“You’ve had that for twenty-three years?” I’m in awe of how long a demon would keep something, especially a cute pink stuffed bear.
He scoffs, walking over and placing the soft stuffed toy in my hands.
“You’re math is wrong. You probably should have stayed in school longer.” He winks while heading back to his desk and rummaging through his drawers again.
“I’m offended by that,” I protest, and he laughs.
“Good, you should be.” His head pops back up to give me a curious look. “But I do wonder, which math were you going by? Hell’s math or Earth’s? You’re wrong either way, but I would like to know which one so I can correct you.”
“Is this secretly PeeWee’s playhouse or something? Because I know you’re speaking another language that Lucy didn’t program into me when I was at his place.” Beleth stares at me like I’m the crazy one for a second before returning to his drawer, plundering. “Speak English. That’s all I’m asking.”
“Okay. Okay. Settle down.” He stands up to his full height from his desk while holding a book and heads to the sofa. “I’m not trying to upset you. Come, have a seat.” He sits down and pats the other cushion for me to join him. Reluctantly, I gather my things and sit down.
“Okay, spill. What do you mean my math is wrong? I admit I suck at measuring, but I’m pretty sure I know how to count,” I grumble, focusing on the image of the cat-like person before me. He plays like a cat, so I’m assuming that’s his true figure.
“I haven’t been to Earth, but by going off their timetable, I met you…hmm, thirty-six years ago. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, and I almost didn’t recognize you. Except you’re a spitting image of your mother.”
I blink owlishly at him, still processing his words, before shaking my head.
“Wait a minute.”Maybe I do need more schooling. Shit.“How is that possible? I would think I know how old I am,” I insist.
He smirks, his whiskers bristling. “Magicis the simple answer. I don’t know if anyone has told you this, but time works differently here.” He lays down a thick leather book between us, flipping it open to the first page. There on the page is the same picture I found in the closet. Pulling out the photo from my pocket, I try to compare the two, but as I see my picture, I’m reminded of the burn damage and groan.
“Hmm, yours seems like it got a little singed,” he points out.
“Yeah, my puppy’s fire damaged the image but not the picture. It’s definitely weird how that happened.” I can’t keep the disappointment out of my tone.
Even if I can’t see the image clearly, I know what was in my picture. If it’s to be believed, the people in both pictures were Liliwen, Delvin, and me. Except in Beleth’s picture, sevenmore people are in the background. Some I recognize, like my grandparents, Aunt Patty, and Beleth; three I didn’t know.
“Why are the pictures different?”
“Where did you find yours?” he counters.
“In the Gatekeeper's closet.”
“Then one, I can conclude, is spelled, and you will find the answers to that question at another time. Simple.” He hands me the complete picture and flips to the next page, effectively ending that line of questioning.
I find myself back on that demonic tilt-a-whirl as he continues to flip the pages in fast succession, too fast for me to enjoy.
“These are all about you and your time down here. Your baby book. Some of the pictures are living murals. Think of them as videos but in picture form,” Beleth explains. “Your mother made me promise to give them to you when you eventually made it my way.” He looks off in the distance and chuckles. “I’m sure she knew our paths would meet, though our time would be limited. Here.” He stands, holding the precious item. “You don’t have time to reminisce now,” he says, waving a hand over the top of the book and locking it. “You have a trial to finish.” He smiles like the cat that ate the canary.
In one swift motion, he has me standing and is dropping the book in my backpack.
“There you go.” He steps back in front of me and looks down at me. “Your mother would be proud of you. Oh! One last thing. If you need anything, just call on me. I have a feeling you might need it sooner or later. Besides, it might be nice to get out of this hellhole once in a while.” He chuckles to himself, handing me a ring.
The ring is gold with elaborated pentagram symbols engraved around it. Just by holding it, I can feel power pulsingoff of it. “Is it your’s or mom’s?” I quirk an eyebrow, still not fully trusting him and waiting for a tell.
“Oh, it’s definitely mine.” He gives me a toothy smile. “It’s a summoning ring, but your mom did tell me that you might need it one day, so I’m hoping you’ll use it to get me the hell out of here.”
No lie detected. He hasn’t lied during this whole meeting, so I nod and slip the ring on my thumb since it’s the only place it will fit.
“How do I summon you with it?” I ask, making sure I don’t accidentally do it and waste it.
“Rub your hand over it and call my name; I’ll come to help you for whatever reason.” He places his hand over his heart before solemnly bowing his head. “Now”—he claps his hands—“You need to save Hell so there is a place left for me to escape from.”
“You mean you’re trapped here?” My eyebrows disappear into my hairline.
“I can’t even leave my level until you open that portal. So do me a favor and make it quick. My woman is not a patient thing.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I snort, wondering what kind of woman he has that puts up with him. Though he just might be a good ally to have now that I know he’s not trying to kill me.
