Page 108 of Shadows of Nightshade
His shikigami.
I looked back to Damen as it jumped into the air and vanished through the front door.
He’d said he wasn’t going to exorcize—
“Don’t worry, baby girl.” Damen placed his hand on the top of my head. “I’m not going to hurt your ghost. It’s not an auspicious day to vanquish spirits. That’s more of a Saturday thing, or otherwise preserved for emergencies.”
“Last night wasn’t an emergency,” I muttered. He was so dramatic, but at least his good cheer had returned.
“If the bud of my heart is in danger,” Damen argued, “it’s an emergency.”
God, he was obnoxious.
“Well.” I opened my handbag. Since we were here anyway, I might as well do something productive. “I’m going to check the garden.”
I had more important things to care about than Damen’s ego.
“Hey!” he exclaimed, clearly not used to being ignored, but I’d already unlocked the door and moved through the entryway. He did not protest further as he fell into step behind me. I was rather glad for that, honestly, because I didn’t feel like entertaining his shenanigans right now.
“It’s quiet,” he commented as we entered the conservatory. I didn’t even have time to take in the peaceful atmosphere, nor to bask in the abundant life that he so clearly did not appreciate.
But strangely enough, he was also right. There was nothing amiss. It was calm to the point where, if the events of the last few days hadn’t happened, I never would have guessed that there was anything wrong with the house.
“There’s nothing here,” I told him.
“I know,” he replied. The shikigami flew over us before it finally vanished. “I don’t like it. When is Aine supposed to be back?”
“This week, I think,” I answered. So we had to finish this job before then. Unless… “Do you think I should tell her what happened?”
I hadn’t yet, obviously, because I wasn’t sure how she’d react. But if she taught at the school, and already knew about supernatural things, then…
Wasn’t that the responsible thing to do?
“Let me think about it,” he said, pursing his lips. But then he turned his attention to his hands. I had no idea what he might be doing, or maybe I’d missed any further explanation.
But as I wondered, a strange magic brushed against the bottom of my feet. He was doing something onmyoji-like, completely over my head, and probably something he’d explain in great detail later.
It was better to ignore him. I had my own work to do.
I moved quickly, but despite the lightened atmosphere, I couldn’t quite shake this uneasy feeling. I never would have thought that the absence of a presence meant something bad. It would be best to leave as soon as possible.
The greenhouse was in good condition, so I only had to take care of a few minor trimmings and make sure the plants were watered. I was already finished and putting away my tools, when Damen finally spoke.
“Why did you take this job?”
I was halfway finished closing the garden chest and paused as I cocked my head and looked at him. That had nothing to do with my earlier question. “What?”
“What made you decide to take this job?” Damen repeated. He was leaning against a brick wall beside the glass doors, and I caught the tail end of a movement as he put something small into his pocket. “Did Aine approach you? What made you say yes?”
This question…
Finn had asked the same thing. He hadn’t wanted me to take this job, but I hadn’t listened.
It was hard not to get defensive. Maybe coming to this place had been a bad idea.
“I wanted to be more independent,” I answered. I’d been trying to impress Finn and my parents, to show everyone that I could take care of myself.
And she offered me money.
