Page 44 of Demon Apathy: Sunderverse
“Blindness doesn’t sound very fun,” I said.
“It rarely happens. What you have to do is consider the riskslashbenefit factor. Having Truesight could save your life. I know it has saved mine more than once.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good. I’ll send you some reading material to help you decide. Check your app later.”
Shit!Like I needed more reading material.
“Thank you,” I said, managing, just barely, not to sound sarcastic. I turned to leave but stopped at the door. “Let me know if you hear anything from Drevan.”
“I surely will.” He waved and started digging for something in his desk drawer.
Dragging my feet, I left his office, more conflicted than I was before. Did I want Truesight despite the risks? I had no idea.
16
Iwasataparty, and I was thinking about Demonology lessons and complex summoning circles. What was wrong with me?!
Disgusted, I snatched a drink and a cheesy bite-sized appetizer from the table next to me and glanced around. I’d managed to shake Sage off, and Jenna and Benjamin were standing by a huge fish tank, trying to name all the specimens floating around inside the illuminated water.
Benjamin had introduced us to his sister, Carolina, a beautiful brunette that had big brown eyes like her brother’s. She’d barely paid us any mind as she pranced away with her gaggle of friends.
The party was something else, like nothing I’d ever seen. Certainly, none of my high school friends’ parties had been like this. Not even the ones I thought were impressive could begin to compare.
Benjamin’s parents had rented a venue at the very top of a high-rise overlooking Central Park and Columbus circle. In addition, they had hired a popular DJ and catered the whole thing through an organic and sustainable catering company. There was a large area set up very much like a nightclub where kids dressed to the nines gyrated at the rhythm of what sounded like breakbeat. Feeling as if I was starting to develop a headache, I walked toward the balcony, away from the techno sounds. Once outside, I slid the glass door behind me and breathed a sigh of relief.
I took a sip of my mocktail, a raspberry mojito that was tart and sweet at the same time. One thing Benjamin’s parents hadn’t provided was alcohol, though I was sure the kids had taken care of that since a few were looking a little tipsy.
The kids?Why was I calling them that? Just a few months ago, this had been my scene. Now, I was nursing a headache away from the music like a regular grandma. What had Drevan done to me? Maybe I needed to check the mirror carefully to make sure I wasn’t growing gray hairs.
To my right, Central Park sprawled before me, hundreds of lights snaking through its many paths. Cars weaved in and out of the busy streets and avenues at the park’s fringes, looking like nothing but toys from this distance. To my left, another high-rise blocked the view. The air was frigid up here, but I preferred it to the stifling atmosphere inside, even if the dress I’d borrowed from Jenna was backless and mid-thigh length. My head felt clearer already.
“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Drevan’s unmistakable deep voice rumbled behind me. A shiver ran down my spine at the simple awareness of his presence. I took a deep breath to steady myself as he stepped up to the railing and joined my side.
I threw a quick glance in his direction, and all the bracing in the world could still not prepare me for the intoxicating allure of his beauty. Every time I saw him, he took my breath away. He was wearing a white shirt rolled up to his elbow, a perfectly fitted gray vest that accentuated his narrow waist.
“Where have you been?” I asked, then tore my eyes from him and stared at a faraway building.
“Letting Solar’s worry for his sister marinate.”
“And is it working?”
He shrugged, putting his hands out. “Maybe at first. Now, he seems to be getting used to the idea that she’s gone for good.”
“Are you serious?!”
“Unfortunately. I think it’s time to apply some pressure.”
“Okay. What do I need to do?”
There was awhoosh, and Drevan suddenly disappeared. The glass door slid behind me, letting loud music and Sage out.
“There you are,” he said. “I’ve been looking for you.”
I’d hidden from him after he went to the restroom. He seemed keen on picking things back up from where we’d left them the first time we went out. Maybe he’d forgotten I was drunk that one time.
“I got you a real drink,” he said, offering me a red disposable cup.
