Page 58 of Not Today, Satan
Shading my eyes with my hand again, I scour the snow for the path that leads around Nix, but it’s partially hidden from view. It appears, then disappears as the flakes blow in the bitter winds. It barely moves when I nudge it with the toe of my boot, heavy as the mud in Aquarum.
Running my fingers through my wet hair, I gasp as the heat of my palm melts the ice on my head.
Of course. I should’ve thought of it sooner.
Conjuring fire is effortless now. I aim my palms down. My veins heat at will, and the snow breaks and pools around my feet, revealing the icy path beneath.
I continue forward, melting the clouds of white, my chest puffed at my own genius.
Nate’s not as impressed. He groans behind me, his breath circling me like smoke. “You could’ve done this the entire time, but you made us walk till I could barely feel my toes?”
“I forgot.” I huff. “Plus, I used to be afraid to use my powers ’cause I couldn’t control them.”
Nate watches as the snow disintegrates around us as we move, then lets out the whistle of appreciation I’d been waiting for. “I’d say you’ve figured it out.”
“You helped.” I peer over my shoulder and grin. “You’re the first person to show me that all it takes is believing in myself. No one back home believed in me, so I’d never learned to do that.”
The blush on his cheeks deepens, but it’s unclear if it’s from my words or the cold. “I think you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Devica.”
My flush challenges his, and I snap my gaze back to the path so that all he’ll see is the snow-coated back of my head.
I’ve spent my life hating humans and believing they’re selfish creatures. Yet Nate is the most selfless person I’ve met. I used to think of his kindness as a weakness, but now I can’t help but wonder if it’s what makes him strong.
We walk in silence till my feet ache, Nate’s cloudy breath and crunching footsteps the only clues he’s still behind me. Following the path I create is easier than trudging through the snow, but using my powers drains me. My arm muscles shake, and my eyelids grow heavy, fluttering closed when I’m not paying attention.
Behind me, Nate’s teeth rattle. “I hope I can’t freeze to death if I’m already dead. This California boy’s not fit for this weather.”
I glance at him and frown. His lips are an eerie shade of blue, his eyebrows and lashes coated in ice. Poor guy. He needs warmth. And soon.
“Tell me more about California,” I say. “The beach. Maybe talking about it will distract you from the weather.”
“It’s the most beautiful place.” He’s closer now, his breath flaring across my shoulder before disappearing. “On a clear day, the ocean is turquoises and greens and blues, with white foam that pounds against the shore. I know you hate water, but I think you’d like this. It’s hot a lot, but not like here. The sun warms your skin and seeps into your soul.”
I shiver, though I’m not cold. “I’ll take your word about the ocean, but everything else sounds nice. Keep going.”
“It’s even more beautiful at sunset, when the sky is on fire with pinks and reds and yellows reflecting off the water. It’s mesmerizing. When I got sad or scared, I’d go to the Santa Monica Pier and stare at the ocean. I’d take off my shoes and squish the sand between my toes, then close my eyes and take deep breaths. It grounded me, with the smells of fish restaurants, churros, and saltwater all mixed up. It comforted me like nothing else could and—you’ll probably make fun of me for saying this—it felt like freedom.”
“Freedom.” I let the word settle over my tongue before facing him. “I wouldn’t make fun of you for that. It sounds like a dream.”
“You’re gonna love it, Dev. I can’t wait to show you.” He takes my hands, his fingers stinging my skin like icicles. His words sting deeper. Even if I don’t send him back to Lot Thirteen, he won’t be taking me to the beach. Once I find my mother, he’ll have to disappear or Father will inevitably find me, then send him back anyway.
I slide out of his grasp and place my hands over his, trying to warm his flesh with my own.
“Maybe I’ll let you take me there.” The words come out of my mouth before I can stop them. “I mean, after I’ve found my mother. And if I don’t turn you in to Father. That sand-squishing toe thing sounds intriguing.”
He inches forward, his face inches from mine. The snow melts off his eyelashes and drips down his face like tears, but he’s smiling. “I’d like that. You know, it’s sounding like you may not turn me in after all. I knew you couldn’t resist my charms.”
I drop his hands and brush the snow off my dress, which is pointless since it’s covered again in seconds. “I’m gonna let that one slide, since you’re practically an ice cube. But know that your charms are very resistible.”
“Sure they are.” He winks, and I roll my eyes.
Humans are impossible sometimes. This one more than most.
I gasp mid eye roll when I spot the building I’ve been searching for since we left the water.
It’s still here. I can’t believe it’s still here.
Nate follows my gaze, shielding his eyes from the snow, and lets out an echoing gasp. “I think I’ve reached the hallucination part of our journey. I’d swear there’s a castle sitting in the middle of Hell.”
