Page 97 of Monsters' Touch
Just like in the Matrix.
Because I get to make the rules. And because I recently discovered that I’m a not just a girl who doesn’t like lilies but one who definitely does like sci-fi. And the Matrix is awesome.
When the mirror takes all of me, I’m in complete darkness.
There’s nothing. No sound, no sensation. No Barbas or Malphas in my head.
I make the rules. I make the rules. I make the rules.
I chant it over and over, willing myself to appear in the demon version of my building. Willing my demon’s consciousnesses to be safe in my mind even though I can’t hear or sense them.
I focus only on where I’m going, not the how, not any of the details. Just…
There.
There.
There?
No. That’s not it. It’s wrong.
There is the opposite of what I want. It’sthere.
Somewhere else.
I want to be here, just a different here. The demon here.
There is no spoon. There is no spoon. There is no spoon.
I have to say it. Out loud.
So it sticks real good.
But what exactly to say? It has to be right the first time.
I want to be… here?
No. That’s not it.
I don’twantto be here. Iamhere.
I’m here.
I’m here!
“I’m here!”
“Pox and condemnation! Lily?”
I open my eyes, and before me stands a towering tan-skinned demon with long white hair and golden horns.
“Typhon.”
“Lily? How are you… how is this… What’s going on?”
His chest is just as broad as I imagined, waist just as narrow, and…
Oh gods, he’s not wearing pants.