Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A green flame crackled warmly in the hearth of Prince Stolas’ private study. She was sitting in a half-humanoid form, sipping Earl Grey from a teacup and reading over a file of reports. Her speckled and light feathers acted like a dress around her small, willowy form. Her pixie-like round face turned to the warmth of the flames. Still, her mouth had the tiniest impression of a beak on her upper lip, and her eyes were as dark and wide as ever.

Murklin had finished dusting the shelves and returning the pile of books that Stolas had let build on and around the table to their proper places. He had just sat down to begin reading his lesson on demon trade deals when Stolas spoke up.

Her smile was too wide, as usual, creeping over the edges of her huge almond-shaped eyes, which glinted with the green light of the fire. “You will need to be available next week in the afternoon just before nightbreak. There’s a soiree at Prince Urxe’s for the high-class fledglings to mingle in a,” she paused to think, “more moderate setting than some of the gatherings you’ve seen. You don’t have to worry about your superiors. Be aware, a few escorts shall be in attendance.” She shifted a page to the back of the pile with her delicate-looking claws, her slim arm resting casually on the velvet armrest. “I myself won’t be attending, so if you have any questions, speak them now.”

Murklin blinked at her with four wide eyes, his head tilted as he thought. “Is there anyone going I should watch for?”

“Several,” the Prince said with a smirk. “Arguably, everyone there. You will need to start looking at your peers more closely, my student. Decide who you want to ally with and who to keep at a distance. There are us older demons, surely, but you have been watching us carefully for the past year. It’s time for you to start forging relations beyond those connected to your mother or I in high-class society.”

“Yes, Master Stolas,” Murklin answered dutifully. He thought over what he had heard about the other high-class fledglings. Things he’d seen at past parties. Though this was the first party he’d go to specifically for the fledglings. He’d been . . . indisposed for the last one. He’d mostly stood back behind his master while she talked with other fledged high-class demons at the parties he had been able to attend.

“And don’t mistake the fledgling for the master. It’d be foolish to only look at those taught by other princes. Take the twins for example. Fully fledged now, but shameful. Nothing like how Prince Anzu or Prince Asmodeus would have conducted themselves.” Stolas tutted softly.

“Of course, Master,” Murklin said. His ears and tails flicked. “That one fledgling, Lord Hat’s fledgling, is he going to be there?” He’d heard about the trial and quite a few rumors about the fledgling himself over the past few months. They hadn’t managed to end up at any of the same parties yet, though. One rumor, in particular, had sparked Murklin’s interest: that he was seen as a hero on the Surface and by the angels. He could be useful to talk to for several reasons, but also dangerous if he didn’t play his cards right.

Master Stolas’ smile grew. “Do you hold an interest in him?” she asked, amused.

Murklin blinked. An amused Master Stolas was one to tread carefully around; she was more prone to tests and mental riddles. “He might make a good ally to further my business endeavors sooner. Or he could be a hurdle in my path. His position is . . . intriguing . . . at the very least.”

“Very true fledgling,” Master Stolas mused. “He is quite infamous now, and yet he does nothing with the attention. Unpredictable. Spontaneous. It seems every time he visits, something happens.” She set the pages down on the table next to her and crossed her legs. “You wouldn’t have a dull moment with him around, but remember that his mentor suffered because of him. There is a risk that something similar will happen to you.” Her eyes glittered. “As for your question, I believe he will make an appearance. Lord Hat is keen on him being more involved in this society.”

“I shall consider the risk, Master,” Murklin acknowledged with a chirp at the end. Then he frowned. “If you are not attending this party with me, will I be going alone?”

“Yes, that is correct.” Stolas gave a single nod. “You will be the youngest one there, but only the idiotic would take that into consideration. Remember, you’ve been a fledgling for nearly a year now. You are further along than several of them in your education and practice, with excellent marks to show for it.”

Murklin couldn’t help but preen a little under the rare praise. Master Stolas didn’t give it unless she felt it was truly deserved.

“That means that’s how they may see you, too.” Master Stolas pointed at him. “Young, but experienced. A student of a prince and a survivor of the Surface. That’s easy enough information to gather. Take notice of who will approach you; they’ll want something. Remember your assets and consider your options. I’m certain you will have several, so don’t act on the first one that comes.” Stolas tilted her head. “And don’t let Balamath bully you into an agreement. He’s big and brutish, but he must learn that the direct way isn’t always the correct one.”

“Yes, Master Stolas,” Murklin said with a fanged grin, his tails swaying behind him as he considered past lessons that could help him handle the larger fledgling. “I’ll give him a challenge.”

“Good.” Master Stolas shifted and rested her chin in her hand. “From what you said earlier, it seems you are thinking of a business partner. What are you thinking?”

Murklin hummed in thought. “Olmoth is the quiet sort, but she’s clever and strategic. She’d be excellent at the planning and behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business. Zuthnol is levelheaded and said to be good at conversing with Surface dwellers. He is well-versed in their cultures and mannerisms and is almost on par with me for keeping up with Surface trends. However, he has made it no secret that he wants to pursue a business in fabrics, so he would be less amenable to my plans. He’d make a decent ally, but is perhaps not the best fit as a business partner for my goals,” he sighed, tapping his claws on the tabletop. “Morzen has ties to a jewelry and gem shop on the Surface and has experience with Surface trading, so he’d be good at making connections up there. And Lord Hat’s fledgling . . . What was his name?” Murklin frowned questioningly at his mentor as his train of thought skipped at the missing information.

“Bendy,” Master Stolas offered. “With a number of titles behind it—though many are from the Surface—Bbro, the Dancing Demon, the Quester, hero, and, of course, angel pet.” Stolas purred softly. “He knows more about the Surface than any other demon; he thinks like they do and is in good standing up there. He lacks knowledge or influence down here. He may even detest his fellow demons. Not a popular stance.” The Prince chuckled. “It’s hard to tell if he is brave or foolish. Clever or just lucky. One thing he certainly is is stubborn.”

This Bendy may be his opposite in many ways, but they were ways that could potentially cover what he lacked in starting up a business. The trick would be finding enough in common to feel out if he’d be open to a business partnership. And one thing they had in common was contact with angels. And he’d learned a thing or two from his time in the company of angels.

Murklin hummed as he processed the new information and organized it with his thoughts. “Stubbornness can be worn down with persistence in many cases,” he said, thinking of the many stories Lei shared and his own experiences with the angel. “What will determine if he’ll make a good business partner, or even an ally, is whether or not we could get along well enough for his favor on the Surface to be of use. I’d be able to handle the Hell side on my own if needed.”

“True.” Master Stolas tossed her thin legs over the other arm of her chair. “Have you considered the impact his reputation might have on yours if you pursue him as a partner? After all, you don’t have a Surface pass, so you will only be facing the perception he has down here. I would advise you to prepare yourself for rumors and unfavorable questions.”

“Any talk can be spun into marketing if I handle it right,” Murklin said thoughtfully. “They can ask their questions all they like; I’ll be ready for them when they do. Of course, this is all hypothetical if my first introduction with him doesn’t go well enough.” Murklin shrugged. “He’s but one option.”

“Good, good.” Master Stolas paused. She seemed to consider something. “I supposed I should give you one warning as well.”

Murklin sat a little straighter and watched her attentively, his ears turning slightly more in her direction so he didn’t miss any of what she said.

“Bendy insulted Duke Calister by interrupting one of the colosseum games. The fledgling openly invited the Duke to fight him if he felt so inclined. If you ally yourself with Bendy, you’ll have to be wary of Calister and any of his cohorts. You are my fledgling, but as I have told you before, I will not fight your battles for you. You move your pieces as you see fit, my dear student.” Stolas opened her hands and closed them like her warning was a display.

“Understood, Master Stolas,” Murklin said, slightly bowing his head as he did so. Her warning was appreciated. He would consider it carefully so it didn’t go to waste.

“Good.” Stolas bounced one of her legs. “I expect a report after the party. Everything you observe, the relationships you picked up around you. Written, of course. Also, I want you to take a gift I prepared for Prince Urxe when you go. It’s been an awful long time since I’ve had tea with her.”

“Of course, Master,” Murklin agreed. He was used to her essays by now, seeing as how writing one was how he caught her eye in the first place.

“And one last thing, my dear fledgling.” Stolas sat up. She grinned bigger, the corners of her smile going above her eyes. She preened, a pleased thrum resonating in her chest and throat.

The younger demon repressed a shudder at that smile. She knew it unnerved him when she did that.

“What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it?” Master Stolas asked. She stood and picked up her papers. She left him by the fire to ponder as she filed the reports away. Her feathered tail and skirts dragged across the floor with barely a whisper. 

Murklin turned it over in his mind. If it could break without being picked up or touched, then it couldn’t be a tangible object. So it must be a concept. Something mental or emotional. Perhaps both. He turned his head in her direction when he had his answer. “It’s trust.”

Stolas blinked. She came over and tapped the tip of his nose, an affectionate action for her. “Well done. I would remember that one if I were you next week.” She winked. “I think that’s enough for the day. Nightbreak is coming. We will continue in full light tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Yes, Master Stolas,” Murklin said in surprise but eagerly got up to gather his materials. She’d given him a lot to think about, and he wanted to make use of the sudden free time to prepare. He could make or break his future at that party, and he didn’t intend to go into it without extensive planning and preparation. He had an outfit to make, too. There was no way he would settle for anything less than properly eye-catching. He had an impression to make, after all.

Chapter Text

Murklin shadow-traveled right to his workstation in the backroom of The Silhouette. Watching Mr. Cat fight Lord Hat was inspiring. And the man’s wardrobe choice was even more so. Murklin pulled out his sketchbook and got to work. Since Bendy was late anyway, he’d make the older fledgling a jacket that matched his new father’s. It would finish off the ensemble Murklin had designed for him rather nicely. 

As he was starting to pencil in details and shading, he noticed a familiar shadow approaching the shop. It was that tingle of awareness he got only with shadows he spent a significant amount of time around. A louder thrum emerged from the background hum of unknown shadows. One he hadn’t anticipated the arrival of. With a frown, Murklin set aside his drawing tools and made his way toward the main shop. Just as he arrived at the door separating the shop from the back room, there was a bellowing roar. The ground shook, and Murklin shoved through the door to see Shale plowing through the shop’s front door, breaking it off its hinges.

The earth demon looked menacingly around the room until her gaze caught on Mama; then she bellowed once more and lunged. Deep gouges were left in the floor from her claws. She wasn’t trying to be careful. She was going for blood. His mama’s blood.

Mama had half-turned toward the entry with wide glowing eyes. She couldn’t touch Shale. Shale was a child, like him. She couldn’t harm the earth demon. But Murklin could.

The little shadow demon dropped into the shadows, popped up between Shale and his mama, and lunged at the other child. He propelled himself forward with a mass of shadows. They collided midair and crashed through the big display window onto the street. There was a momentary tangle of limbs before Murklin shoved Shale away. He took a second to glance at the shop while the earth demon got to her feet. Murklin grimaced at the damage. His aim had been a little off. Ideally, he would have sent them through the already busted doorway. It would have been even worse if she had come looking for him, though. Shale would have had to throw everything she had into a single attack if she ever hoped to catch him off guard, as futile an idea as that would be. The shop would have been left a ruin in an instant. So, she was purposefully going after an adult who couldn’t go all out in retaliation to protect herself against a child. Purposefully going after his middle-class parent rather than his high-class parent. Purposefully going after Mama . That was unacceptable.

He whipped his head back around and growled. “How dare you.”

Shale scoffed and aggressively signed back as she rolled back onto her feet. “That’s rich coming from you after what you did.”

Murklin snarled. “Spared your life? Oh, how truly terrible of me.” He rolled his eyes.

“I will make you know my pain and then kill you last!” The girl’s eyes started to glow a sickly green, and the ground began to shake as she growled and lunged at him.

Murklin let himself drop into the shadows and pop back up behind her, shifting his form to that of a shadowy jaguar with antelope horns. His twin tails lashed with his anger behind him, his large ears pinned back against his head. He spun and pounced on the earth demon’s back with a roar. 

Shale shrieked in pain as his teeth sunk into her shoulder, piercing the rocky armor. She clawed back until she got a hold of Murklin’s scruff and threw him into a display across the street. The ground shook and bucked around them. Shale launched a wave of earthen spikes after him. 

Cuss.

Murklin dodged the first wave of spikes, rolling to the side. He twisted to face the earth demon, feeling out the shadows cast by her earthen spikes as they rumbled toward him at an angle. He waited, timing his movement based on the speed of the shadows cast by the spikes, and sidestepped at the last moment. His claws sunk into the rushing earth as it increased in height, taking him with it. Murklin allowed it to carry him and used it to launch himself into the air. He sharpened the shadows around Shale and lashed them across her legs from all sides. The girl dropped to her knees with a hiss of pain. She wouldn’t be getting back to her feet. He’d crippled her. Murklin used an awning as a springboard to flip gracefully back onto the demolished street. 

The glow of magic in Shale’s eyes flickered as she struggled to maintain the concentration needed through her pain. Rubble broken down to sand drifted about her in restless eddies of rage.

If she could still maintain a little magic, she could still attack. That wouldn’t do. Murklin stalked forward on silent paws. His shadows sliced through the armor on her arms. 

