Page 35 of Myths and Manuscripts
“You better listen to her,” I said with as much authority as I could. “Otherwise the Demon Lord might be disappointed.”
Dain practically leapt forward. “I’ll take a double shot of espresso, please.”
The owner and I shared a secret smile before Inkheart scribbled its own order.
I’d love some tasty ink if you’ve got any. Something dark and spicy?
“Hmmm...I doubt they’ll have any of that.” I rummaged through my bag for the half-empty bottle of ink I had. “And the Demon Lord has the new ink we bought at the stationery store too. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, it’s no problem.” The woman smiled, writing Inkheart’s order down too. “We serve all sorts here, even magical pens.”
The pen leapt into the air, swirling its feathers in excitement as a few bunnies hopped, following the pen back and forth. It was all so magical and kind of ridiculous, which made it even better. Warmth radiated from every aspect of the cafe, breathing new life into my concept of a demon village once again.
“I might love this place already.” I picked up a demon bunny, petting it on my lap. I should have brought Cinder, but the bunny had been nowhere to be found when I woke up. “I’ll have to stop by again with my own demon bunny.”
“You are always welcome, my dear. Now get to writing.” The woman made a shooing motion. “I’ll bring your orders out soon.”
Her kind encouragement really set the right tone, makingme pull out my new paper and lay it on the table proudly. I glanced at the pen flying through the air, wondering how I was supposed to actually write with it. Maybe I should have bought a normal pen as well? While I debated it, Inkheart scribbled a note to me.
Finally ready to put me to use? Just say the word!
“How does that work? Do you write for me?”
I’d never do that. The words are up to you, so use me like any other pen when you’re writing. But feel free to put me back on my notepad if you want to chat or need any encouragement.
“Thank you.” I swept my fingertips over Inkheart’s feather like I was petting Cinder before taking the pen in my hand to write. “Guess it’s time to get started. Wish me luck.”
Inkheart bounced happily in my hand. I dipped the pen into the ink pot and held it inches above the clean white paper. The blank page was always the most terrifying part for me, but with Inkheart by my side, I knew we could do this.
Chapter 14
Demon Lord
I’d told Willow that I had errands to run, but really, I had just needed some time to think. She’d said that people trusted me like it was obvious, and at first I was going to say that was crazy, that people shouldn’t trust a villain, but I knew she was right deep in my bones. Or maybe I just wanted her to be right.
The way everyone kept thanking me and sharing their stories like I’d been a big part of their lives felt nice. Too nice. I’d never expected something like that, but it made me understand what Willow had been talking about last night. I’d always felt like a fake because I didn’t know why I was fighting the hero.
Now I did.
When I’d seen that little girl with her broken horns, something in me snapped. It had taken every ounce of self-control not to go after the hero and his cursed people right then and there. How dare they steal my peoples’ magic and put that sad look in a little girl’s eyes? I wanted to end them all and make them regret ever looking at magic in the first place.
People were what mattered, not what you could use them for. After reading so many books in the library, I knew that was a motivation that could drive heroes and villains alike. It had to be why the author had made me this way. He’d written me to protect the demons, no matter the cost.
For the first time, I felt like maybe I really was the right person to fight the hero. I was the Demon Lord, not just in name, but in action too. The more I got to know these people, the more I wanted to protect them and be the man they thought I was. Which meant it was time to go back and talk to Willow about all this.
The strong scent of coffee wafted out of the Bunny Brews Cafe, drawing me in with faint curiosity. Willow had suggested that the only way I could figure out who I was and what I enjoyed was to start trying everything. The mattress shopping had been quite the experience, and I was kind of excited for a softer bed. What if coffee ended up being just as pleasant? Mochi had given me many hot cocoas, but never coffee. I’d seen tired patrons downing the drink like it gave them the will to keep going.
It seemed like an interesting drink, and I wanted to try it.
Before I could open the door, a young woman with bunny ears rushed out carrying an arm full of drinks. She barreled into me with an oof, and the drinks started to tip. I grabbed the carrying case, holding on to the drinks as she stumbled, ears flopping over as she righted herself.
“Phew, that was close.” She straightened her uniform and took the drinks back from me. “Thanks for the save! Tell mom to give you something on the house. She’s the owner. I’ve gotta run.”
Then she was off again, disappearing into the crowd on the street behind me as if she had no idea who she’d just run into. Walking around town like this had shown me that the demons weren’t the mysterious group I’d made up stories about, but real people just working hard to live their lives to the fullest. A smile tugged at my lips as I went inside.
“Welcome to Bunny Brews, how may I help you?” An older bunny woman with the same brown coloring as the girl outside smiled at me, then tilted her head. “Wait, are you the–”
“Yes, I’m the Demon Lord.” I’d let myself get lost in thought, but I did still have a role to play. I cast my smile aside and took a deep breath. “I’ll have whatever you recommend. Thanks.”
