Page 81 of Demon’s Snack

“And you volunteer?”

I feel the bond warm beneath my ribs, not in warning now, but in recognition of the decision forming cleanly inside me.

“I am your analyst,” I say. “If you want accurate results, I should stand where the contract can be properly read.”

Vaerith steps closer.

His presence is cold, elegant, and suffocating. “You surprise me.”

“No, my lord. I am consistent.”

Then he smiles.

“Very well. You will stand within the circle.”

The trap closes around me with a sound only my bones seem to hear.

I bow my head. “I will prepare accordingly.”

“Wear the gray house dress. The formal one. You should look official.”

Not human. Not frightened. Not beloved.

Official.

“Yes, my lord.”

When he dismisses me, I leave without letting my pace change.

Mira finds me in the service corridor outside the laundry rooms. She takes one look at my face and grabs my elbow, pulling me into an alcove behind hanging sheets.

“What happened?”

“I will stand inside the contract circle.”

Her grip tightens. “Tell me I misheard that.”

“You did not.”

“I hate today.”

“So do I.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because if I stand outside it, Vaerith can use me as leverage. If I stand inside it, I can read the active clauses, disrupt if necessary, and ensure every witness sees me beside the subject rather than behind Vaerith.”

Mira stares at me.

Then her face changes.

“You mean beside Corin.”

I do not answer quickly enough.

She covers her mouth with one hand and swears into her palm. “You are going to stand beside him publicly.”

“If he appears, yes.”