Shale gave a shout of pain and pulled her arms to her chest. The green light was barely there. She turned her head to look at the shadow demon and snarled. Without her arms, there would be no answers from Shale. Not that she would have given them either way. She was stubborn and blinded by rage. Stars only knew why she was mad at him.

Murklin wasn’t a fool. He knew she’d never liked him. Liked even less that Sana had chosen to befriend him over a fellow mid-class earth demon. Or perhaps that Murklin had chosen Sana as a friend and rival over her. The kind of petty playground jealousy that Murklin didn’t have time for. He’d never given Shale a second glance because she didn’t matter. She couldn’t keep up and couldn’t keep her cool.

He’d let her live because Kaden had asked, and Bendy was amenable to that request. She could have gone on with the rest of her life and stayed the cuss away from him. But now she’d become a liability, and he couldn’t have that.

“I gave you clemency, and you squandered it,” Murklin rumbled lowly. Shale growled and tried to hit him with her heavy tail in response. The shadow demon just pinned it in place with one paw and sunk his claws in to hold it still. He could feel the way she flinched. “You want to be seen as a threat? Fine. But you made a mistake in making yourself a threat to my mama rather than just coming for me.” Shadows writhed and curled around the two of them; onlookers not daring to intervene upon seeing the prominent child symbol glowing across his back combined with high-class levels of power.

Shale turned to take another swipe at him with one of a secondary set of arms she grew just for the chance. The snarl on her face fell slack as a shadow sliced through her earthen armor and into her neck. She choked and collapsed in the growing puddle of her own blood.

Murklin watched impassively as she shuddered out her last laborious breaths and went still. Shale was a mess of wounds and gore, while Murklin was untouched. Not even the spray from his final attack stuck to him, neither the blood nor her attacks having any effect on his semi-corporeal form.

The shadow demon’s rage left, along with Shale’s final breath. He wanted to still feel that anger, but he mostly just felt numb. For as ready as he’d been to dump the girl off her board at the magma fields, Murklin had never actually killed anyone before. Sure, he’d killed birds, rabbits, and the odd fish while on the Surface, but this was different. Did it make him different? Murklin fought to keep the frown off his face and looked around. He kept his face as blank as he could—unnerving, the way he’d found Lei’s blank face to be—as he took in the crowd of demons hanging back and surveyed the damage from the fight.

It was extensive. And Murklin couldn’t use the more acceptable excuse of going beastly. His magic flared on the edge of going into the second spike in only a week, but it wasn’t so wild he couldn’t maintain control. Though the wary looks implied the onlookers weren’t so sure about that. Murklin sighed and shifted back into his usual, smaller form, waiting to go fully corporeal until he’d stepped out of the spread of gore. The show of going corporeal again was enough to convince at least some of the crowd he wasn’t in danger of losing control, demons starting to pick their way through the debris to continue on with their day.

Murklin turned back to his mama’s shop and carefully stepped through the debris. All things considered, The Silhouette looked to be in better shape than some of the other shops had come out. The damage was more superficial than structural. The window would have to be replaced entirely, the entire door frame rebuilt, and Shale’s gouged claw marks filled in and buffed. That didn’t take into account whether the mannequins and the clothes on them would have to be replaced or just cleaned before the display could be set up again. Murklin picked his way through the destroyed doorway and surveyed the inside of the shop. There were a few pieces of furniture that had gotten damaged in the initial struggle and several toppled displays.

The shadow demon held back a grimace and approached where Mama directed the clean-up. “What do you want me to work on, Mama?” he asked meekly.

She paused in directing her staff to look at him silently for a moment, her glowing eyes boring into him. Then she sighed, shaking her head as she righted a bench and started stitching a gash in the cushion. “You’ve done enough for today. Go back to your workstation until it’s time to go home.”

“But I—”

Mama gave him ‘the look’.

“Yes, Mama,” Murklin responded dutifully.

He turned and went to the back room, ignoring the looks that the shop employees were giving him. If Mama didn’t want him in the showroom for the rest of the day, then he’d just work on his own projects instead.

Murklin sat at his workstation and finished the sketch he’d been working on. Then he spent the next couple of hours watching his own body go through the motions of making a pattern, measuring and cutting sheepskin, and piecing the jacket together with pins. Soon enough, he started stitching the panels together, the pieces slowly coming together in his hands. He wanted to have the excitement he’d had when he started the sketch. He wanted to enjoy the creation process. But he felt detached. He was physically there, but his mind kept wandering back to the ruined street. To pooling blood, choked-off gurgles, and the feel of his shadows cut—

No. Nope. He wasn’t there anymore. It didn’t matter that it was just outside the shop. Murklin was at his workstation, not out on the street. He shook his head to try to clear it and ran a hand through his hair, pushing his bangs away from his face. He forced himself to focus on the present and be present. The shadow demon put effort into focusing completely on the process of drawing his needle through the fabric. When he got to the end of the first body panel, he tied off his thread and snipped it with his teeth. Carefully, he folded the jacket segments and nestled them in the box with the rest of the clothes he’d made for Bendy. He’d finish the rest of it and do the detail work tomorrow. The spellwork could be done after if he had the time.

Murklin slid the box back into the bottom drawer of his workstation. He’d be going home with Mama shortly, and then he’d have to hear what Mom had to say when she found out about the fight. Murklin frowned. If he was lucky, the lecture wouldn’t last too long.

Soon enough, Murklin was shadow-traveling home with Mama. Mom was waiting in the living room when they got there, her arms crossed over her chest. She turned her head toward them as they entered the room, her sharp features severe and eyes narrowed. Her tall, curved horns made her appear towering as she rose onto the four feet of her lionesque lower body.

“What is this I’m hearing about a child attempting to attack my mate, Murklin?” his mom asked lowly.

“It was just a former classmate I ran into a few days ago. She wasn’t happy with how our last fight played out or something. I took care of it,” Murklin answered as steadily as he could. He didn’t dare to fully meet her gaze, but he didn’t dare look away from her either. The young shadow demon could see Bluster peering from behind the couch out of the corner of his eye.

Mom glared down at him. “You fought her before and didn’t kill her the first time?”

Murklin flinched. “Yes,” he said quietly. With Bendy and Kaden there, it had seemed like the right decision. A good decision. But Shale had come back.

“I taught you better than that.” Mom reached out and grabbed him by the horn in a flash, leaning down to snarl angrily in his face. She lifted him enough that he scrambled, trying to touch the floor with his toes. “When you fight someone, you finish the fight so they can’t come after you again. They get one chance.”

The pain radiating through Murklin’s head was excruciating. He couldn’t hold back a whimper. His upper set of hands held onto his mom’s wrist, trying to alleviate some of the pressure on his horn.

“There better not be any more demons coming after my mate because you couldn’t properly finish a fight, child,” his mom growled and threw him away from her.

Murklin gasped in pain as he fell face-first into the corner of the stone end table. He rolled onto his back, clutching at his right eyes. Blood quickly seeping between his fingers. Mom didn’t even look at him as she walked out of the room, not even reacting to his cry of pain when she stepped on the same horn she’d grabbed him by. There was a loud crack. The little demon curled into a ball and grabbed at the top of his head with his second set of hands. His horn. His horn had broken off.

After what felt like forever, but was probably only a few short moments, Mama gathered him up in her arms and carried him to his room. Bluster scurried in behind them with his arms full of bandage rolls and gauze. Murklin was sat on the edge of the bed, Bluster pushing over the desk chair and scrambling onto it.

Mama turned to the imp, her long shadowy tail lashing behind her. “I’m leaving him to you. I have to go and try calming Zephyra.”

Bluster nodded. Mama slipped out of the room as Bluster got to work cleaning up Murklin’s face. The shadow demon had a gash on his forehead and two quickly swelling eyes on the right side of his face. And his left horn. His left horn was broken off. Murklin could have easily healed up with magic, but healing the slow way was always part of Mom’s punishment if he got hurt during it. He grimaced in pain as Bluster disinfected the gash on his forehead. This was not going to be fun to explain for the next week or so.

***

Prince Stolas’ study could have been an entire library on its own. The rows of shelves full of books and bottled potions tickled the imagination. Gentle green flames lined the walls and rows at varying heights and distances; free-floating balls of color that wavered and danced throughout the room. Long tables of notes, research, and experiments were laid out on the other side of the wide oval room. Rows of windows showed a carved balcony and the expanse of Hell beyond it.

The demon herself was sitting in a plush, high-back chair next to an open fireplace. The hearth was warm and inviting, with a kettle hanging over the open flames. Beside the fireplace and behind Stolas on her other side were a few shelves of artifacts and books. Stolas was turning the pages of a rather large volume; her black eyes glittered in delight as she took in the words. Her smile climbed up the sides of her face, nearly above her eyes. She lifted a teacup to her beak and took a sip.

Murklin quietly slipped the rest of the way through the door and padded silently over to his desk set off to the side of her much larger one. He pulled his completed assignments from his bag and set them on the desk, grimacing when the pages rustled ever-so-slightly.

“My young protégé.” Stolas smiled at him. She was usually smiling. “Are you attempting to impersonate a mouse? Why are you quiet?”

“Good morning, Master Stolas,” Murklin greeted softly. “I’m not feeling my best today, is all. It’s nothing that will interfere with my lessons.” He dallied at the desk, knowing he’d eventually have to turn to face his mentor.

“Is that so? How unfortunate. I had most assuredly looked forward to today’s lesson plan, alas,” she sighed lightly. “I feel we must divert into other topics.”

“Other topics, Master?” Murklin asked in confusion. Master Stolas frequently diverged briefly from the planned lesson for the day, but she never completely changed them last minute. Last-minute changes usually meant they would have to reschedule in deference to her work for the Devil. The fledgling set his bag beside his desk.

“Yes, you see, I heard of an incident the other day.” The Prince’s eyes pierced him.

Murklin flinched. Shale. A torn-up street. Blood. Pain. He shook his head to bring himself back to the present. “I see,” he said quietly. He wasn’t sure what to expect from his master in a situation like this. He just hoped it wouldn’t be as . . . difficult as his mom’s. He turned so he could watch the demon prince out of the corner of his good eyes.

“Correct me if I am wrong—it was your first kill, wasn’t it, my fledgling?” Stolas asked. She leaned her chin on her folded claws, her smiling expression was impassable.

“Yes, master,” Murklin answered after a moment of hesitation. No one else had asked him about it being his first kill yet.

“I imagine you have questions. Ones you wouldn’t dare to ask even your parents, or possibly especially your parents,” Stolas hummed.

Murklin flinched again. He couldn’t imagine his mom taking the questions spinning around his head well at all. They were directly opposed to everything she’d told him about handling a fight. And Mama would take Mom’s side in such matters.

Stolas stood. She stepped around her chair and pulled the kettle off the fire. She poured two cups and set them each on either side of her desk. She gestured for him to approach. “Bring a seat. This is a . . . less formal lesson so we can nurture a less formal environment.” The giant owl busied herself, rummaging in a cabinet, producing crackers, cheese, fruits, and cookies.

“Yes, Master,” Murklin said quietly and steeled himself. He took hold of his desk chair and moved it across from Master Stolas’. He gingerly sat and waited for her reaction.

The Prince paused in setting out the last of the snacks. Her smile inched down. “Results of the fight?” she asked innocently. She placed the last set of cookies, something with a jam center, on the table and retook her seat.

The fledgling took his teacup, idly turning it in his hands. “You could say that,” he agreed. He knew he looked a mess.

Stolas’ gaze narrowed. “Do you remember what I told you when I took you as my fledgling?” She tapped the desktop with her talon. “This is a place of knowledge, and I harbor the pursuit of knowledge. All kinds of knowledge, even challenging knowledge. I can gift you an education beyond your wildest dreams, but only if you are willing to work for it with study and a willingness to ask even the most difficult questions.”

“I am!” Murklin immediately responded, his eyes snapping up to the Prince’s. He grimaced at his volume and repeated less frantically at a more reasonable volume, “I am.”

Stolas tilted her head in a very bird-like manner, her eyes still narrowed. “Are you sure of that? Today’s topics are as in-depth as you will go, not I. Consider your thoughts on the matter and what benefits you hope to achieve with today’s lesson. It is entirely up to you.”

Murklin frowned. How far he was willing to go? His thoughts . . . He lifted a hand to brush his bangs back out of his face, his fingers lingering over the broken-off edges of his horn. If anyone would give him an answer that could make his thoughts stop racing in confusing circles, it was Master Stolas. She’d make him think and work for it, but she wouldn’t let him sit in his confusion as long as he asked. And she was friends with Arrulon, the old turtle demon. New Agers weren’t for killing. Master Stolas would understand being caught between two different schools of thought.

“My mom wasn’t happy when she heard one of my former classmates tried to attack Mama,” he started shakily. “It was the same classmate that was part of the group that attacked when I was at the magma fields with Bendy and his friends. I had the chance to kill her then, but I didn’t, and she went after Mama. Bendy and Kaden both said that not killing those demons was the right thing to do, but Mom says that the right thing would have been to kill my classmate in the first fight so she couldn’t have come for us a second time.” He frowned. “I don’t think my new friends would be happy with me if they found out I had to kill that girl anyway. I . . . don’t know which choice is the right one.”

The owl straightened and picked up her teacup. She drank it slowly before lowering it. “That entirely depends on you.”

