Sister Estrea nods. “It was a minor curse, one that induced panic. It scrambles the target’s thoughts, leaving them mostly unable to cast spells. It lingers and causes exhaustion and anxiety but has successfully been dispelled from Hakeem’s body. He’s tired, but will otherwise make a full recovery.”
Jackson and Eddie sigh heavily, relaxing at the news. The tension in their shoulders melt away, hands drifting apart. The warmth of their touch lingering between them. Was the curse why Hakeem couldn’t fight back? Even after granting a wish Hakeem had an arsenal of spells in the catalog of his mind. Years of study disarmed by a low-grade curse cast by a scumbag.
Jackson walks the women out, thanking the Sister repeatedly for her care with Hakeem. One more question lingers in his mind for Helena. “Was there any updates on whether there were more cultists in the city? Do we need to be on guard?”
Helena turns to him, an exasperated sigh escaping her, “That’s the thing. He confessed everything, including his plans for Hakeem. He’s part of a small band of car thieves, they run a chop shop at the edge of the city.
“The being he bargained with was a Greed demon, wanting to expand and up their profits. They needed power for that, so Donnie was the guy offered up on a platter for the demon’s contract. He said he was scouting potential recruits to expand their operation, when he saw Hakeem.
“Djinn magic is rare and coveted, fewer than one hundred half-djinn in history. Even less is known of the rules of their magic, but that didn’t matter to him at the moment. He saw an opportunity. It didn’t have to be Hakeem, he was just the first of what could have been many people intimidated into joining their operation.
“He’s the only one who made the bargain. The rest of his crew has already been brought into custody, magic sealed by dampening cuffs. To put it bluntly, Hakeem was a means to an end in the guy’s mind. He just got really unlucky considering what you two,” she says, pointing a finger between Jackson and Eddie, “Did to protect your friend. Hakeem is lucky to have you both.”
A small-time thief looking for more. Selling his soul for power, targeting their friend out of convenience and greed. Jackson and Eddie’s blood boil at the thought. It’s a relief there isn’t a grander, sinister plot brewing in the underbelly of the city, but why did their friend have to get caught up in the ambitions of selfish people?
Helena places a hand on either of their shoulders, Sister Estrea flashing a kind smile and warm eyes at them both. Warmth and kindness disarm them.
“You got to Hakeem in time, the guy was caught, and his whole operation has been shut down. It’s over. It really is that simple.”
After patting both their shoulders, Helena turns to leave with Sister Estrea, who turns to give some final instructions over her shoulder, “Food, rest and water. Treat it like recovery from a bad cold, he’ll be fine before Monday.” Eddie and Jackson thank her once more as the women turn towards the elevator. They catch a glimpse of the moment Sergeant Soleil wraps her arm around Sister Estrea’s shoulder, pulling her close and leaning down to kiss her golden curls, the small cleric leaning into the touch.
Jackson closes the door behind him, his head falling back to press intothe wood. Hakeem would be fine, it was truly over. It was an arrogant punk who wanted more and got caught, losing everything before it began.
He still hurt the one you care for. He should have paid with his life.
The voice had returned, less of a taunt more of a reprimand.
Those who dare hurt those close to you should suffer, like they did that night.
No, no Jackson can never let that night repeat itself, never again.
How easy would it have been? Your shadows ripping the air from his lungs.
“Stop it.”
Tendrils crushing ribs.
“Shut up!”
The life draining from his eyes, consumed by the dark. His screams lost to the void.
“ENOUGH!”
Jackson screams in frustration, slamming his fists into the door behind him. The lights flicker, shadows seeping out of the walls. He can feel the heat form behind his eyes, not even a day later and control was slipping again.
“Jackson,” his name sounds sweet, spoken so carefully. Hands cup his cheeks, wiping away tears he didn’t realize had begun to spill. “Talk to me, please.” He opens his eyes, turning his head up to face Eddie who now stood before him. His touch grounding and gentle, when did the man instill such a reaction in Jackson?
“I’m fine, really.” It’s a half-lie, he doesn’t know what the voicemeans for him, or why it felt so real rather than just an echo of his mind. “Just my thoughts spiraling to the worst case scenario.” Eddie doesn’t let go of his face, he doesn’t want to tell him to. Large thumbs caress Jackson’s cheeks, he has to bite back a shiver that threatens to erupt from the sensation of Eddie’s touch. “I have to stop relying on you like this.”
Eddie’s eyes are fixed to Jackson, filled with an unwavering kindness and concern. “Both of you can rely on me all you want.”
A smile warms its way across Jackson’s face, his hands clinging to Eddie’s wrists as he holds him. “Only if you rely on us in return when you need it, deal?”
The corners of Eddie’s lips turn up at the idea. “Deal.”
* * *
Jackson removes Hakeem’s glasses while Eddie positions him more comfortably on the couch. Propping a pillow under his head and draping a light blanket over Hakeem’s sleeping form, they figure it’s easier to let him sleep on the couch rather than risk waking him by moving him upstairs.
