Caleb wanted to argue. But honestly, Xev was right. If he’d learned nothing else while living with his wife, it was that people had hearts. They weren’t the insignificant animals he’d once thought them to be.
Humans were special and he was lucky to have found the most remarkable one of all. He was even luckier that she loved him back.
And that made his gut tighten again. “Xev… may I ask you a favor?”
His jaw went slack. “You’re asking me for another favor? There must be sun shining in Azmodea right now.”
“Not funny.”
“Not trying to be. Just amazed by your audacity.”
And they were words Caleb had never thought he’d utter. Asking for help was hard enough.
Asking for a favor…
It wasn’t in him.
Or so he’d thought.
Apparently, he really would do anything for her. “I need you to help me protect Lil.”
“You know I will, especially after everything you’ve done for me and Myone… and Jared. I owe you.”
“Don’t forget it.” Caleb left so that he could find Lilliana.
She was in a group of her friends, drinking mead, and laughing. Caleb paused to take the moment in. To savor this moment of her happiness and beauty. If he could, he’d make this night last forever.
That was his thought until he saw a shadow on his left. Frowning, Caleb made his way over to it.
But there was nothing there.
I’m seeing things.
If it were any night other than solstice, he might actually believe that. Tonight, however, the veil was thin. Things could cross over.
And they would be more powerful than normal.
“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.” He searched the darkness, trying his best to locate what he’d seen.
A bad feeling washed over him.
What was going on?
“Here, demon, demon, demon.” The voice whispered on the wind, mocking his earlier call.
Caleb turned around. All he saw was humans, innocent humans, celebrating. “Where are you?”
“We’re everywhere.” It was right in his ear.
But no one was there.
Screw it! Furious, he ran back to where he’d last seen Lil. All that mattered was keeping her safe.
As he ran, he didn’t see the revelers or friends. He saw targets. If they got between him and his wife, he’d annihilate them.
“Lil?” he called out for her.
No one answered.