Murklin looked at her in confusion. He knew he shouldn’t expect a straightforward answer, but he thought she’d at least nudge him in the right direction. “What?”

She chittered in slight amusement, but her smile wasn’t exactly happy. She held her cup up. “Consider the two perspectives and where they come from. Bendy embraces the Surface, and Kaden comes from that village. They have the mindset that protecting life is the most imperative decision. No matter the possible value or risk that preserved life might have against them. Your mom, on the other hand, holds her mate in a much higher esteem than the life of another, and to have that risk to her mate is too much. Thus, in this thought, all parties are correct in their thinking. They are following through with the values they have chosen to embrace.”

“So if they are all right, why is everything I’ve done the wrong choice?” Murklin frowned.

Stolas blinked slowly. “Does it feel wrong to you? What in particular feels wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Murklin admitted. “I thought I’d handled things well, but now everyone is either mad at me or will be mad at me if they hear about what happened. It’s hard to feel like I made the right decision when everyone’s mad.”

Stolas hummed. “So, are you most worried about what others think? Is that what is bothering you?”

Murklin sat for a moment and drank his cooling tea. What was he most worried about? It wasn’t quite about what others would think. Or, at least, not everyone. “I’ve worked so hard to get this honey business started, and I’m worried that this incident could ruin that. That Bendy might decide he doesn’t want to be my partner anymore and pull out of our agreement.” Out of all of their agreements, including the letters. “That Mom might decide Bendy and his friends are a bad influence and make me break off our agreement. That if I refuse to break off my agreement with Bendy, Mom will constantly be angry with me.” He carefully brushed his fingertips along the edge of his lower black eye. Mom’s anger was scary. “I don’t know what to do to prevent that.”

Master Stolas clicked her talons on the desk. For a second, Murklin thought he heard a swear in her clicking. “Out of the two, which one do you believe is more open to discussion or compromise?”

“Not my mom,” Murklin answered without even having to think about it. Mom didn’t really do compromise. At least, not with him.

“Then that should be your answer,” Stolas said.

“To talk to Bendy?” Murklin asked hesitantly. “I’m not sure how much he’ll be willing to compromise on this.” Or if he’d be willing to at all.

“Well, consider, my fledgling,” Stolas tilted her head, “would you rather he hear about this fight from you or some other source? Are you comfortable keeping a secret from him? And if he ever discovered this secret later, would he be more or less willing to work with you?”

Murklin grimaced. One of the few things he had figured out about Bendy was that he responded better when people were direct. It was how Murklin had managed to get him to agree to be his business partner in the first place. He didn’t like the odds of their partnership surviving if Bendy heard about his fight with Shale at the next fledgling gathering from someone like Olmoth or Dorannan rather than him. “If he’s going to want to break our agreement over this, it would be better to know sooner rather than have it blow up publicly,” Murklin sighed.

Stolas smirked. “Do you truly believe he’d leave your partnership over this?”

“I’m not sure,” Murklin said with a shrug. “I’ve only known him for the equivalent of two days. That isn’t a whole lot of time to piece together how he thinks. I know a little, but not in this area.”

“What about the rumors about him? After meeting him, do you think any of them might actually hold any weight?” Stolas picked up a cracker with cheese and nibbled it.

Murklin grabbed a cookie from the spread and stared at it as he contemplated. He shook his head. “Some of them are true, but most of them are complete garbage. He doesn’t care about titles, so aiming to be the Devil is the last thing he’d ever do. It might be what most demons in his position would do, but not Bendy. And that’s just rumors that aren’t talking complete nonsense.”

Stolas preened her feathers. “But how could you know? You’ve only known him for the equivalent of two days.” Her black eyes glittered with humor.

“Because he told me,” Murklin replied, tilting his head with a frown.

“And you believe him,” Stolas stated. “Despite the rumors, the reputation, the stories, the enemies, and every good reason not to, you believe him.”

Murklin snorted a laugh. “Yeah, I suppose I do.” He took a bite of his cookie.

“Interesting,” Stolas said, eating a cookie. She studied Murklin for a long moment. “I have some information on him. It may benefit you in understanding your partner better. If you are curious and wish to put your concerns to rest, I could share it with you, although,” she drew out the word and leaned back. Her talons hesitated at the kettle. “I can’t guarantee this is information Bendy would like shared about him. He is a very careful individual . . . on certain matters.” Stolas chuckled knowingly.

“Information,” Murklin muttered as he stared contemplatively into his tea. “That’s a tempting offer. There’s a lot I want to know.” He thought of the look on Bendy’s face when Arrulon unintentionally revealed to him and Reide that Bendy grew up on the Surface. The fledgling frowned. Panic like that could go one of two ways: it could make the other individual easier to influence, or it could drive them away. “But I can wait until Bendy is ready to share it with me himself.” He looked up at Master Stolas. “I’m going to take the risk.”

Stolas blinked, her eyes widened marginally. For her, that was immense surprise. “My, my, now what could this young upstart have done to earn such trust?” Her voice held the barest hint of her shock. “Turning down an advantage like this, I admit, my fledgling, you have my curiosity. I didn’t take you for one to trust easily.”

Murklin smiled wryly. “I’m not.”

Stolas grinned. “I know.”

Chapter Text

Today was the day. Murklin had been putting this off since Bendy came to the village with him to deliver the medicine. Today, the shadow demon would talk to Kaden about Shale. Today, he’d find out if he’d lose his newest friend. Murklin took a deep breath and shadow-traveled from Master Stolas’ study to the outskirts of the New Age village.

The new ager farms were becoming a familiar sight, a strange and fascinating contrast to the expanses of neat rows he’d grown up seeing in the fifth. A system that paired compatible plants in small mounds wound organically across the terrain, demons crouched here and there tending to the crops. The smell of earth and greenery tickled his nose. Murklin raised a hand to wave to several of the farmers as he followed the designated path between fields. They waved back, much more at ease with his presence now that he’d visited several times. A few still gave him wary looks, but the majority had warmed up to his appearances. Somehow, that was still a warmer reception than what he often got from his mom’s workers when he unexpectedly visited her fields.

Murklin casually glanced around as he entered the village proper, feeling out where people and objects beyond his sight were. Families were in their stone huts, children were playing around while doing chores, parents were working, and others were pausing to talk with one another. A few children spotted him and raced over.

“Murklin! Mr. Murklin!” some called.

One tiny girl who half stumbled on her four legs clung to her sister’s hand. “Shadoo boi,” she said around the fist she had half stuffed in her muzzle.

Murklin chuckled quietly, waving at the kids and making his hair go shadowy momentarily while making silly faces before willing it corporeal again. He sent a pair of shadow rabbits scampering through the square to squeals of delight from several of the children. A number of them chased the pair around. The little girl hid behind her sister and smiled shyly. Murklin winked at her playfully and gave her older sister a smile and a polite nod in greeting as he passed them. The sisters giggled together as he passed.

The shadow demon followed the increasingly familiar pathways to Kaden’s house, keeping up the shadow rabbits in the square for a few minutes after he’d left until they grew challenging to maintain at a distance. Murklin approached the dwelling and took a final steadying breath. He could do this. Bendy had taken the news surprisingly well; Kaden hopefully would too. Murklin knocked on the doorframe and stepped back to wait, sticking his hands in his pockets to give off a semblance of ease.

“Just a moment,” a deep voice called. After a clatter, Zora brushed the curtain aside. “Ah. Murklin. Welcome. Are you here for Kaden?”

“Yes, sir,” Murklin said politely, smiling at the older demon. He had no intention of disrespecting Kaden’s parents; he’d curry no favor that way.

“Come in,” Zora invited. He held the curtain aside for Murklin. “I will get him. Do you want anything to drink?”

“Water is fine unless you already have tea on, Mr. Zora,” Murklin assured, stepping past the man into their cozy living space. He felt out the shadows of the dwelling out of habit, noting the other residents further in the dwelling.

Mrs. Nomia was lying down in the back, and Kaden was sitting up in a different room. There were no unexpected shadows.

“I do. There is daisy or chamomile,” he offered. “Consider while I get Kaden.” He stepped through another curtain and into the back of their cave-like home.

Murklin approached one of the images painted on the wall, studying the overly large sun. He could almost feel the memory of its warmth on his fur, the breeze ruffling him gently as he was surrounded by cheerful chatter and the smell of flowers. The little demon’s ears twitched at the sound of footsteps on stone, drawing him back to the present. He turned his head at their approach.

“Murklin!” Kaden grinned at spotting him. His ears perked up and his tail gave a little wag. The blades on his arms were gone, and the pattern of scales around his face and arms had changed into interlocking diamond shapes, like a snake’s. It made the shadow demon want to play with patterns in his own fur.

“Hey, Kaden,” Murklin greeted with a responding smile.

“It’s good to see you. How are you doing?” Kaden asked. He gestured for Murklin to sit at their low table.

Zora went back to their kitchen corner.

Murklin stepped over and sank down onto one of the floor cushions, tucking his legs up under himself. “I’ve been doing well. I had my first training session with Bendy and Lord Hat yesterday. It was . . . exciting,” Murklin said with a dry laugh.

“Sorry to cut in, but did you choose a tea you would like?” Zora asked over his shoulder.

“Chamomile sounds delightful, Mr. Zora,” Murklin chirped pleasantly.

“Me too, Dad!” Kaden said. He turned back to Murklin. “How is Bendy? He hasn’t been back since he helped Mom. What happened?”

“He’s been busy with training and Surface errands,” Murklin said, resting an elbow on the table and his chin in his hand. “He told me he might have an in with a honey distributor for our business. We’ll hopefully know after he next meets with them.”

“It sounds like he’s doing well. I’m glad. I wish he’d visit so we could really show him our appreciation. Several of the aunts around the village want to throw a feast at Mom’s recovery and make him the guest of honor.” Kaden glanced at Zora and leaned over to Murklin. Hiding behind his hand, he whispered, “Mom and Dad are talking about adding a second name to my sibling to honor their hero. But no one is supposed to know about it yet.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to have the attention,” Murklin chuckled in amusement, picturing Bendy’s face at the news. “I won’t spoil the surprise,” he promised, pressing the hand sign for promise over his heart.

Kaden grinned. “He’s going to be horrified, isn’t he?”

“Definitely.” Murklin nodded solemnly, then matched the older boy’s grin. “It’ll be entertaining to watch him go through the stages of grief in real-time.”

Kaden snickered. Then Zora came up and set the cups down. “Here you are, boys. Enjoy.” He had a third cup that he carried away to the back of the house.

Kaden blew on his. “How about you? How’s the city?”

Murklin ran one hand through his hair while he carefully turned his cup of tea in his lower pair. He still had his horns in the pattern of five across his forehead, which he’d had the day before for the training with Bendy. “I’ve been keeping busy. They’ve finally finished the repairs to the street outside Mama’s shop, so that’s something,” he said with a frown. He knew what kinds of questions that would spark. Murklin inhaled some of the fragrant steam from his tea before taking a sip. He’d need the calming effects for this conversation. His tails flicked nervously against the cushion next to him.

Kaden stared at him with wide eyes. “Is everyone okay?”

“Everyone at the shop is fine,” Murklin assured. “This is . . . actually something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. I’ve already talked to Bendy about it, but we didn’t have time to tell you when he came with me. And I’ve been—” Murklin sighed and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before looking at Kaden. “I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject with you before today. I ask that you hear me out in full before you verbally respond.”

Kaden tilted his head, his scaly brows furrowed. He sipped his tea and nodded for Murklin to continue.

“Do you remember Shale? She was with the group we fought that one time,” Murklin asked, catching himself at the last moment. He avoided mentioning where they had fought, on the off chance Kaden’s parents had sharp enough hearing to catch the conversation from the back of the house.

Kaden’s ears fell. He nodded.

Murklin took a sip of his tea before he continued. “She decided to try to get back at me by going after Mama. If she’d been even half an hour earlier, she might have succeeded. I’d been with Master Stolas for most of the day before that.” The shadow demon ran his hand through his hair again, his tails curling around his own leg in an attempt at self-soothing. He frowned into his cup. “As it stands, I noticed her approaching the shop and intercepted her when she lunged at Mama. We wound up fighting in the street. Shale tore a nice little path of destruction as we went. She wasn’t listening to reason, so I had to kill her. She would have tried going after Mama again if I hadn’t, either then or some other time when I wouldn’t have been there to stop her.” Murklin growled quietly in frustration. “I really did try to do things your and Bendy’s way. It didn’t end well for me.” He felt a twinge of phantom pain in his damaged horn. It was still rather jagged, barely starting to grow back on its own. Murklin kneaded at the base of his horn and lifted his eyes to try to gauge the older demon’s reaction.

Kaden was watching him with an unreadable expression. He glanced back at where his parents were and then scooted closer to Murklin. He leaned over and whispered. “She was going to kill your mama? Or try?”

Murklin frowned. “How well do you know the laws that protect demon children, Kaden?”

Kaden waved a dismissive hand with a snort. “That’s not the point. She was going after your mama. She was going to try and kill her, right?”

“Yes, she was. And Mama wouldn’t have been able to do much against her.”

“Is she high class?” Kaden suddenly asked.

“No, she’s middle class. I’m sure that’s why Shale chose to go after Mama and not Mom. Shale was brash, but she wasn’t entirely cave-brained,” Murklin said, his frown deepening. “She went after the parent closer in strength to her.”

