them the demons were after me and have no reason to attack my friends.
“Tomorrow,” I say, feeling better when I have a plan in place. I’m not an organized person by any means, but there’s something reassuring when you know what’s going to happen, and with how unpredictable things have been lately, I need a routine to look forward to. “I’ll go to the new age store and then to the barn. I need to work Mystery, plus getting on and riding sounds so nice. I forget about my troubles when I’m riding.” I spoon orange chicken onto my plate and push it over, making room for more lo mein. “And I’ll stay out of the woods, I promise.”
Ethan finishes loading his plate and scoots back on the couch. “You know I won’t promise anything, but so far both the Pricolici and those bird-demons have attacked when out of sight, though the one coming to your house today…it was a ballsy move, even for a demon.”
“How did it get here?” I open a little package of soy sauce and put it on my rice. “Do demons drive? It’s not like that thing could just jump on public transport. I imagine demons ride horses, like zombie horses.”
“Are you asking this as a serious question?” Ethan cocks an eyebrow.
“I don’t really think there’s a zombie horse just chilling in the alley, but I do want to know how demons travel.”
“They’re good at lurking in the shadows, and most will only travel after nightfall. And the more powerful demons can just appear.”
“Even when they’re possessing a body?”
Having just taken a bite of food, Ethan shakes his head.
“Three bird-demons attacked us in the woods, and now three are dead,” I say and let out a breath, feeling my blood pressure rise. “What do you think the chances are there are only three of them, and more won’t come after me like the Pricolici?”
“I have no clue,” he says honestly. “We still don’t know what we’re up against.” He sets his fork on his plate and rests a hand on my thigh. “We’re safe for the night.” He can’t guarantee that, but I know he’s trying to keep me from getting too upset. “I’m not going anywhere, the house is outlined in salt, Hunter is an excellent watch and guard dog, and we can keep the sage burning.” He eyes the Book of Shadows on the coffee table. “Plus, you can cast a circle. You don’t need anything to do that.”
“I can summon and hold literal fire in my hand,” I start. “But I still doubt my ability to cast a legitimate circle of protection around the house. The fire happened out of desperation, and it was like instinct took over so I wouldn’t die. I know it doesn’t—” I cut off with a gasp as a thought enters my mind.
“What?” Ethan’s eyes widen and he straightens up, looking around the living room for a demon or ghost.
“Every once in a while, I like to get my nails done.”
“And that’s surprising?”
“Well, no, but if I’m holding magical fire in my hands, will the acrylics melt?”
Ethan stares at me in silence for a few seconds. “That’s actually a good question. Melted plastic on your nails would hurt like a bitch.”
“Right? I feel like I should know this before I magically start a fire after I get a manicure.”
“Anora,” he starts, looking away. “Maybe you shouldn’t start any fire. Not yet. You agreed with me that fire magic is dangerous. You killed a demon today, and it was fucking insane in the best way, but you also almost set your yard on fire.”
“I know.” I curl my finger into my palms, missing the way the flames felt against my skin. “And maybe that’s why Aunt Estelle bound my powers. She said something about the cards not lying or being wrong or…or something. Maybe she saw me burning down a village.”
“Maybe.” Ethan squeezes my thigh. “We should get ready for bed after we eat so we can get some sleep while we can.”
“Good thinking.” I’m exhausted again, and it’s not just from using magic, but from my mind running a mile a minute, which will make it hard to sleep even though I’m so freaking tired. “Oh, and don’t forget to take your meds.”
“Yes, Mom,” he grumbles, playfully nudging me with his elbow.
I give him a pointed look. “I’ll try the healing crystal thing too. I bought a handful of little gemstones when I was at the witch-store