Page 47 of The Music Demon

“Well, let’s see. It’s hard to top the west tower of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

“’Tis true. ‘Twas a marvelous awesome sight.”

“’Twas,” he mimicked in playful tone, imitating her archaic phraseology. “Let’s go walk around Golden Gate Park and hope some ne’er-do-well humans are stupid enough to try to mug us.”

She laughed. “I’m thinkin’ that, if ‘twas the sort of thing demons do for fun, there’d be no crime and lots of whispers about creatures in the park.”

Lyric waggled his head. “It’s true. We usually have a hands-off policy and don’t interfere. But you are my exception to every rule.”

Without revealing how much it pleased her to hear such things, and not being sure he was certifiably sincere, she pursed her lips pretending to consider. With a sudden grin, she said, “Sounds fun. Let’s do it!”

Lyric felt a sense of aliveness surging forward. Shivaun’s excitement in experiencing new things was contagious. Even things that had long ago lost all appeal for him.

With the advantage of being able to see in the dark as well as cats, the pair of demons might as well have been enjoying an overcast afternoon in the park. After seeing the sights at superspeed, they decided to sit on the steps of the Music Concourse to wait for mischief-makers up to no good.

“I have no’ yet entirely made up my mind whether I think ‘tis a good thing you’re doin’ with Doo Darby. Seems to me much could go wrong.”

“Yes. But wouldn’t humans say that’s true of every minute of every day. It’s like a curse. That species. So short-lived and fragile.”

“You think demons are superior to humans,” she said matter-of-factly.

He barked out a laugh. “Because we are.”

“’Tis true that demons are hard to kill and live a long time. And there are many abilities that seem truly magical, almost godlike.” She shivered slightly at saying that. “I do no’ think that necessarily makes us superior.”

“Why not? There’s nothing humans can do or be that we can’t do or be better.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Name something.”

“Very well. If you’re the last word in music, why do you function as muse to others?”

Lyric blinked rapidly. “Ah…”

“Then there’s heroics. Since demons act without risk of harm or death, there can ne’er be sacrifice. No sacrifice. No heroism.” She looked away. “I’m no’ sure love is possible either.”

Lyric could certainly see her point about the drama of human heroics, but was not about to agree that demons don’t love. He’d heard of demons being in love. He’d certainly heard of successful matings; the sort that lasted for virtual eternity. He’d also heard that anyone or anything that made Litha or Rosie unhappy would find themselves on the wrong side of Deliverance. And sex demons have a nasty side when vengeance is aroused.

“This is important to you?” he asked.

“Aye. ‘Tis what humans are about.”

“You’re not human.”

“You keep sayin’ that. But the fact of it has no’ yet taken up residence in my heart. Maybe it ne’er will.”

If there were criminals about the park, they remained at a distance and well-hidden. The pair of demons spent the night talking about some of the things Lyric wanted to show Shivaun, holding hands, and frequently getting lost in long, dreamlike kisses.

At daybreak, Lyric said, “I want you for my own, Shivaun. In every way. We’re compatible. Let’s seal a deal.”

“Sounds very contractual.”

“It is very contractual.”

“Well,” she sighed, “so much for romance.”

“Contracts can be romantic.” She gave him a sideways look. “Sort of.”

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