Kaden leaned back and seemed deep in thought. He sipped his tea again and fiddled with his cup. “I yelled at Bendy for killing once,” he admitted. “It was a beastly demon. They would have killed me if he hadn’t stepped in. I didn’t know him then and thought he saved me because he realized I was a kid.”

Murklin blinked at him in surprise, giving a soft chirp. His grip tightened on his cup.

“At the time, I hadn’t met any high-class demons. I only knew the stories. I, uh—” Kaden looked away. An expression of shame came to his face. “I thought you high class could do anything. That your powers made everything easy for you. I just—I assumed you all killed because it was easy and you all didn’t care. I know better now after meeting Bendy. And you,” he added quickly. “You struggle as much as the rest of us.”

Murklin snorted. “Shale was my first,” he admitted quietly.

Kaden swallowed and looked up. “I’m sorry. I don’t know . . . I don’t know what I’d do if I had been you. I guess I’m lucky I haven’t had to.” He glanced back at the curtain that his parents were behind. “I think I understand what you did and what Bendy did. It’s stardust, though. Neither of you should have to do that!” He whisper-hissed the last part of it. He looked upset, but it was for Murklin. “I mean, you’re younger than me. It’s cussed up you literally had to fight for your parents.”

“Ah,” Murklin choked out, his throat suddenly tight with emotion. “You—You don’t want to stop being friends because of this?” he asked hesitantly. He looked Kaden in the eyes, searching for something.

Kaden’s ears flew up in surprise. His tail thumped against the floor. The older demon snorted. “No! Devil’s hooves, no! I’d be a pretty crummy friend if I left because you protected your mama. C’mon, Murklin. After all the grief I caused for my mom? No!” He tucked his chin. “I mean, I’m not thrilled, but you look like you’ve been through enough. And what other high-class demon would come all the way down here to ask if we were still friends?”

Murklin slumped and chittered in relief. “I’m glad,” he said softly, giving Kaden a weak smile.

“It’s really been bothering you, huh?” Kaden put a claw on Murklin’s shoulder.

“After how Mom reacted, it’s been hard not to worry about how you and Bendy would react. I was able to talk to Bendy a few days after, but I got to stew in it for a while with you.” Murklin leaned into the comforting touch.

Kaden frowned, confused. “Your mom was mad you killed someone to protect your mama?”

Murklin gave a wet snort that ended in a mournful chirp. “No, she was mad I didn’t kill Shale the first time and that led to Mama needing to be protected,” he said dryly. He gestured at his face and horn. “I didn’t get these from Shale.”

Kaden’s eyes widened before he shook his head. “Oh. Murklin.” He pulled back his hand and scratched the back of his head. “A-Are you okay? Sorry. That’s a dumb question.” He shook his head again. “I want to do something, but I don’t know what.”

“Bendy had a similar reaction,” Murklin told him with a wry smile. “He offered me a hug, even though he looked like he wasn’t even remotely comfortable with actually giving me one.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t go after your mom,” Kaden said.

Murklin grimaced. “I may have distracted him with his new clothes before he had too long to contemplate that. He has declared his . . . distaste for her, though.” He chittered his concern.

Kaden looked at Murklin. “I think I agree with him,” Kaden said dryly. “Well, if you have to get out and have nowhere to go, I’m sure we could figure out something here in the village. Arrulon has done that plenty of times, and most everyone here already loves your visits.”

The warm smiles and enthusiastic reception Murklin had started to receive the more he visited came to his mind. It was like stepping into a ray of sun that warmed just his heart. Murklin smiled at the older boy, his tails starting to uncurl from around him and flick. “I’ll keep that in mind if things ever come to that,” he said, unable to help the warm gratitude that seeped into his words.

“What are friends for, right?” Kaden said. Then he grinned. “It’s the least I can do for all your help.”

Murklin blinked at him in surprise and broke out into snickers. “I think Bendy’s rubbing off on you!”

“I’m an intimidatingly powerful demon that always looks a little confused?” Kaden asked, sounding hopeful.

“No,” Murklin refuted, a fanged grin spreading across his face. “You’re selfless to a fault when it comes to repaying favors. And weirdly nice to someone you barely know. Soft hides, the both of you.”

Kaden gasped. “Nuh-uh! I’m not as soft as him!” He crossed his claws. “He’s a complete pushover in the weirdest way! I mean, he jumped into the arena for a stranger! I wouldn’t! I’m not crazy.” There was a heartbeat of silence between them. Murklin stared at the older demon knowingly. Kaden fidgeted. “Don’t tell him I said any of that. Ever.”

The shadow demon gave him a mischievous look, his ears perking. “I don’t think I can promise forever,” he said solemnly. “After all, who do you think is going to help me with all my stuff if I do have to take you up on your offer?” He blinked innocently at Kaden and sipped his tea.

Kaden narrowed his eyes. “If you blackmail me, I will set up traps all over this village. I have pranks you couldn’t dream of. Don’t start something you’re not ready to face, Murklin the Enduring Shadow.”

“That’s Prince Stolas’ fledgling, Murklin the Enduring Shadow,” Murklin corrected, raising a finger. He grinned widely. “And it sounds like you are offering to turn the entire village into a giant puzzle box for me. It would be fun to tackle puzzles from someone other than Master Stolas,” he purred teasingly.

“Don’t look excited!” Kaden nearly whined. “Stars, Murklin!”

“But you’re offering me puzzles! What’s not to get excited about?” Murklin chirped, his tails flicking happily against the cushions.

Kaden shook his head. “Why are all my new friends so weird? They’re pranks! Not puzzles! Booby traps!”

“Booby traps are the best puzzles,” Murklin said, nodding sagely. He lifted his cup to hide his smirk as he took a sip of his cooling tea. This was nice. Being able to banter with someone who wanted nothing from him but his company was nice. Not having to keep up an appearance appropriate for a high-class fledgling was freeing.

“That is terrifying. You know you’re scary, right? You might look all soft and approachable, but I bet you are just as scary as Bendy,” Kaden accused. “I mean, who likes traps? The best puzzle? I get pranks. No one is hurt. But the way you talk, I imagine spikes and knives and, I don’t know, giant cave worms.”

The shadow demon snickered. Booby traps were fun puzzles because of how much he had to rely on what he felt through the shadows around him, but he couldn’t share just how much he could do with his shadows. Not unless it was absolutely necessary. “The fun is in figuring out how to dismantle them without setting them off. And I don’t know about being as scary as Bendy. He’s got a ridiculous amount of unknowns and surprises in him that even he doesn’t know about. That’s scary.” Murklin shook his head. “And, yes, my fur is very soft. I’m glad you noticed,” he said coyly. Kaden was fun to tease.

Kaden made a noise between a scoff and a choke. “You are impossible. All of you are way too casual about—Well, I guess it makes sense. I mean, Reide was really excited about magma surfing.” Kaden shook his head again. “I better reach adulthood. I don’t know if I will at this point.”

Murklin gave him an intense look. “I don’t have enough friends to let any of them just die. Remember that, mister! Dying is not allowed!” He reached over and poked Kaden in the shoulder as he spoke to emphasize his point. “Not. Allowed!”

Kaden laughed. “Okay, good to know. No dying. That goes for you, too.”

The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon joking and teasing one another. Murklin could get used to this. Having a friend he could be open with felt a little like being in a flower-filled clearing, warmed by the sun.

Chapter Text

The Angel household had been in chaos for the last few days. It was a flurry of activity as everyone tried to soothe Alice and sort out the mess that was the letter she had received. There were more helpers than tasks that needed doing, and Leila wasn’t qualified to help with Alice’s mental state. She might have the skills to help with the letter; not that Leila was allowed to help with anything regarding that. It wasn’t the sort of case anyone her age would be allowed to work on, not for a few more years, anyway. No, the only thing the young angel could do was what she was already doing—researching angel-demon interactions.

Leila had spent hours after school combing through the catalog system for book titles to add to her and Alice’s reading lists. Card after dusty card in the catalog. Tennin had a few new recommendations for her as well, tomes he’d stumbled upon that had demon mentions but weren’t cataloged under the subject. Leila appreciated his effort. David was splitting his time between finding ways to help at home in the aftermath and lingering nearby while Leila delved into her research. Sometimes Rachel joined the two of them, and sometimes she just checked in before going off to work on one of her paintings.

Between bouts of research, Leila had started a new journal. She and Alice may have joked about writing their own angel-demon romance novel, but Leila decided she might as well actually do it. It was something she could do to destress. Knowing that Enric being a nosy snoop was always a risk, Leila decided she’d write the whole thing in shorthand. Writing romance novels wasn’t exactly what she and David had in mind when they’d come up with their own version of shorthand a few years back, but it was a decent use for it all the same.

Rachel was rambling about a new painting she wanted to start as she entered the Angel family home with Leila and David trailing behind her. Leila had her nose in her journal, jotting down story notes and ideas, and didn’t realize Luke was home until his arm shot out as they passed the couch and hooked around her middle. The angel girl yelped in surprise as she was pulled into Luke’s lap. Her journal slipped from her fingers and landed at David’s feet.

“Uh, hello Luke? How are you?” Leila asked in bewilderment as he hugged her close. She reached up to pat his head when he dropped his chin down on her shoulder.

“Surviving. What are you three up to? Trouble?” He huffed a sigh that caused his light hair to tickle her cheek.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Rachel snarked back.

“How is Alice?” David asked and crouched down to get Leila’s book.

Luke hummed. “It’s not like she’s back in the healing hall, but I wouldn’t say she’s a ray of sunshine right now.” He frowned. “It’d be better if we could get anywhere with this letter nonsense.”

Leila hummed in acknowledgment and carded her fingers through the older angel’s hair, pushing it back from both of their faces. “We can all only do as much as we are able. I’m this close to declaring a preening day. I think we all need it at this point,” she sighed.

Rachel put her hands on her hips. “Only if Luke lets me do his nails.” She plopped on the couch arm and leaned into Luke’s other side.

“You know those would be ruined the moment I use my sword,” Luke pointed out.

“I won’t go crazy, but I mean, look at those cuticles! And a clear coat wouldn’t be noticed. C’mon, big bro, lemme pamper you! You’re already taking Leila hugs.” Rachel draped an arm over his shoulders and in front of his wings.

“We can rope Alice and Abby in on it and do everyone’s wings and hair, too,” Leila added. She relaxed back in Luke’s hold, playing with the light strands of his hair between her fingers.

“That would be good. Mary would appreciate that,” Luke said, though he sounded somewhat reluctant when Rachel started tugging an arm free to look at his hands.

“It’s been a while since we’ve gathered everyone for some quality preening time. It’ll do us all some good, I think,” Leila hummed. “What do you think, David? Up for a preening night?” She turned her head to look at him.

David hummed. His nose was in her journal, his brows furrowed in a deep frown. “Sounds fine.” He looked up. “Leila . . . what?” He closed the book.

She tilted her head in confusion. “What, what?” Had something happened in the last five minutes she didn’t know about? Leila blinked, her gaze dropping to the notebook in his hand. Ah, right! She hadn’t told David and Rachel about her newly acquired hobby yet! “Oh! That. It’s—”

“You three!” Abby shouted, slamming her bedroom door open. “Where have you been?” She suddenly appeared at the top of the landing.

“Around?” Rachel raised a brow.

“Well, be closer! We could really use your help around here.” Abby blew her bangs out of her eyes and marched down the stairs.

“Abby, they’re kids, and so are you,” Luke pointed out.

“I’m turning eighteen in less than a week, and this house is falling apart!” Abby scowled at him. Her perfect lipstick stretched down.

“We are not,” Luke sighed and set Leila back on her feet.

“Alice is—”

Rachel coughed. “SO, preening! Pampering! You want to join us, Abby?”

Leila shot Luke a smile before skipping over to Abby, grabbing her hands, and spinning the two of them in a circle. “Bonding and relaxation time!” she declared with a grin.

Abby rolled her eyes, but her prickly irritation relaxed a bit. “Fine. I’ll get the sad sop, and you get Mary.”

“Right now?” Luke asked.

“No, yesterday,” Abby snipped and pulled herself free to flounce upstairs again.

Leila turned her grin on the remaining siblings in the room. “You boys can grab the wing care kits and blankets. Rachel, you are in charge of nail and hair care items. I’ll put water on to boil for tea and get Mary. Sound good?” she said, looking between them.

“Aye, aye, captain!” Rachel saluted. Luke nodded and swung himself up, pulling his wings close to his back again. David frowned and set her book on the coffee table. Everyone broke off to get the needed items.

Leila stopped in the kitchen to fill the big tea kettle and set it to boil before trotting out the back door to the greenhouse. She looked around as she stepped inside. “Mary? Are you in here?” she called, peering around the tall, leafy plants in the tropical section of the glass building.

“Hello? Leila, is that you? I’m in the desert biome.” Mary’s voice sang out from the paths of the plants.

“It’s me,” Leila confirmed. She followed the well-maintained paths through the flowerbeds, turning into the desert wing of the greenhouse once she got to the central room. The air instantly became hot and dry.

