Page 115 of The Prince of Demons

When I glanced at the perfectly made-up faces around me, darkness roamed and twisted my soul. It should be easy to live in a place like this. Where everybody was pretty and polite and universally well-liked.

But, after hearing enough classical songs to kill me, I decided I didn’t need to be well-liked.

I worked like a maniac. I chased demons because I could. When darkness called, I ran toward it.

I was restless for an identity of my own, not a comfortable box to fit into. I spent so much time crafting an ideal image of myself that I no longer recognized who I wanted to become.

I didn’t like Angel House at all. I may have been insecure, but I’d always be filled with lust for more.

Better to be thought of as vicious and beautiful than soft and pretty.

Melody messaged our group at the end of all the parties.

Melody:Just remember, freshman: it’s not just four years. It’s for life. Is this the person you want to be? The values you want to share? You have time to think it over before you make your final choices. Choose carefully.

ChapterThirty

THE ORACLE MUSINGS

We’ve got spirits, yes we do! We’ve got spirits, how about you? One of our cheerleaders (past or present) will have a dramatic encounter led by a spirit today.

There wasa dragon in the lagoon.

I knew there was a dragon in the lagoon, because Cordelia texted me for the first time in weeks with a picture of a scaly red beast. It sprouted a long beard, whiskers, and arched red ears sprouting above its head. Instead of wings, it carried a swirling blue orb.

It appeared good-natured, given that Cordelia was taking a selfie with it.

“That’s a demon, Cordelia?” I questioned into the phone.

“He’s a friendly one!” she enthused. “He’s been smiling for photos all day. Look!”

She turned the camera around. The dragon posed for every student waving at him, making sure he aligned his eyes with the camera. A friendly beast.

“Come visit!” Her final words before the phone died.

HYDRA ALERT! HYDRA ALERT!

An unidentified demon has been spotted on campus! Take shelter! Any paranormal activity has the potential for danger!

Raucous laughter echoed from outside my room.

“Do you think Siren House will take us if we kill that thing?”

“Faeries would be impressed by those that can slay a dragon, right?”

“I bet that orb has magic powers! Let’s get it!”

“This one’s rumored to be weak! If we wanted to practice, now’s the perfect time!”

Students shouted and planned outside. A sickening feeling crept into my stomach. The dragon looked like the harmless Yong Dragon I read about from Reaper’s kingdom. They were harmless spirits that appeared in water and rerouted irrigation to promote good harvests.

They didn’t even breathe fire. There was no reason to hunt them.

Unless you wanted points, of course.

I put aside my feelings for the lord of that kingdom. I had to lead this creature back home on my own.

I sprinted out of my room. My feet pounded the sidewalk as I outran the other student hopefuls. I willed shadow energy to pump my legs faster, making me almost as fast as a vampire.

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