“Crap,” Lucareoth said, rearranging the chicken hearts. “How about now?”
“No.”
“Now?”
Bel’aliol’s face shimmered into existence and his mouth moved without sound. Morgan surreptitiously swiped at the rune that had gotten a little smudged by her elbow.
“—times you do this,” finally came through.
She let out a silent breath of relief and a prayer that she would never have to do this again, except on Zoom. And Google Meet. And Teams.
“So. I have received the paperwork.” Lucareoth’s former boss did not look pleased.
“Yessir,” Lucareoth ducked his head nervously.
“You realize, if I sign this, you’ll never be able to come back,” Bel’aliol growled.
“I didn’t think you particularly wanted me back,” Lucareoth said.
“You did make your quota last quarter,” Bel’aliol admitted with poor grace. “But your taste in business partners is highly suspect. The folks Upstairs are not happy. Oh, and Niseraz has first dibs on your spleen.”
“Yeah, I’m staying here,” Lucareoth said quickly. Morgan squeezed his hand.
“You ended up ahead in the end,” Morgan pointed out. “Valefar got kicked out of New York and you got a valuable new soul contract.” He glared at her. She continued in a smaller voice. “Even if you didn’t get your war. Or your soul market. Uh. Sorry about that.”
“Well.” He glanced out of the range of the spell. Did he soften the tiniest bit? He dragged something on his desk into view. “I do appreciate my new desk ornament.”
It took Morgan a moment to realize what she was looking at. The unicorn statuette looked like it had been carved from amber and lit from within. The light inside was moving, she realized. Oh. Oh dear. Well, that answered one question.
Bel’aliol’s mouth spread into a smile full of teeth andmenace. “Do let me know if you change your mind. Either of you.”
“I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities, thank you,” Lucareoth said stiffly. After a moment, he added, “Rix is doing well.”
Bel’aliol’s smile grew a shade warmer. He nodded, and then abruptly the connection cut out. Lucareoth sagged.
“You never have to see him again,” she reminded him.
“Remind me to thank your mother,” he said, sliding the talisman back on like he was washing a bad taste out of his mouth. “And her immigration lawyer.”
“That reminds me,” Morgan said. “I need to text her.”
Meeting is over. No one got
eaten or de-souled or deported
Best kind of meeting. I never liked meetings
Thanks again for helping with
the Shadow Council paperwork
Least I could do. I never liked paperwork either
Really. Never would have guessed
Your father was hoping you’d come up for the next
big skirmedge game. I know it’s not your thing,