Mary had on a glove and was holding a strange prickly fruit. She smiled at the fruit and sniffed it. “Oh, this will be wonderful once it’s ripe.” She reached out and brushed an ungloved hand over a basket handle. She carefully placed the fruit in the basket with a few more. Cacti and desert brush shifted in a small enchanted wind.

Leila waited until there was no risk of the older angel dropping anything if startled before speaking again. “Hello, Mary! We’re trying to gather everyone for a preening night. Would you like to join us?” she asked, eyeing a blooming cactus curiously.

“Is it already night?” Mary asked. She pulled off the glove and picked up the basket.

“Not quite, but there’s no harm in starting in on it early,” Leila said brightly.

“Okay, help me clean up and bring in this, and I will gladly join you.” Mary lifted the basket with a smile. There were a number of tools tucked in with the fruit and gloves.

“Deal,” Leila agreed, looping her arm through the other side of the basket to share the weight. Not that Mary couldn’t handle it better than Leila could. Still, it was nice to be able to help.

Between the two of them, Mary’s gardening tools were soon put away in their proper places, and they were carrying the basket of prickly fruit into the kitchen. Mary washed her hands. Leila went to pull the whistling kettle from the stove and poured water into mugs. She arranged the mugs, the kettle, and tins of tea leaves on a tray for everyone to choose from. Carrying the tray, Leila carefully shuffled her way into the living room, following Mary.

“I’ve got hot water for tea. Take your pick!” Leila announced, setting the tray on the coffee table.

The boys had already set comfortable chairs and blankets around the table. David was quick to take Mary’s arm so she didn’t walk into anything. He guided her to a seat. “Thank you, David.” Mary smiled.

“Of course. What tea would you like?” David asked.

“Oh, do we have rosehip and citrus?” Mary asked.

“Yep!” Rachel said loudly. She had abandoned the half-laid-out brushes and hair care products to get herself a cup.

“Don’t be a slob,” Abby said. She was half leading, half dragging Alice in by the hand. The other angel looked pale and tired. She barely glanced up before looking down again. Her wings were so droopy that some of her flight feathers dragged on the floor.

Leila put a chamomile blend in a mug and took it over to Alice. “Here, you can warm your hands while it steeps,” she said, holding the mug out to her when she sat down.

Alice took it and nodded. “Thanks.”

Abby huffed. “You better prepare yourself. I’m going to make you glow. If you don’t get three more court requests when I’m done, I have failed you as a sister.”

Alice gave a small snort. Her nose wrinkled as a shadow of a smile appeared. “Stars, I don’t need any more courtships. Do me a favor and make me look like a rock.”

Abby made an offended noise.

“Come now, Alice,” Mary said. “At least be a tree.”

“She’d make a great palm tree.” Luke snickered.

“More like a ficus,” Abby said with a pout.

“Are you all kidding? She’s obviously a peach tree!” Rachel laughed. “She’s just peachy.”

“She’s only been home for a couple months. Alice has plenty of time to consider courtships when she’s ready,” Leila pointed out. She was also pretty sure Alice would make her own courtship request once the craziness was over. As long as things went well. “If she can be pretty for herself, that should be plenty.”

“Nope, make me ugly. Give me the worst job ever,” Alice said. She slouched lower in her seat. “Or a new face entirely.”

“We’ll find this guy, Alice,” Luke promised.

“I know. I’m just . . . “ She waved a hand vaguely. “Don’t let me ruin the mood.”

“Too late,” Abby muttered under her breath. Rachel elbowed her.

“Nothing’s ruined!” Leila declared with determination. “We’re just getting started.” She picked up a hairbrush. “Now, no one is escaping before I’ve had a chance to make sure every one of you gets a good brushing. Who’s first?”

Three of them pointed at Alice. Alice pointed at Abby. Abby gave her a confused look. “You’ll be less grumpy.”

“Rude!” Abby gasped.

“The council of siblings has spoken,” Leila said solemnly. Then she smiled. “You’re up first, Ally. Abby can be next!”

Alice didn’t fight. “Well, if the council has spoken,” she joked. She pulled her halo down so it’d be out of the way and straightened in her seat. Leila hopped onto the back of the couch, mindful of Alice’s wings, and set to work carefully working the knots and tangles out of the older angel’s hair. She gently ran the brush through Alice’s hair until her strokes no longer snagged. Then she made several small braids that she loosely wove together, pulling Alice’s hair out of her face while leaving most of it down and loose.

Leila took a moment to observe her handiwork before looking up. “David, could you bring over a wing care kit?”

David glanced at her before stepping away from Mary’s wings and offering one of the kits to Leila.

“Thank you!” Leila said, smiling up at him brightly. She blinked as she took in the subtle tangle of emotions coming from him. Hm. She’d have to pull him aside to ask if something had happened later. He’d been rather content when they’d gotten to the Angels’ house. Leila took the kit from him, brushing her fingers against his as she did so.

Leila gave her friend one last smile before turning back to Alice, the wing care kit balanced in her lap as she meticulously went through the older angel’s feathers. She carefully realigned displaced feathers and removed the ones that were damaged or detached. Leila frowned. Alice had a lot of detached feathers. Was she molting? It wasn’t molting season. She could be stress molting. It wasn’t unheard of, and Alice certainly had a lot to stress over as of late. Leila hummed quietly to herself as she worked. Worrying about Alice being stressed wouldn’t help her be any less stressed. But trying to create a soothing atmosphere might. It was the whole point of this preening night, after all.

Leila glanced up to check on the others as she prepped the feather oil and brush. Rachel did as she’d promised and was attacking Luke’s nails with a file. She talked about some of their favorite historic battles and compared warriors. Abby chimed in with her opinions on who was actually the strongest warrior while she freed Rachel’s hair from her usual ponytail to run a brush through it. Mary told David about the flowers that had recently bloomed and the fruits she was collecting. As they spoke, David moved from her wings to her long, pale hair.

This was nice. Leila could feel the tension slowly bleeding out of Alice’s frame as she continued to work. Stress no longer threatened to choke the air around them as everyone finally started to relax. Leila wished Isaac was here to join them. The eldest Angel sibling could use the relaxation too. Leila continued to hum as she worked the oil into Alice’s feathers with the brush, returning some of the shine to them. By the time she was finished, Alice’s wings looked much better, even if there were fewer feathers in some spots than there should be. Leila eyed the pile of discarded feathers.

Returning the supplies to the kit, Leila declared, “All done.” She peered forward to check the older angel’s mug. “Would you like any more tea before I start on Abby’s hair, Alice?”

“Yes, thank you,” Alice said, managing a small genuine smile. “I needed this.”

“Does that mean we can talk about your birthday now?” Abby asked.

Alice sighed. “I don’t want to bother. I don’t feel like celebrating with all this going around. It feels wrong.”

“Nothing wrong with being happy you’ve made it another year,” Luke pointed out.

Alice narrowed her eyes. “I don’t want to eat cake while Michael is missing. Maybe after, but not now.”

“We can wait,” Mary said. “But we don’t want to cancel celebrating you, Alice. We will get through this and have brighter days. Days where it will be better for a party.”

“Thanks, Mary.” Alice gave that small smile again. “Your hair looks beautiful.”

David had fashioned it into a rolled high bun with some strands left loose. He was working on curling them to frame her face. Mary smiled and shrugged. “David has many talents.”

He shrugged at the compliment, too focused on what he was doing. Rachel clicked her tongue at her younger brother.

“He is very talented,” Leila agreed with a note of teasing. “He’s one of maybe four people who can properly tame my curls with any consistency.” She climbed down from her perch on the back of the couch and made her way around. She set the kit on the table and brought the kettle over to refill Alice’s mug. “I think he might even be better at it than me.”

Abby whistled. “And yet he still can’t read a room.”

Luke tugged a lock of her hair. “Be nice.”

Abby frowned. “What? I am nice! I’m allowed to tease.”

“What room needs reading?” David asked.

Abby raised her brow. “Nothing important. Never mind. How are the world-conquering plans or whatever?”

“Oh, those have been settled for a while,” David said.

“You’re joking,” Abby said. David smirked. “You’re joking, right?” David moved on to help Rachel with Luke’s wings. It was quick work since only half the siblings had wings.

Leila stepped up to Abby with a hairbrush after Alice had her tea. “Your turn,” she said cheerfully. Leila only grinned wider when Abby turned disbelieving eyes on her. The older angel didn’t need to know they actually had three separate world domination plans. She couldn’t handle that truth. Plus, there was plausible deniability. Abby relented, and Alice got to work on Abby’s nails while sipping her tea.

“Alice, yours are too short to do anything with.” Abby eyed her sister’s nails. “Have you been biting them again?” Alice pouted at Abby’s nails, not answering her.

“You could paint them,” Leila suggested, climbing behind Abby to start on her hair.

“Sure, that’s fine once I have yours done,” Alice told Abby. “Clear or shade?”

“Shade, please.” Abby smiled. “And thanks.”

Alice nodded. She picked a glossy light shade of nail polish and shook it lightly.

Leila smiled to herself as she ran the brush through Abby’s hair. A preening night had definitely been a good call.

Chapter Text

Alice hurried out of the room with forced cheerfulness. Leila could feel the concern coming from David that matched her own. They’d check on the older angel in a little bit to see if it was something they could help with. For now, Leila had a call via magical compact with a demon to focus on.

“Hi, Bendy!” she greeted, mindful of her volume and the late hour on his end. Leaning forward, Leila pulled the desk chair closer to the bed and adjusted the compact on the seat so both she and David were visible.

“Hey,” Bendy gave her a tired smile. “How have you been?”

“Keeping busy,” Leila said with a laugh. “Research, school, chores. The usual. Though we had a nice preening night yesterday. How about you?”

“I’m fine. In the middle of a sleepover.” Bendy furrowed his brows. “Preening night?”

“Oh, sleepovers are fun!” Leila enthused. “Preening night is basically a self-care session. We gathered everyone who was available and sat around the living room with blankets and tea while taking care of each others’ hair, nails, and wings, for those who have them. It's relaxing and a lot of fun!” That it helped the people Leila loved destress was an added bonus.

“Oh, that sounds nice.” The background moved jarringly as Bendy shifted and got comfortable. He pulled an envelope into view. “I got this for you.”

Leila grinned and opened the notebook she’d excavated from Rachel’s closet. She’d decided back when she got the initial response letters from Bendy and Boris that she should keep a copy of what she sent to them to reference later if needed. It had only taken a couple of back-and-forth responses with Boris before Leila decided it was safer to keep her record of letters hidden in Rachel’s room rather than in her own. Enric had taken to sniffing around more when he noticed she’d kicked her researching up a notch, and she didn’t need that git finding something actually important when he eventually got bold again. Not that he could read the shorthand she and David had come up with.

She snatched up her pen and leaned back against David’s sprawled form behind her. “I’m ready,” Leila said eagerly.

Bendy carefully opened the letter and started to read. 

April 13th, 4357

Dear Lei,

I was unaware that my hair feels like clouds; as I’ve never touched a cloud, I’ll have to take your word for it. I have missed your company as well. Once in a while, Bendy or one of the others I’ve met through him will say or do something that reminds me of you. I’d thought that when you said ‘sorry’ all those times, it was an angel thing, but Bendy has explained that ‘sorry’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ are Surface manners. I’ve always been told that such words were a show of weakness, but if they are expected on the Surface, then learning when to use them may have some merit. The day Bendy brought your letter, he offered a hug at a moment that I knew you would have as well had you been there. I didn’t accept his offer, but I’m not so sure I’d turn down yours.

Bendy made a face but didn’t comment. He continued to read.

As for your first question, I am doing well. The healer my parents took me to was able to figure out what was happening with my magic, and I have since recovered. I won an essay contest Prince Stolas held in the autumn. She has taken me under her wing as a personal student, teaching me much about business and how our society is run. Master Stolas teaches me about as much as I ask about; she loves curious minds. I actually met Bendy at a party Master Stolas sent me to for young high-class demons. He was one of several demons present that I was considering as a potential business partner; as he was the most interesting of them, I decided the advantages of partnering with him were worth any future challenges we may face in working together. And it was your gift that gave me the idea to start a honey business in Hell, so I hope it goes without saying that I enjoyed it.

The delivery of these letters back and forth is how Bendy is repaying me for a certain potentially recurring favor. We are telling no one from here, and I suggest you tell as few people as possible about them there for all our sake. There should be no repercussions as long as we are careful. Bendy passing along our letters is the safest solution I’ve been able to think of in this past year.

It was here that Bendy lowered the letter and gave Leila a pointed look. “Is this illegal? Are we doing something illegal right now? This is real dumb if this is cussing illegal.”

Leila paused in jotting down Murklin’s words and grimaced. “I’m not sure if it’s technically illegal. There are no official means of delivering regular mail to Hell. When I asked Mr. King Dice if I could send Murklin letters, he said that only legal correspondence got sent back and forth, but I’m pretty sure he meant that as in letters regarding legal matters between our peoples,” she explained. The warmth at her back reminded her that David was right there. If anyone here would know, he would. Leila turned her head to look at him. “Do you know of any laws that state this isn’t allowed?”

David took a moment to consider. “There’s no written law against correspondence between Hell and the Upper, but there also isn’t any means I’m aware of to deliver mail to them. Our messengers go to the Devil’s palace on the first floor and sometimes just the entrance of Hell. I’m not aware of what system they have down there. We could ask Jake if we are missing some clarifying information.”

