“Mark.” Andy’s voice boomed like an avalanche of gravel.
“Mark,” Phoenix echoed, his voice hissing like a pit of snakes.
Mark stumbled backwards in terror, then turned and ran.
The two demons grinned at each other and gave chase. It was too easy, given that Mark was confined to the logic of his own dream. They blocked his wild retreat and circled him, keeping him off-balance and trapped.
“What do you want?”
“We want you, Mark,” said Andy, leaning into his role with as much menace as he could manage.
“We want your soul,” said Phoenix, who appeared to be enjoying himself despite his earlier complaints.
“My soul?” Mark’s voice cracked.
Andy loomed over Mark, who dropped to his knees and covered his face. “Your foul soul is tarnished with a thousand terrible sins, Mark. You cheated on your wife—”
“With her best friend,” Phoenix added.
“With her best friend. And you thought you could get away with it?” Andy showed his pointed teeth, then let loose a roar that shook Mark like a sonic wave.
Phoenix leaned forward and hissed in Mark’s ear. “Satan owns you now.”
Mark began to cry. “I’m sorry!”
“You’re not sorry enough,” said Andy.
“I’ll do anything!”
Andy and Phoenix exchanged looks.
Phoenix gave Andy a cheeky thumbs-up out of Mark’s view.
Andy allowed himself a tiny smile. “You will pay her alimony on time. Every month.”
Mark cowered silently.
“You will also give her enough extra money to remodel her kitchen.”
Mark looked up. “Her kitchen?”
“DID I STUTTER?” roared Andy.
“No! Yes! Okay! Kitchen remodel, you got it!”
“You will never, ever cheat on a relationship partner again.”
Mark nodded vigorously.
Andy glowered at the mortal at his feet. “If you do … ”
“We will come for you!” Phoenix laughed maniacally.
Andy took hold of Mark’s jaw. “And next time, it won’t be so pleasant.” He released his hold with a final push that knocked Mark sideways into an undignified sprawl.
Andy met Phoenix’s gaze and gave a subtle nod.
The transformed demons faded from the dream and returned to their rooftop perch.
