Page 64 of Architecti
“Exactly.Hear me out.Let me train you.You won’t win without additional training.The students with families that have come here for generations start with an advantage.”
“Why would you do that?What’s in it for you?”
“Well, it’s not for free.I can’t break my contract by myself because it forbids me from making a move against Ignatius.”
“And how exactly do I do that?”
“Does it matter?If I help you win that favour and you break your own, does the cost really make a difference?What are you willing to do to save your soul, Midnight?How far would you go?”
My words are potent.She stares into the distance, her vision unfocused.She snaps to attention and holds out her hand.
“Fine.You got yourself a deal.”
“Oh no, Midnight.That’s not how I seal my deals…”
21
Midnight
Ten Years Ago
It takes me a week to figure out how to summon a demon safely.I mean obviously anyone can do it, but demons are notorious for trickery, and I don’t want to get fucked over any worse than I already am.
And I don’t just want some low-level, entry-type demon, either.
I need one with power.One that can actually save Aurelia’s life.Otherwise, the sacrifice I’m going to make will be for naught.
I heard that the more you want a demon, the more powerful that demon is likely to be—the text I found said they were drawn to emotions.Given the level of desperation I have to save Aurelia, I’m not taking any chances with safety because I’m likely to summon an archdemon.
I’m all set up on consecrated ground—a local church cemetery.There were so few texts available, but the one I did find said consecrated ground and salt can help control demons.But I don’t have anyone to confirm that, so this is all guess work.
Salt first.
I draw a reasonably sized circle.
Place the herbs, crystals and the mirror down to ward off anything else from jumping across the Veil.
I drag the blade across my palm and fling the drops of blood into the circle.Then open my mouth, ready to recite the words I’ve memorised.But I’m cut off.
“It’s all bullshit,” a voice rumbles behind me.
I shriek and spin around, brandishing the knife at the intruder.
“Who the fuck is there?”I bark.
My heart is in my throat, blood rushing to my ears.I checked the graveyard on the way in, I was definitely on my own.This site doesn’t even have security.
A shadowy figure leans against a tree.He’s tall.His hair and eyes as dark as death.
“Who are you?”I say again, this time my voice trembles.
“I,” he kicks off the tree and steps into the moonlight, “am who you summoned.”
I hesitate, glancing back to the salt circle, wondering if I have magic powers because I didn’t even recite the words.
He must read my thoughts because he rolls his eyes.
“Like I said, all bullshit.”