“That could take a while, though. Jake’s still on his vacation, and we haven’t heard from him other than a couple of postcards since he left,” Leila sighed, slumping a bit.

“Then we continue like it’s nothing,” Bendy said. “And maybe take Murklin’s advice. I’ll ask him about it on this end.” Leila nodded in agreement. He picked up the letter again.

So you’ve come to a decision about what you want to change your career to? I have to agree that being an ambassador to my people is a dangerous job for any angel. Still, I am curious as to how well you will do. At present, Prince Anzu handles most of the contact with the angels, but there is no guarantee he’ll still be in charge of negotiations when you are trained enough to take on the role. I wouldn’t mind taking on such a responsibility someday if I got to work with you. Starting this honey business is admittedly just the first step I see myself taking for my future, and Master Stolas is teaching me much about how our governing systems work.

It is a shame that your parents have banned you from leaving the Upper for so long. Hell can be dangerous, yes, but I am strong enough to protect you here. You could even bring your friends and family if it would put you all at ease. I do hope we shall be able to arrange a way to see each other in person again soon.

Bendy frowned. “I would personally suggest you don’t plan a vacation to the, uh, charming caves of Hell any time soon. Even if the kid swears you’re safe.”

“Ah.” Leila made note of David’s sudden swell of protective emotions that usually preceded his lecture on the dangers of an angel trying to visit Hell. She smiled reassuringly at Bendy. “I don’t plan to. It’s sweet of him to offer protection, but I’m well aware that it likely wouldn’t be enough without some laws in place that would ensure that. Even then, I imagine it would be a while before it could truly be considered moderately safe. Plus, I think I’d give several people heart attacks even suggesting it,” she said sheepishly, reaching back to pat David’s arm.

Bendy nodded. “I think he’s just excited to see you and doesn’t completely grasp the situation it would put you in. I agree, though; the law wouldn’t be on your side down there.” Bendy cleared his throat and kept going.

Do angels have emotion-manipulating magic? I didn’t spend enough time in close proximity to any other angels, but I did notice it around you. It felt very similar to imp magic.

See you where the stars lead,

Murklin the Enduring Shadow

Leila set her pen down as she finished transcribing and blinked in confusion. “Emotion-manipulation magic?” she said quietly, the words fighting to stay in her throat. “That’s . . . No—” Leila cut herself and frowned. She stared down at her hands as her thoughts tumbled in a dozen directions at once.

“Uh.” Bendy tilted his head. He yawned, his fangs flashing in the bathroom light. “He said something similar to a pal of mine—Mugman. Figured out it was his talent. Trusting words or something like that. Seemed to bother him for a moment, but it’s not like he was trying to cuss with anyone.” Bendy shrugged and leaned against the wall. His tail flicked over his feet. 

Leila’s gaze snapped back up to Bendy. “His talent?” She hesitated. “I don’t know what my talent is,” she admitted. “It’s never been all that noticeable like what the rest of my family has. I figured it was super situational or something.” Leila didn’t like the idea that she might be influencing the emotions of the people around her without knowing it. She set her notebook and pen on the bed next to her. Pulling one knee up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around it, self-soothingly. “Imp magic,” she muttered contemplatively. “I’ve never heard of an angel having a talent that influences emotions before,” she said weakly.

David shifted behind her, and a hand worked gentle circles into her shoulder. Bendy rested an arm on one of his knees. “If it wasn’t overly noticeable, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s not like you are devastating folks. Mugs just comes off as trustworthy. His brother pointed out it wasn’t like he could just ask for someone’s wallet, though. It’s not brainwashing.” Bendy looked away from the mirror. “And imps are wanted for that ability. Sorrow, anger, anxiety, and so on. If a demon is getting overwhelmed, they’ll look for an imp to help them.”

Leila leaned into David’s comforting touch as she considered Bendy’s words. “Angels are masters of the mind, so we go to mind guides for things like that. Demons go to imps instead of someone like a mind guide?” she asked with hesitant curiosity.

“A mind guide? How does that help?” Bendy looked lost.

“Mind guides are like that therapist bloke Boris mentioned has been helping him. You talk to them, and they help walk you through thoughts and emotions about things to work through them in a healthy manner. Alice has been seeing one since the stuff with that Nefteos guy started, and I had to see one after the . . . finger incident . . . for anger management and such. I learned meditation techniques and mindfulness exercises there,” Leila explained.

Bendy blinked. “Oh yeah. Alice did talk about that. Huh.”

Every time Abby and Alice had tried to convince her to transfer to the healers’ division suddenly came to mind. They were constantly saying that she would make a great mind guide because she had such a— “Soothing presence,” Leila muttered.

“What was that?” Rachel asked from the other side of the room.

Leila looked up at her friend as a few possibilities started to click into place. “Alice and Abby have been trying to convince me to transfer to the healers’ division for years. They’ve always said they think I’d make a good mind guide because I have a soothing presence,” Leila said in realization. She looked between her friends and the demon on the compact. “Do you think that’s what Murklin was noticing too?”

“Probably. He compared Mugs to you,” Bendy said.

“So what?” Rachel asked. “That’s a good thing, right? I mean, that just made preening yesterday better, didn’t it?” Rachel plopped on her bed. “You’re a walking chamomile tea.”

David snorted. “Luke just walks off with you. Like a stress toy.” He seemed to be thinking deeply about something. “We should tie you to Alice.”

Leila let out a surprised laugh. “I don’t think I can attend classes that way,” she joked. “But if it’s something you all seem to have picked up on in some way, it makes a lot more sense why you all pointed me to your two most stressed siblings present for preening yesterday.” She blinked as she considered something. “Does that mean that you guys don’t regularly have others relaxing at your touch?” she asked curiously.

Rachel snorted. “David? Relaxing? You know how much of a pain he can be?”

David kicked her off the bed. Rachel squawked in surprise. “She’s too loud to be calming.”

“That hurt, you feather-brained jerk!” Rachel barked from the floor.

“But I also get loud,” Leila pointed out, looking at him in confusion.

“Never too loud,” David said simply, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“That’s some messed up double standards.” Rachel rolled on her knees to point accusingly at David.

“That alarm is going off again. Oh, no. It’s just your voice,” David said.

“That’s it!” Rachel tackled him, David releasing his hold on Leila as the siblings toppled over. The two started wrestling on the bed.

Leila rolled to the side and pushed the desk chair further away so the compact wasn’t in range of any flailing limbs. She turned and stood so she was over the pair of siblings and let herself drop on top of both of them with her full body weight, draped like a living blanket. Then she started poking both of them relentlessly.

The three struggled and play-fought for a few minutes before all three were left breathless and laughing.

“What’s going on?” a new voice asked tiredly.

“Sorry, bro, didn’t mean to wake you up,” Bendy apologized.

“What are you doing on the floor?” Boris asked.

“Hanging out with Leila. Come say hi.” Bendy patted the floor off-screen.

Leila sat up from the tangle of limbs to smile at the compact.

The wolf half-draped himself over Bendy. He let out a huge yawn and stretched before he plopped his muzzle between Bendy’s horns. “Hiya.”

“Hi, Boris!” Leila greeted the wolf cheerfully, raising a hand to straighten out her halo from the crooked angle it’d been knocked into. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Boris hummed. “Looks like you are having fun.”

“You should get up here to join us.” Rachel winked. Her hair was askew, and her halo was missing.

“We can tie Rachel up in a tree.” David twirled Rachel’s halo around his finger, looking completely unrumpled. Somehow.

“And shove you into the pools.” Rachel glared at him and snatched the halo back.

“So, how is school?” Boris cut in, defusing a second fight from starting. Leila appreciated the redirection. She was twice as rumpled as the other two, even being the last to join the wrestling match.

Patting her hair into some semblance of order, Leila grinned. “We’ve got final exams and projects coming up in the next few weeks. I am pretty sure there is a teacher betting pool on whether any of them will manage to stump David with a test question,” she said with a conspiratorial glance at the angel boy.

David was picking up his book innocently. Rachel smirked. “The sibs have one on how many grammar corrections he makes on the test. I have five.”

“Luke is insistent it’ll be twelve,” Leila snickered. She bumped her shoulder into David’s arm affectionately.

“Maybe if it was first term. The teachers know not to underestimate him now,” Rachel said confidently.

“Remember to study for your exams too,” David said from behind his book. Rachel pouted. “I’ll help you get new paints.” That made her consider.

“And for Leila.” David paused. He frowned as his pale eyes went from her to Bendy and back to her. “What would you want in celebration?”

Leila hummed, considering. Her first thought was a date, but she’d have to confess first, and there was always the chance David would miss her meaning. “Maybe a new book? I’ll have to think about the topic. It might depend on what I’m researching by then,” she said with a shrug. They both knew she went through books quickly.

David hummed and seemed to consider something. He suddenly put his book down and leaned toward the compact. “Bendy, are there any romantic gestures that demons do?”

Bendy looked taken aback. “What?”

David leaned on his hand. “Romantic gestures. Or cultural expectations for demons. Like gifts or hand-holding.”

Rachel’s jaw dropped. Boris sat up and tilted his head curiously. Leila blinked at David in surprise. Where was this sudden interest coming from?

“Ah, um, well, uh,” Bendy floundered. “I don’t know. I’m not—I mean, it’s not like I’ve dated anyone down there.” He cleared his throat.

“He can purr,” Boris offered.

“Boris!” Bendy gasped in betrayal.

“His tail goes up when he sees people he likes,” Boris added with a sly look.

“Okay! You can stop helping me!” Bendy gently shoved Boris away. The wolf chuckled as he was shoved off-screen. “Besides, I don’t know if that goes for all demons. The only thing I know for sure is that demons don’t really care who is with who and—oh yeah!” Bendy brought his fist down on his open hand. “Tail holding.”

“Tail . . . holding?” Rachel wrinkled her nose in confusion.

Bendy nodded. “They’ll wrap their tails together. It’s like hand-holding. I think if one of them doesn’t have a tail, the other will wrap it around their ankle or wrist.”

Leila’s mind went to how Murklin’s tails would wrap around her leg or across her lap while he was recovering from his injuries. “Uh, that isn’t always a romantic gesture, is it? You said it’s like holding hands, so it doesn’t have to be, right?” Leila asked hesitantly.

Bendy raised a hand and shook it back and forth in a so-so gesture. “It’s a show of trust. A big one, I think. And trust is very romantic down there. It’s cussing risky. Demons don’t trust anyone easily.”

“Oh,” Leila squeaked, heat flooding her face. Murklin was really young. It was definitely just a trust thing, not romance. Right? It had to be. Unless Fruit Bat was the kind to fall in love easily . . . or develop feelings for the person who rescued him.

Boris poked his head in. “How are you so sure?”

Bendy’s face heated. “Don’t ask! I-I saw it!” Boris hummed. Bendy glared at him. “Go back to bed.”

“But now I’m curious!” Boris whined.

Bendy narrowed his eyes before a smirk crossed his face. “Oh, it was magical, bro. She said, ‘What’s up, besides the surface, handsome?’ and I told her, ‘I don’t know, I just saw the sun down here, beautiful.’ And then—” Boris gagged and shoved Bendy away.

“Liar! Ugh! Stop talking!” Boris hissed.

Bendy quietly cackled. “She was the light of my life.”

“Noooo!” Boris whisper-howled.

“So tail wrapping or holding is primarily a trust thing?” Leila interjected. She needed that confirmation.

“Yeah, from what I understand.” Bendy shrugged.

Leila nodded. “Okay. Brilliant! That’s, uh, good to know!” she babbled, trying to wrap her head around the situation as the information put memories in a new light.

David and Rachel gave her odd looks. Rachel shoved David away and leaned over into the mirror. “You guys don’t, like, gift each other the bones of your enemies or anything?”

There was a heartbeat of silence. Boris burst out laughing.

“Rach! You can’t just ask that out of nowhere!” Leila exclaimed, the shock snapping her fully to the present.

“What! That would be awesome!” Rachel exclaimed.

“N-not that I’m aware of,” Bendy snorted. “They just look like normal couples to me so far. Maybe arguments could get a bit intense, but aren’t any fights with magic?” He shrugged.

“They fight each other with magic? For an argument?” Leila asked, blinking at Bendy in surprise.

Bendy again looked uncertain. “I think so? I mean, I haven’t watched a couple do that yet, but I was involved in a fight between some kids who had beef with each other. I think it’s normal for arguments to turn physical . . . uh, magical? Down there. I mean, they all seemed pretty casual about it.”

Leila frowned, then sighed and ran her hands up her face and into her hair. “Right. You did mention it was kill-or-be-killed down there.” She gave the demon a weak smile. “I guess I was hoping that didn’t apply to the kids.” Leila didn’t like the thought of Murklin having to fight other kids because of a silly argument. Especially fights with magic, where injuries could be permanent.

She paused for a moment and then looked at David. “Why did you want to know about demon courtship rituals, David?”

David studied her for a long moment. “Realism for study material.”

Leila gave him a bewilderedly amused smile. “Studying demon romance without me, are you?” she teased. Leila considered the look in his eyes and the emotions wisping off him. There was definitely something more to this line of questioning he wasn’t sharing. She glanced at the compact. Probably wouldn’t share until it was just the two of them and maybe Rachel.

