Page 2 of The Devil's Canvas

So, I reach out—casting my mind through the tether that binds me to my brothers and cousins, testing if any of them will take it. One of them should. Anyone but me.

Julian:Guys. Anyone hear that call?

Silence.

I sigh, rubbing my temple. Of course. They all hear it. And instead of responding, they’re pinging it back to me.

Julian:I can’t believe none of you assholes are answering me.

Owen:What do you expect?

Julian:Oh, so you can respond to this, but not when I actually call?

Seth:Kinda busy. Is this important?

Caleb:Seth, put the mortal down and tell Julian why you’re not answering.

Adrian:We all know why Seth isn’t answering.

Julian:Shut the fuck up. Did anyone hear the call?

Lucas:No.

Damian:No. Could have. Didn’t feel like it.

Caleb:No. Had better things to do.

Adrian:No. And if I had, I would’ve ignored it just to watch you react like this.

Owen:No. Would’ve let it ring just to piss you off.

Julian:Are you all fucking kidding me?

Owen:Seems unanimous.

Seth:Wait, we were supposed to answer that?

Julian:I fucking hate all of you.

I force out a slow breath, reigning in my irritation. Fine.

Julian:Just—stop what you’re doing and focus. Listen.

Thirty seconds of absolute silence.

The summoning won’t leave my mind. It’s relentless, coiling around me, persistent despite its fragility.

Lucas:Yeah… still nothing.

Damian:Same.

Caleb:Nothing.

Adrian:Absolutely nothing.

Owen:Total silence. Peaceful, actually.

Seth:Thought I heard something—never mind, just the mortal screaming.

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