The next day, the bookstore closed its doors to customers early because the evening had been reserved for personal plans. Since this place was already known in the area for its unusual hours, customers weren't surprised by yet another abrupt closing.
The week had been chaotic, and we'd barely found a moment to have a calm meal together. Plus, we hadn't officially welcomed Cody yet, so I suggested it in the morning, and everyone was thrilled. For the rest of the day, the staff could hardly wait, watching the clock like kids before summer break.
Once we wrap up, Eleonora dives into preparing dinner. She moves attentively among the bubbling pots and sizzling pans, with Arthur trailing closely behind, fussing over ingredients and sparking a few minor disagreements.
Kaja and Cody cheerfully set the table. The clinking of dishes and silverware adds to the cozy atmosphere. I stay a bit apart, savoring the warmth of the scene without needing to join the chatter.
Soon, delicious aromas fill the room, and my stomach growls. One by one, each dish is carefully placed on the table, making it seem like we're having a feast. With the last plate finally set, everyone rushes to take their seats, eager to dig in.
Laughter and conversation flow throughout dinner. Everything feels so natural, so blissfully ordinary. For a moment, I forget everything else.
"I have an idea," Kaja mumbles, her mouth full, as she enthusiastically sets down her spoon. "Let's take another picture! Cody isn't in the others."
"I don't think it's necessary," he says quickly, waving his hands in protest.
"You're with us now, so we need to remember this moment," Kaja insists.
Cody hesitates. It seems he wants to refuse again, but the sincerity of the invitation convinces him, and he eventually nods. Kaja smiles triumphantly and runs off to get the camera.
Soon, everything is set up for the photoshoot. We gather close together. Arthur and Eleonora sit on chairs, while the three of us stand behind them.
Just before the flash, I glance at Cody. He looks a bit tense. Without a second thought, I place my arm around his shoulder and give my best smile. We eagerly crowd around the camera to see how the photo turned out.
Eleonora's silver-streaked curls frame her shoulders gracefully. Her face is lit with a warm, motherly smile.
Arthur looks more reserved but still wears a gentle expression that hints at how much he values this moment. His brown flannel shirt is neatly buttoned to the top, and I know that even years from now, this photo will bring back the scent of laundry detergent mixed with his favorite cologne.
Kaja's smile is wide enough to show her gums, her freckled cheeks a rosy pink, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.
My hand rests on Cody's shoulder. I can tell he hadn't expected my move, but it worked. His previous tension has softened into a small, sincere smile.
Then, I spot myself. I haven't beaten my camera curse yet, so I look a bit silly. My crooked smile is a little awkward, though my slightly tidier hair saves the look.
All in all, I feel satisfied with the result. A second shot isn't necessary.
We settle back at the table. Though there was barely any room left for more food, no one wanted the evening to end, so we kept nibbling, laughing, and chatting, as if we could talk forever.
But then, a loud crash shatters the moment. I flinch and instinctively turn toward the sound.
Kaja stands frozen by the table, her trembling hands still holding the shape of an invisible plate, which now lies in shards across the floor.
"I saw him. Very close by," her voice breaks the silence before anyone else can react.
The last traces of our smiles fade instantly. My heart begins to pound, and my body tenses involuntarily. Eleonora and Arthur look equally on edge.
"Well, looks like dinner's over," Arthur sighs, rising abruptly and clenching his jaw. "I'll get the car started. You all, hurry."
Eleonora and Kaja rush upstairs to change, as a skirt isn't suited for what lies ahead. Cody and I are left by the table.
"It's the demon that got away last time, isn't it?" he asks quietly.
I reluctantly nod. A shadow passes over his face. Though he hasn't encountered this demon himself, he understands the gravity of the situation.
"It'll be okay. We'll handle it," I smile reassuringly.
I don't want Cody to worry, but my words don't seem to soothe him. He still looks concerned.
"Then why do you look so worried yourself?"
Despite my efforts, I can't mask the doubt gnawing at me. With a sigh, I step closer, kneeling beside his chair.
"I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but we have to finish this."
A meltdown would only make things worse. I won't let panic unravel the hard-won trust between us. After a moment's hesitation, Cody gives a small nod. I offer a reassuring smile, ready to head out, but his hand grips mine firmly.
"Be careful."
I try to ease the tension with a wink. "You won't even have time to miss me."
Cody stays silent, but his tightly pressed lips speak volumes. Even after I turn, I can feel his gaze burning a path down my back.
I climb into the van. The others soon follow, and Arthur floors the gas pedal. The demon is close, but we can't risk being too late. The drive remains quiet and tense, each of us preparing ourselves.
Finally, we pull up to an office building fenced in by construction barriers. I step out, letting the night air fill my lungs as I take in the surroundings.
"Where did you see him?" I ask.
"Not sure exactly, but he's inside. I didn't see anyone else, but I heard more voices," Kaja answers.
"Got it."
"Kaja, Elle, stay close. Nate and I will go in first," Arthur instructs.
We exchange glances and nod in sync. Slipping through a gap in the fence, we make our way toward the entrance. The ground feels like thick sludge, churned up by heavy machinery. Soon, we're inside.
Dim lighting flickers weakly along the corridor, casting long shadows, but it's enough to navigate by. My eyes quickly adjust, taking in the smallest details.
A faint mechanical hum reaches our ears—the sound of an elevator. Arthur and I halt near the elevator doors, holding our breath, ready for anything. The hum stops, and with a ding, the doors slide open.
My gaze locks onto his. A blond man stands inside, eyes coldly appraising us. He looks anything but surprised, as if he'd anticipated us all along. A sly, chilling smile creeps over his face.
"It's been a while, Nathaniel."
I freeze, my mind racing.
"How do you know my name?" I growl, fists clenching instinctively.
Beside him stands the demon we had confronted on the rooftop, along with a woman I haven't seen before. Her expression is unreadable, but there's no hint of fear. I realize it's a trio this time.
The blond man's gaze sweeps over us with indifference.
"Know your enemy, as they say." He cocks his head slightly, a dark amusement flashing in his eyes.
My muscles tense, adrenaline pulsing through my veins.
"We're not here to make friends." I scoff.
I want to launch into an attack, but something holds me back—a calculated sense of caution. The other demon is no weakling, and if the woman is anything like her companions, she'd be formidable too. None of them show signs of reaching the fourth category, which gives us a slight advantage.
The blond man steps out of the elevator, adjusting his collar. His expression is one of disdain as he looks me up and down.
"Let's play."