Boris tilted his head. “Demon romances?” He looked at Bendy questioningly. “What have you been doing?”

Bendy held his hands up in surrender. “Nothing! I don’t know!”

“Look at that, David, now you’re getting Bendy in trouble,” Rachel teased. David frowned and picked his book back up, obviously done with the conversation. A prickle of irritation from him. “Don’t pout,” Rachel half-whined, but David ignored her.

Leila propped her chin on David’s shoulder. “Talk after, yeah?” she whispered so only he’d hear her over Rachel’s theatrics.

David gave a small nod. Boris yawned again. Bendy reached up to ruffle the wolf’s head.

Leila smiled at the brothers. “Would it be alright if I called you back in a day or two with my response letter? I want to think on it a bit before writing it.” She took in both of their sleepy eyes. “And we should let the two of you get back to your sleepover,” she added.

“Alright, you all have a good day.” Bendy gave them a warm smile.

“Sorry for the weird questions! Night!” Rachel waved as she rolled off her head. David raised a hand.

“Goodnight, Bendy. Boris. Sleep well, both of you,” Leila said with a bright smile.

“Night.” The brothers said together. Bendy reached over, and the mirror went dark before becoming a normal mirror again.

“They are so picturesque. You think I could get the two of them to sit for a painting?” Rachel asked. David shrugged. “I just want to capture those eyes! Stars help me!”

Leila leaned forward to close the compact, then moved it to Rachel’s desk where it wouldn’t be in danger of getting knocked off or damaged. “Maybe they’ll let you if they visit like they’ve been considering,” Leila suggested.

She turned so she was facing David. “Alright, what’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours, David Angel?” Leila asked with a tilt of her head, studying him intently.

David glanced at Rachel and then Leila. “You’re okay with her?”

“Unless you think there is a good reason I shouldn’t, yes,” Leila confirmed.

David put his book in his lap. His usually neutral expression turned into a frown. “I saw that you were writing a romance with a demon. I figured you could learn something from a demon. For your novel.”

Rachel perked up. “You’re writing a romance?”

“It was encoded, so I didn’t know when to bring it up or why . . . “ He trailed off and looked at her. “Why were you embarrassed about the tail holding?” he asked in his rather direct manner that could so easily be seen as rude.

Leila smiled and reached out to take his hand. “You know I like to use shorthand for anything Enric Ingram would raise a fuss over if he got his grubby hands on it, especially anything demon-related,” she said and made a face.

Both Rachel and David got looks of annoyance at the mention of Enric. “Ew,” Rachel said.

Leila snickered. “Agreed. As for the, uh, tail holding . . .” Heat flooded her face again at the reminder. “I was unaware that there were potential romantic connotations to the gesture. Murklin did that with me a lot while he was feverish,” she admitted. “I’m not sure he even realized he was doing it most of the time. He was pretty in and out of it.”

There was a beat of quiet as the other two absorbed that. Rachel cooed. “Aw, that’s so cute. He trusted you.”

David seemed less impressed. “Need a book about demon culture and etiquette.”

Rachel snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“Maybe Bendy will send me something if I ask,” David mused as he pulled his book open again.

Leila tilted her head as she took in her friend’s reactions. He could just be interested for Leila’s sake, but there was something more there. She focused on trying to parse the emotions coming from him. There was something there, but Leila couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. “Maybe,” she agreed.

“So, a romance?” Rachel waggled her brows excessively.

Leila blinked and then burst out laughing. “Oh! Alice and I have been doing research on demons, and she took the fiction part of the list. There are a whole bunch of angel-demon romances on there. We were talking about how they all end in tragedy or have cop-out endings where the demon isn’t actually a demon, so there are no happy endings for angel-demon couples in any of them. It’s appalling! Alice joked that we should write our own,” Leila explained. “The idea kind of got stuck in my head, so I decided to give it a go.” She shrugged.

“Awesome. I’ll have to give it a read sometime.” Rachel smiled.

“Maybe when I have a bit more written,” Leila agreed. She tilted her head, playing with David’s fingers on the hand she held. “Didn’t Alice say she’d be right back? She was just answering the door.”

The other two shared a look and got up. Rachel headed toward Alice’s room, and David went to the front door. “Alice?” Rachel knocked on her door. Leila followed David down the stairs, poking her head in the kitchen and dining room as they passed. The older angel wasn’t there.

“Alice?” David opened the front door.

“I got a note!” Rachel called from upstairs.

Leila and David shared a look and rushed up to meet her.

Rachel leaned against Alice’s doorway. “Seems she’s running an errand for Isaac.” She offered, holding a letter out to them. “Maybe they’ll all come home together with Michael. Wouldn’t that be nice?” David took the note and looked it over before handing it to Leila.

Leila hummed in agreement as she read the note. “I wish she’d waited long enough to take her compact with her. She’s gotten in a lot of messes lately, and it’d be nice to know she could at least contact her Surface friends if something happened again.”

Rachel hummed. “Her sword is gone, so I think she’s being careful.” David raised a brow. He seemed to consider something, but he didn’t share whatever he thought. Rachel continued. “And since she’s meeting up with Isaac, she’ll be fine. He had like two dozen guardians with him out there or something. She’s probably safer there than here.”

“Who went with Alice to get there? It wasn’t just one guardian, right?” Leila asked in concern. “I’m more worried about what could happen before she reaches Isaac.” She looked between the two siblings with a frown.

“It’s not a super long flight, is it?” Rachel asked David.

David shook his head. “She shouldn’t need to stop for any breaks.” He took Leila’s hand and squeezed it. “It’ll be okay. I don’t think Alice would act rashly now. She’s reckless, not stupid.”

Leila rested her head against his shoulder and nodded. “I’ll still feel better about it once everyone’s back safe,” she sighed.

Chapter Text

Alice’s compact sat as a constant weight in one of the hidden pockets of Leila’s skirt. The older angel had gone off somewhere while Leila had been talking with Bendy the day before. She hadn’t returned yet. Not liking the idea of Bendy or another of Alice’s friends trying to contact her and worrying when they didn’t receive a response, Leila had elected to bring the magical artifact to school with her. After morning classes, Leila had checked in at the Angels’ house during the lunch break, but there still hadn’t been a word from her friends’ sister.

Leila idly flicked her pen in circles in her hand as she tried to pay attention to Mr. Primer’s lecture. David hadn’t been wrong when he said they needed to study for the upcoming exams, and this material would likely be covered.

A slight warmth against her leg drew her attention. Oh, Alice had mentioned in passing that was how an incoming call was indicated! In the middle of class! Mr. Primer was notorious for not allowing bathroom passes during the class immediately following lunch. With an inward sigh, Leila shored up her determination and started to fake loud hiccups.

After the third hiccup in under a minute, Mr. Primer paused his explanation on the social hierarchies of harpies and turned in her direction. “Ms. Seraphine, you may go down the hall to the water fountain to get your hiccups under control,” he said evenly.

“Thank you,” hic , “sir,” Leila stammered out, rising from her seat and passing a befuddled David on her way to the door.

She made a beeline down the hall in the direction of the fountain, slipping into the nearest supply closet. As quickly as she could, Leila slipped the magic-warm compact from her skirt pocket. She managed to catch Bendy’s call, but at the same moment, she realized that her fake hiccups were no longer fake. After a brief explanation and a promise to keep Bendy updated, Leila closed the compact and pressed it to her chest as a series of painfully strong hiccups made her lungs ache.

With a groan, Leila slipped the compact back into her pocket and held her breath, swallowing several times in the hope it would stem the tide of hiccups. It did not. Another particularly loud hiccup filled the supply closet. And then the door swung open, flooding the small room with light from the hall.

“Hey, is everything oka—” Enric Ingram cut off as his tall, broad frame filled the doorway and his gaze landed on her. “Oh, it’s you,” he said flatly.

“It’s who?” another voice questioned, one of Enric’s friends peering over his shoulder. The boy’s eyes went wide as his gaze landed on Leila. “Oh no. Nope! I am not sticking around for your weird doomsday obsession, pal,” he said emphatically.

Leila made a face. “Not you. Go awa—” hic , “away!” she hissed miserably.

Enric frowned and glanced back at his friend. “It’s not an obsession, man! It’s proactive surveillance for the protection of the city!” he huffed defensively.

“Whatever you call it, I want nothing to do with it. I’m out. Let me know when you’re free to play sky ball. See you later,” the boy said with a shake of his head, disappearing from view.

Enric watched the other boy depart before returning his gaze to Leila. His pale eyes narrowed as he looked her over. “Get hit by one of your own little curses, did you?” he said with a condescending sneer.

“Sod off, Ingram,” Leila huffed and rolled her eyes, only to wince at another hiccup.

“You did, didn’t you,” the boy continued in amusement. He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms with a smirk. “And now you’re trying to hide it in this supply closet. My, karma does indeed have a sense of humor.”

Leila was ready to try drowning her hiccups in the water fountain, but now a muscle-headed idiot was blocking her way. She glared up at him. “Not all of us are dim enough to get caught in avoi—” hic , ”avoidable curses. My hiccups are naturally occurring. Now, you can either move so I can,” hic , “get to the water fountain to continue my attempts at stopping them, or I’ll get creative,” Leila warned lowly.

“And let you get away with whatever stardust you’ve been cooking up in this closet? I don’t think so. We’re both staying right here until a teacher comes by to collect you,” Enric said with finality.

Leila could try to force her way past him, but he was bigger than her, and that would likely lead to a fight. Starting a physical altercation with Enric wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause her. She spun around and surveyed her options in the tiny room that was her temporary prison. The door was the obvious exit. But there, near the ceiling above the top shelf, was a vent cover. If this git wouldn’t move from the doorway, she’d leave another way. If he tried to stop her? Well, Mr. Gad had focused her training on taking advantage of her small, maneuverable size. Leila was getting out of here one way or another.

Her mind made up, Leila marched over to the shelves of cleaning supplies and started climbing. Hiccups made it harder to keep her grip, but she managed. She’d climbed in worse conditions with her friends.

“Hey!” Enric protested, the shuffling of his clothes warning Leila that he was no longer just lounging in the doorway. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Seraphine?”

Leila ignored him, focusing on stabilizing herself through another bout of hiccups and then tugging on the vent cover as she reached the top of the shelves. She didn’t want to damage school property, but Enric wasn’t likely to give her the time to mess around with fiddly screws. So, she tugged. The sound of grating metal as the screws stripped free of their metal confines made Leila grimace. Well, that was done. The vent wasn’t large, and most students in their year wouldn’t be able to fit inside. Leila was willing to see if she was small enough. Even if she got stuck, at least someone would have to investigate why hiccups were echoing through the ventilation system.

Just as Leila was about to attempt to crawl her way to freedom, a hand clamped down on her ankle in a bruising grip and started dragging her backward. The angel girl’s yelp was punctuated by yet another hiccup. She grabbed at the vent, the shelves, anything she could to slow her progress. Unfortunately, that meant that when Enric dragged her away from the vent, it brought the entire shelf of cleaning supplies crashing down on both of them.

Enric shouted in alarm and swore as Leila landed on top of him, and the shelving unit landed on top of her, the air knocked out of them. A violent hiccup went through Leila, and she groaned. She could already picture the bruises she’d have from this. Leila tried to roll off of the stupid git who thought starting nonsense in a supply closet was a good idea, but she was having a hard time of it between the shelving unit and said stupid git’s arm preventing her from wriggling away.

Luckily, or unluckily, the commotion attracted attention. There were soon multiple teachers and a growing crowd of students present. The shelf was lifted off of them and set back in its proper place, and David had somehow made his way through the crowd to fret over Leila and glare at Enric while the teachers worked to reestablish some sense of order and send everyone back to class. Well, everyone but Leila and Enric. They were sent to the dean’s office.

The dean heard each of their accounts of events, pouring Leila a much-needed glass of water from the pitcher on the shelf behind his desk. Then, their punishments were decided. Leila had to write an apology letter to the custodian for the mess caused. Enric had to write an apology letter and attend a series of anti-bullying lessons. Again.

When she was finally allowed to return to class, Leila paused in the hall for a moment. She let out a deep sigh and ran her fingers through her curls, trying to detangle them a little. At least her hiccups had finally stopped. Then she remembered the compact. She slipped it out and checked it over for damage, flipping it open to find the mirrored surface intact. Relieved, Leila used the mirror to help her get her hair to settle less wildly, then carefully returned it to her pocket. At least she wouldn’t have to tell Alice she broke it. And Leila definitely had no plans to tell Bendy about the nonsense that happened because she answered his call. The demon had enough on his plate.

Well, the angel girl now knew her plans for after school: write an apology letter, see if Alice had returned yet, and wait for her if she hadn’t. Leila was doing a lot of waiting lately. They all were.

Chapter Text

Over the years, Murklin learned to hide his anxiety behind a carefully crafted mask of confidence. He allowed very few people to see through that mask, not all of them intentionally. Lei was one of the few he’d unintentionally dropped it around. And he’d met her because of his idiots.

“Five! Five! Five!” Fisher chanted. Then Cnidar shoved another dumpling in their mouth. “Six! Six! Six!”

