"No can do," he says. "I can’t leave Wynn behind.”
My mouth drops open. Am I dreaming? Is it just wishful thinking or did that really happen? Did he really choose me, choose us, over his own freedom?
It’s almost like…. like he loves me too.
Adelaide staggers back, not believing what she’s hearing. "After all that escaping, after hiding for so long, you're giving up? Why?"
The demon stares her down calmly. "You know why."
"My cousin is really worth your freedom?"
"I'll figure something else out. Abandoning Wynn isn't an option," he says.
"Maybe you’re an idiot after all,” she mutters coldly. “There's nothing you can do."
He watches Adelaide with a maddening expression—the kind that always makes you wonder if he’s already ten steps ahead or about to leap off a cliff without looking down. His plans always tend to be brilliant or suicidal, maybe a bit of both. "You're wrong about that."
Oh god, what now? I have a hunch Marlow's about to do something incredibly stupid.
Marlow curses under his breath, and it’s almost anticlimactic when he only goes quiet and bows his head. It almost looks like he's resorted to praying for a miracle.
"What are you doing?" Adelaide demands.
"Dammit, come on," he mutters, gritting his teeth as he concentrates harder. “Sorry the key’s gone but desperate times.”
"Stop." Adelaide slams her palms down on the table, loud enough for the sound to echo off the walls, but the demon doesn't even flinch. "Whatever you're trying, it won't work."
"Just let me in, dammit," Marlow growls. “Unlock!”
A purple glow begins to form above the interrogation table. No, he can't be… In the cage, Iggy shrieks and claws at the bars, desperate to get through and stop the stupid demon.
He’s definitely suicidal. What is he thinking opening up a passageway to the underworld? He doesn’t have the tools he needs to travel safely!
"What the—?" Adelaide's question is cut short as the room fills with an otherworldly light.
No. Oh my god. No. His demon form appears, incorporeal and quick, disappearing into the purple light.
What has he done?
26.Dodger and Dragons
Wynn
"Hey! Help! Listen to me!"
I'm struggling against my bonds, my voice raw from shouting.
"Let me out! Hey!"
Cierra yanks the door open, her eyes flashing with a warning. "Shut up. Now." Huh. Is this little gambit she and Adelaide planned not officially sanctioned? She seems worried I'm about to give us all away.
"Let me in there," I demand before she can slam the door in my face.
"Fuck no."
"Adelaide is in danger!"
Cierra does slam the door, but it only takes a second before my last words sink in. The door cracks open again, and she peers in at me, suspicion etched on her face. "My wife can handle one scrawny demon."
