Page 43 of Grimoire Omens

I cleared my throat. “He might have put a spell around the room to muffle noise.”

“Handy. So does that mean you’re a couple now?”

“No.” I chewed my lower lip before adding, “Not sure what we are or even if there will be a round two. We didn’t really talk.”

“And yet it’s obvious you’re falling for him.”

“No, I’m not…” My voice faded, and my shoulders slumped. “How dumb would that be? I’ve known him like what two days. Most of which he spent insulting me. I don’t even know if I like him half the time.”

“Oh please. He is totally your type,” my friend exclaimed. “Doesn’t take your bullshit. Can hold his own in a fight. Has that gruff alpha vibe. Is easy on the eyes. And he’s rich.”

“He’s also technically another species and is planning to return to his place of origin.”

“He can only return if and when you allow it,” she reminded.

“Are you suggesting I hold him hostage?”

“Just until he annoys you enough you can’t wait to send him home,” her impish reply.

“Speaking of his home, I need to talk to Cedric.” I strode into the living and found the cat sitting on the backrest of the couch.

“I’d say good morning, but you seem agitated,” Cedric noted.

“More like curious about something. Gryvak wants me and the Grimoire so I can cast the summoning spell to bring over more demons, right?”

“That is the assumption yes.”

“And technically, once that door is open, someone from this side could pass through back into Infernal.”

“Also yes.”

“What if I needed to open the door without calling something from the other dimension? Is there a different spell for that?”

Cedric tilted his head. “You’re wondering how Ulseere will return.”

I nodded.

“Once upon a time, there was a spell that simply created a portal.”

“Was?”

“The page with the specifics disappeared around the time your mother got pregnant with you.”

“Disappeared how?”

Cedric shrugged. “I don’t know, but Alice lost her mind once she realized it was gone. She tossed the house upside down looking for it. Even accused your mother of stealing it.”

Before I could ask another question, a knock at the door had me shutting my mouth tight and staring at it. Friend, foe, hotel here to kick us out for squatting?

“You planning to kill the elf prince?”

“No.”

“Then cool your magic. You’re glowing as if you’re going to pulverize the door and everything beyond it.”

I was? A glance at my hands didn’t reveal anything, but I believed Cedric.

“You gonna let him in?” Cedric’s next dry comment.