to get attached to her or her family.
But how could he not? If only he could have stayed back and watched over Kianna from the shadows, he wouldn’t have gotten so involved. But the gods specifically ordered him to get close to her and her family, to become a human, to become a friend.
What was he supposed to do while her kind, caring family struggled? They desperately needed help, and he could offer them that. It was better than sitting back and waiting for something to happen.
That was done. He had stepped into their lives, like the gods wanted, and got involved with the family. There was nothing he could do to change that now.
Truth be told, he didn’t want to.
Forcing out a long breath out, Devon searched the road, taking in the sort of shops displayed.
A bookstore on a street corner caught his attention. He remembered his mental note: get more books for Kianna. He had no idea what he would tell them about how he had gotten money to pay for the books, but right now, he didn’t care.
All that mattered was to see her smile at him again.
Present
Devon
So far, my reports had been delivered at night, because the warriors could easily hide in the shadows, but this time, I was summoned during the day.
I drove my Maserati past the Misty Hill Inn and stopped at the edge of the parking lot behind it. Ryder, in his full warrior garb, stepped out from behind a row of tall trees and marched to my car. The sword strapped to his back disappeared, and he slipped into the car.
“Drive around the town so it doesn’t look suspicious,” Ryder said as soon as he closed the door.
“If people see a stranger in my car, they will think that is suspicious.” I crossed my arms. “We stay here.”
“Killjoy,” Ryder mumbled. I shook my head, amused. Ryder’s missions were technical, and he never got too close to humans. It wasn’t as if he wanted to get mixed up with them, but I knew he was curious. “Anyway, report.”
I glanced out of the car, staring at the tall trees around the parking lot, and the green shrubs. The high spring sun filtered through the leaves, like divine golden rays.
A play of the gods.
That was how my life felt right now.
“Still nothing,” I said. “Besides those lesser demons a couple of months ago, nothing else has happened.” I could tell Ryder I had new neighbors, but that was my human side meddling and not related to my mission. I sighed. “I don’t know what the gods want from me. I’ve been at this for nineteen years! I need clues or nothing will change.”
“It hasn’t been nineteen years yet.”
“I know!” I groaned. “Ryder, I know you’re not supposed to tell me what happened and what I’m supposed to do here, but point me in the right direction. Tell me one single word that will make sense.” Living like a fucking human was getting to me. “Please.”
“Devon …” Ryder shook his head. “I can’t. If I utter half a word, the gods will send me to the underworld for the next three hundred years. You’ve been my friend for centuries, and I would do anything for you. Almost.” He paused, watching me with knowing eyes. “Besides, I believe in you. You can figure it out and make it right this time.”
“But—”
“No, Devon, don’t ask more.” Ryder opened the door and slipped out of the car. “I’ll contact you in a few days. Good luck.” He pushed the door closed and marched into the forest.
I stared at the spot between the trees where he had disappeared, my mind reeling, my chest heavy. I hadn’t felt this agitated in a long time. Probably since my first few days back from the underworld, when I believed I would be able to solve this mystery fast and be done with it. The anxiety only grew as the days passed, and I found no clues, no directions, nothing. But after two years of worrying and barely sleeping, I gave up. I was fucking tired, exhausted, and angry with the gods and the warriors who came to check on me.
For a few years, I had felt like a fucking ghost, drifting through the human world.
But even that became tiring eventually.
Then … I didn’t know. I just tried to live quietly and pay attention to everything around me. I didn’t go searching for clues like I did when I first came back, but hoped