Murklin huffed a laugh and rolled his eyes at their antics. He reclined back in his chair, elbow propped on the back as he picked up another kabob from his plate. The shadow demon’s gaze flicked over to Sana, the smaller earth demon observing all of them serenely. If Murklin didn’t know better, he’d swear that Sana could see to their very souls just by staring at them with her large, cat-like eyes. Assessing. Calculating. Less unnerving after his months under Master Stolas’ tutelage, though.

“Father is still pushing for these rendezvous to end. He fears that any child spending time with you is at risk. Especially after what happened with Shale,” Sana said, as serene as ever. She nibbled on a meat bun that was comically large in her dainty little hands.

“I don’t attack unprovoked,” Murklin huffed. “Especially not my friends or underlings.” Strange how there was now a difference due to the various events of the past year. His idiots were both his friends and his underlings. Mel and Heli were his friends. Bendy was his business partner and a friend. Kaden was his friend, but not his underling because he was technically Bendy’s—not that either of the older demons accepted or acknowledged the underling status. And then there was Reide. Murklin didn’t know what Reide was. Certainly not his underling. And though the wolf demon claimed to be Bendy’s underling, Bendy claimed him as a friend and not an underling. Murklin wasn’t sure that Bendy understood what an underling even was, so he likely had several and was unaware of any obligation he had to them. Eh, he’d get around to teaching Bendy about it at some point. The shadow demon should really figure out where he and Reide stood. The wolf demon hadn’t been subtle in the slightest about his dislike for high-class demons. It was probably why he hadn’t sought out Murklin so they could visit the village together.

The overhead light reflecting off Sana’s sapphire tail spikes as her tail flicked drew Murklin out of his musings. She chittered and shook her head with a sigh. “Father is not so easily persuaded. There are many stories about what happened.”

Murklin rolled his eyes. “There being many stories doesn’t make them true. Shale was always much more hot-tempered than I am,” he said, then tore another bite off the metal skewer with his teeth. The meat was nice and tender.

“Eight! Eight! Eight!” Fisher cheered. Cnidar groaned and swallowed all of the dumplings in their mouth whole. Fisher paused for a moment, staring at them in shock. “At least chew first!”

“I don’t got teeth, scale-brains!” Cnidar shot back and stuck their thick tongue out at the water demon.

Murklin shook his head in exasperated amusement as the two devolved into bickering. He’d have to keep an eye on them. None of them wanted to get kicked out of the restaurant for being too noisy. It was a little hole-in-the-wall place on the fourth that had decent prices. Murklin didn’t think they had too much to worry about as long as they didn’t get louder than the chef in the kitchen shouting. Whoever the dishwasher was, they were on the receiving end of the chef’s ire that afternoon.

Gradually, the four of them finished their meals and paid. Just outside of the restaurant, Fisher waved his arms wildly as he told them about the rafting trip his family had recently taken in the caverns. The water demon bumped into a slight, hunched form, knocking the stack of belongings from the figure’s arms.

“Cuss,” the figure said emphatically under his breath, dropping down to gather pencils and other various implements before they could roll away or be stepped on. He had long, pointed ears with tufts of fur at the tips; pale hair; tall, curved horns; and a small pair of bat-like wings on his back. A thin tail ending in a tuft of fur that matched his hair lashed anxiously behind him. Murklin noted the clothing that, though worn, appeared well-cared for. Perhaps a few seasons out of date, but overall, not displeasing to the eye.

Fisher barely spared the other demon a glance, too invested in telling his story. Cnidar was concerningly oblivious, as always. Sana paused to see how things would play out.

Murklin noticed a leatherbound book with its open pages getting crumpled against the stone street. The shadow demon bent down and carefully plucked the book from the ground. Holding it up to examine the open pages, he found numerous sketches. They were well done. Murklin flipped through a few pages, noting the clothing sketches with detailed notes next to them. Fabrics that should be used or avoided. Little details that fit the personality of the intended demon. There were obvious things Murklin could see that could be improved upon, like size-adjusting paneling and spellwork, but those could be taught—with the right guidance.

Closing the notebook with care, Murklin cleared his throat. The demon raised his head quickly, eyes snapping to the book in the shadow demon’s hand. “I believe this is yours,” Murklin said casually, holding the book out in the older demon’s direction.

Now that his head wasn’t bowed, Murklin noted the facial markings highlighting his cheekbones and a smattering of stubble on his chin and over his upper lip. The fledgling clocked the exact moment the embroidered child symbol on his shirt registered for the other demon. The man cautiously turned his head, making note of Murklin’s friends before returning his attention to Murklin. “Ah, y-yes. That’s mine,” he said with a hesitant nod.

Murklin nodded. “I do hope you don’t mind, I took a little peek inside. You are quite talented,” he praised. The older demon’s shoulders were tense, his brows drawing together in confusion at Murklin’s words. Well, in for a hair, in for a coat. “Would you happen to be interested in a job as a design assistant?”

The kneeling demon blinked at Murklin for a moment, then dug a claw in his own ear like he was trying to clear a blockage of some kind. His ears twitched uncertainly. “Come again?” he said faintly, like the wind had been knocked out of him.

“Hm. Let me rephrase. I’d like to take you on as my design assistant. I do a lot of intricate work. You are an unpolished talent, yes, but I could use skills like yours,” Murklin rumbled in amusement. He reached into the pocket of his shorts and pulled a business card from the shadows within. The fledgling held it up before placing it on top of the book, now holding both out to the incredulous demon. “The Silhouette is always open to new talent. Though you’d be working under me rather than my mama.”

The demon cautiously accepted both the book and the card, clutching the book to his chest with his other supplies while inspecting the card in his other hand. He looked between Murklin and the card several times, indecision clear on his face.

Murklin smiled charmingly, tilting his head to one side as he casually stuck his hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you think on it. If you are interested, come to the shop first thing in two days. I do hope to see you then—” Murklin paused, tilting his head in the other direction. “What is your name?” he asked.

“Uh, Aaron, sir,” the demon wheezed out in bewilderment.

“See you soon, Aaron,” Murklin rumbled, pleased. That name was vaguely familiar, though he couldn’t place where from. The fledgling joined his friends as they turned to continue down the street. Murklin could feel Aaron shudder through his shadow as Sana stared at him for a moment longer before padding after them. Time to head home and plan what tasks he’d give his new design assistant when he started in two days.

***

Operations at the Silhouette started earlier than the shop actually opened. Now, Murklin didn’t always show up this early, considering his study schedule with Master Stolas often started around the same time. However, today, he’d arranged for a day off with his mentor to start training his new employee. Murklin wiped his workspace down with a soft cloth and swept up around his area while he waited. He had already informed Mama that he’d likely have an assistant starting that day, so he wasn’t surprised when Avis led Aaron back instead of coming to get him. The demon man gave Murklin a curt nod, the feathers interspersed in his hair gleaming in the overhead light, and then returned to the showroom.

Murklin smiled widely. “Aaron! Glad you could make it,” the shadow demon greeted. Aaron returned a nervous smile. “Now, before we get down to the details of what you’ll be doing, I need to know what your subspecies is. There is a lot of spellwork that happens in the workroom, and I do a decent portion of it. I want to make sure you won’t be in unnecessary danger if you are near spells that are actively being worked into our products,” Murklin said seriously.

“I’m an incubus, sir,” Aaron responded, one hand clasping his opposite wrist as he shifted nervously. 

Emotion-based magic, then. Interesting. Aaron’s gaze lifted to look at him hopefully. Murklin nodded. “We shouldn’t have to worry about any nasty magical side effects for you then. Excellent!” The shadow demon gestured toward his workstation. “Let’s take a seat and discuss job details, shall we?”

“Yes, sir,” Aaron said with a slight smile that showed a bit of fang.

Murklin led the incubus over to the table side of his counter. Hooking an ankle around a stool leg, he pulled it out and sat on the cushioned seat facing the rest of the room. He repeated the motion to pull out a second stool next to him. Aaron may have his back to the room, but he wouldn’t have a high-class demon between him and the exit. Murklin didn’t need to be able to sense emotions to tell that this whole situation had the older demon ill at ease. Aaron sat on the offered stool.

“Now, a quick introduction of me and what I do here,” Murklin started, crossing his ankles and leaning against the counter. “As my card says, I am Prince Stolas’ Fledgling, Murklin the Enduring Shadow. My mama owns and runs the Silhouette, and I’ve been working here since I was ten—so a little over two years.” The fledgling smiled as Aaron’s eyes widened in surprise. “My main focus is on detailed embroidery and the enchanting of finished projects. That being said, I do work from design and assembly to enchantments and finishing details for commissioned pieces and personal projects. You’ll be receiving training for every step in the process. Any questions so far?”

Aaron gulped and cleared his throat. His tail flicked, giving away his nerves. He glanced back at the door for a second. “How long is the training period?” 

Murklin smiled. “About two weeks. The first week will mostly consist of you shadowing me through the process of working on a piece, from measurements and concept design to the finished product with detail work and enchantments. The second week will be you creating your own piece with my guidance. We do additional training for areas that need work after that,” he explained.

Aaron nodded along. He seemed very deep in thought. “What’s the regular pay?” He hadn’t raised his eyes to Murklin’s yet. 

“Two gold.”

Aaron coughed. “Two gold!” 

“A week,” Murklin confirmed. “Payable in silver, of course.”

Aaron paled, his eyes bugged out. 

“Additional commissions are by the job.” 

Aaron’s jaw dropped. “So there’s a chance I could make more than two gold a week?” His voice cracked on the last word. He leaned back and pinwheeled his arms when he almost fell off the stool. 

Murklin raised a shadow up behind him to steady him, letting it drop when the older demon was stable again. “Yes. Highly likely once you are able to take on your own commissions, I’d think,” he said, unable to keep the barest hint of amusement from his voice.

There were stars in the other demon’s eyes. He had a faraway look, seeming to count, shake his head, and then recount. His fingers twitched as if he had to physically count the amount to believe it. Aaron took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Before he blinked several times, his eyes refocused on the present and dilated. It reminded Murklin of when Sana or Master Stolas saw something of interest. “Ah! Uh.” He cleared his throat and straightened out his shirt. He shifted and seemed to grow nervous. “Um, so what is the punishment for mistakes? Is there a limit to how many or a pay reduction or . . .“ He kept his eyes on the table like he expected Murklin to snap at him for daring to ask.

“If you make a mistake, you will be required to fix it. Depending on the mistake, additional training may be needed. Though I will be going over your work myself until I’m satisfied there are consistently no errors,” Murklin explained. “There is a budget for extra materials if things need to be remade, but it is limited.”

Aaron blinked owlishly. “Wait, that’s it? No lashings or being chained up or docked pay?”

The shadow demon frowned and sat up. “Devil’s horns, no! Absolutely not.” He paused. “Are you currently an underling to another demon?”

Aaron thought for a moment. “No, no, I’m not.”

“Then you will be my underling, and I intend to see to it that you live well. Physical punishments or lessened pay impede that goal.”

The incubus perked up. Another look of astonishment before it was quickly hidden away. His fingers tapped his arm. He almost seemed shy asking his next question. “Are there any additional, uh, expectations you have of your underlings? Jobs off the books or . . . “ Aaron trailed off uncertainly and grimaced. “Not that I’m implying anything! I mean, I have quick fingers, and I’m really quiet, so if I need to sneak into somewhere or something, I can. I don’t know if I’ll do great in a fight if it’s people like you, though. Maybe lesser demons, if they don’t pay or something. Not that I think this place sells to lesser demons! This place is top-notch! You don’t look like you have trouble getting your payments, either! That’s not what I meant! Just,” he flailed for words, “I’d rather know now, and I’ll never say anything if you do! I swear on the Devil’s horns!” Again, he looked like he was ready for Murklin to attack. 

Murklin crossed his arms and hummed. “I’ll be upfront with you. You will be my first paid underling. The three kids with me when we met are my only other underlings as of yet, and they are my old classmates. I have no intention of being the kind of high-class demon who mistreats underlings. Future tasks will be discussed as they arise, as I expand the scope of what I do and diversify. You will have opportunities to take on additional tasks and responsibilities if you do well. If you are uncomfortable with an assignment or do not wish to take one on for any reason, tell me. I may require an explanation, but as long as the refusal is reasonable, I will allow it.” He shook his head and chirped in amusement. “That being said, I have no intention of sending you to do questionable tasks. That is not how my mama runs her business, nor is it how I want to run my businesses.”

Aaron stiffened and suddenly turned to Murklin. “Wait, you mean I can say no? To you?” It was the first time the other demon had looked him square in the eye. He seemed to be digging for the words he wanted. “B-But you’re a high class!” 

“Yes, and you are an underling, not a debtor. You are allowed to say no. You won’t be punished for having boundaries. Being high class doesn’t give me a pass on mistreating my underlings; anyone who thinks otherwise shouldn’t have theirs,” Murklin huffed, making a decided effort not to roll his eyes. “Betray me, and we’ll have an issue. But loyalty and hard work shall be rewarded. That simple.”

Aaron stared at the corner left of Murklin for a dazed second before he shook himself out of it. “Okay.” Aaron took a deep, steadying breath. He turned back to Murklin completely. “Do I need to sign anything? When do I get started?” 

A grin spreading across his face, Murklin reached under the tabletop and pulled a roll of parchment and a pen from the shadows beneath it. He placed them on the work counter and slid them over to the incubus. “You can start tomorrow.”

Aaron pulled the parchment close and picked up the pen.