. “Right. And these… irregularities. Are they going to impact the timeline?”
“I’m optimizing the assessment process to ensure minimal timeline deviation while maintaining comprehensive evaluation standards.” Zara’s tone was absolutely deadpan. “My current projections indicate severance readiness within the establishedfour-week parameter, pending completion of the diagnostic phase and subsequent validation of the remediation strategy.”
Ramona had spent years of her life dedicated to translation, to unwinding the twisted meaning from complicated phrasing, and even that wasn’t enough to figure out what Zara meant.
Theron rubbed their temple. “Azareth, can you deliver?”
Zara nodded, but Ramona could see her jaw was clenched.
Theron made a note. “Fine. And I’ll need confirmation in your weekly reports that you’re making progress on this…” They paused, clearly searching for the right word. “Diagnostic phase.”
“Understood. I’ll include comprehensive status updates on all relevant evaluation metrics in my progress documentation.”
Which Ramona was pretty sure meantI’ll make something up.
“Good.” Theron pulled up something on their screen. “I’m sending you specifications for the Gregorian Severance ritual. It’s designed for complex bindings. The new moon is in four weeks — that’s your optimal window.”
The HellBerry buzzed softly. A file transfer notification.
“This specific ritual takes about six hours,” Theron continued. “Start to finish. Should handle most binding complications. We’ve often used it for contracted summons that need early termination.”
“This is helpful,” Zara said. “Thank you.”
“One more thing.” Theron’s expression shifted. Concern? Annoyance? “Prolonged bindings can develop sympathetic resonance. Especially if you’ve been in close quarters for three weeks. When you sever it, expect emotional backlash for both parties.”
“Backlash?”
“Grief, usually. Sense of loss. The binding creates artificial intimacy. When you break it, there’s a withdrawal period. A few days of feeling unmoored, disconnected. It passes.”
Zara’s hand on the desk curled into a fist. The glamour flickered for just a second — Ramona caught a glimpse of her plain black T-shirt before the illusion snapped back into place.
“I’ll… prepare accordingly.”
“Good. Make sure the witch understands what to expect. Last thing we need is a distraught mortal filing complaints to management.” Theron smiled — the expression was sharp and brief. “Weekly reports, Azareth. Don’t make me chase you.”
“Understood.”
Theron’s voice softened fractionally. “Whatever you’re doing up there — keep doing it. I haven’t seen you this engaged in decades. It’s good to have you back.”
