Page 30 of Grimoire Omens

“There is. I’ll stay where there’s people the entire time.” Flo heaved herself from the couch.

“In your pjs?”

Ulseere waved his hand, and Flo once more wore a nice dress. “Don’t dawdle lest it wear off before you return.”

“Got it, boss.” Flo glanced at me. “Gonna need your stash of cash.”

Unless I wanted to keep arguing, she was going. I dug into my pocket and handed over all my money. “Something salty for me.”

Flo snorted. “As if I didn’t already guess that. Any preferences for you?” She aimed the last at Ulseere.

“Anything will do.”

Only once the door shut behind Flo did I voice my concern. “Is it wise letting her go by herself?”

“As I said, Gryvak isn’t interested in her.”

“But he could follow her back to our room. Kidnap her and use her as leverage.” I’d hand over myself and the book in a heartbeat if that happened.

“All possibilities, however, I suspect he is more likely plotting his next move.”

“Plotting how? You said most of his demons are gone.”

“I am not the only one with the power of persuasion, meaning there is plenty of mischief he can achieve.”

“If he can mind control, then why would he even need an army?”

“Because compulsion doesn’t last long in beings of free will and is good only for short-term goals.”

“Meaning the receptionist might suddenly remember you didn’t actually pay and send security to escort us out.”

“We’ll be long gone by the time that happens.”

“Gone where?” It might have emerged a bit sour. Adventure was one thing, but the implication we’d be constantly on the move really didn’t appeal.

“I don’t know yet.” Damn him for being honest.

I unzipped my jacket and pulled out the Grimoire, heaving it onto the table in front of the couch. “I still don’t get how I can open a door to your world but you can’t. You obviously have more power than me.”

“It’s not so much more as different,” he corrected. “The umbradriad can control aspects of the five elements.”

“Five?” I repeated.

“Water, air, fire, ground, and spirit. Humans, on the other hand, can directly manipulate the energy that runs through the elements.”

“If that’s the case, why do we need ingredients for the spells?”

“I imagine it’s for focus. To give your request a specific shape.”

“With the summoning one it wanted something called interdimensional dust, but we used Infernal,” I murmured in remembrance.

“Hence creating the doorway to my dimension.”

“What of the other ingredients, though?” I rattled several off but omitted the period blood because it still grossed me out.

He shrugged. “I don’t know what their purpose serves. Perhaps to make it seem more complicated. Could be they provide some kind of balance.”

Since he seemed talkative, I took advantage. “Have I always had magic? And if yes, why is it manifesting now?”