Page 81 of Monsters' Touch

Everyone says it shouldn’t have happened. That it didn’t make any sense.

And it probably shouldn’t have. But the biggest thing that shouldn’t have happened is all those demons trying to collect our souls.

Which only makes me wonder, who the hell tipped them off?

Before the policearrive and ask questions I can’t answer, I beg Rhygel to take us back to my condo through the soul plane.

I’m sorry, Lily. I would if it were possible.

Please. Rhygel, you have to try. I can’t take her on a train like this.

I’ve never carried two bodies through the plane before, especially not one that didn’t already have a demon in possession of them

I kneel in the sand in front of Michelle and take both her hands in mine.

Rhygel, you can do this. Now let’s go.

I’m grateful to only sense the barest trickle of his annoyance as I close my eyes.

When I open them next, both Michelle and I are sitting in my condo.

Michelle glances around, looks at me with disbelief, then passes out on my sofa.

She’s fine. Overwhelmed after the possession, but nothing more. She’ll wake tomorrow and remember little of what happened, just as you used to.

Good. How many did we get?

Rhygel sighs loudly in my head.Many more than I expected. But I fear it’s not enough, not with how many demons came to reap.

My heart sinks as I go to wash off the sand and demon dust from my hands and arms.How could they know? Who told them?

I have a suspicion, but I need to confer with my horde and speak with the council. I will return soon.

Who are you sending in your place?

Rhygel sighs yet again and my stomach bottoms out around my toes. I already know what he’s going to say.

I will not be sending a replacement. You need time to recuperate.

No! Absolutely not. I can’t stand my head when it’s not full of demons.

It breaks me in two to not give you what you desire. You must know that, Lily. But I have to see the council with all my horde to present the last of the souls. No one can be with you.

My throat tightens, and I reach for the spot on my arm.

No. Lily, promise me. Not that. I will return, but you must promise me you won’t do that.

I nod, tears spilling over my bottom lashes, knowing full well I probably can’t keep that promise.

Chapter27

Typhon

“It can only be one, then,” I say and try my best not to break the stack of dinner plates I just dried.

“More than one. A whole council full,” Barbas adds.

Malphas falls into his chair in the living space. “But it doesn’t matter because we don’t have proof.”