Page 32 of Glow

“I inherited the demon, really a daemon I call Wally, from my grandfather because my dad died young and couldn’t receive the gift and responsibility.” Dan found that the story spilled out easily once he began.

“I have to shift into my daemon form fairly often, or I don’t feel well,” Dan told them. “I help find missing people and pets, chase off poachers and criminals, and protect the area. It passes from one generation to the next with the death of the current host.

“A couple of podcaster monster hunters caught sight of me and got some video. They aired it and offered a reward if someone caught me and brought me in. At least one bounty hunter took them up on it. He hasn’t found me yet, but I don’t think that will last.

“When I was out in the woods near here, I saw something that had the body of a big snake with legs and the head of a bobcat. It saw me, and I think I scared it off, but I’m sure it will be back. I’m hoping you can give me some kind of protection charm or do a spell that helps me evade the bounty hunter until the sheriff can catch him.”

He finished, heart thudding, and took another sip to hide behind the glass now that he had spilled his guts. No one said anything, which made him question his life choices.

“You are surrounded by spirits,” Becca said with a faraway look in her eyes. “They stretch back across generations, linked by the daemon. The newest spirit is an older man with glasses, salt-and-pepper hair, and a mustache.”

“That’s my grandfather,” Dan said. “The one who passed Wally on to me.” He felt Wally stir with recognition.

Becca nodded. “Yes. He watches over you. He is proud of you and concerned for your safety, but he trusts the daemon to help protect you.”

“Does Grandpa have any ideas to help me keep away from the bounty hunter?” Dan asked. “I’m sure there was a lot he knew that he didn’t have time to tell me before he died.”

Becca hummed, eyes closed, listening to what only she could hear. “He says to call on your friends for help and draw strength from your daemon to outwit the hunter.”

I wish you were here, Grandpa, Dan thought, and felt Wally’s sympathy. I’m in over my head.

We will figure this out. Together, Wally said, and Dan appreciated the support, although he felt completely unprepared.

“Your grandfather believes you are worthy of coming into your power,” Becca said. “He says to lean into your ability and trust your daemon. And he says that there are spirits and energies willing to aid you when the time is right.”

Dan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “That’s good, but how do I connect with them?”

Becca smiled. “They will find you. You’ll need them and human allies to deal with the threat.”

“Okay.” Dan drew out the syllables, still feeling completely overwhelmed. “What about the dragon?”

“It’s a Tatzelwurm,” Amy replied. “Quinn and Liam have already reached out to me for details. I’m sure you’ll hear from them as soon as they think they have new information. Call it a ‘wurm’ for short. It can’t be killed, just bound.”

“Where did it come from?” Dan wondered why Quinn hadn’t mentioned it but realized there had been a lot going on in a very short time.

“They believe a long-ago witch bound it with magic, and another one set it free but can’t control it,” Amy said. “I’m working with them on the spells it will take to lock it back up, but in the meantime, it’s dangerous and roving around the forest.”

Dan wrapped his arms around himself and shivered. “I’m feeling pretty out of my depth here,” he confessed. “I’m a meteorologist. I can shift into my daemon, and I made the wurm back off once, but I can’t fight it by myself.”

“You won’t have to.” Jeffries put a hand on Dan’s arm. “Quinn and Liam are already researching possibilities and talking with Amy and others on how to put the wurm back where it belongs. There are a lot of talented people with extra abilities in this town, and we rally together when there’s a threat.”

Dan took a deep breath, trying to still his thoughts. “I’m thrilled to help gather the troops against the wurm. I’ll help any way I can. But what about the bounty hunter? Whether he wants to kidnap me or kill me, I think he’ll track me to Fox Hollow eventually. No matter where I go, he’ll find me. I might as well stand my ground here. But I can’t do it by myself. I’m not a trained fighter. I’m not a good shot. I don’t have the kind of magic that can hold off the hunter. I need your help. Please.”

Amy nodded. “We can help protect you up front, and later, when it comes down to a fight.”

Jeffries chuckled. “I suspect that the bounty hunter will find himself in way over his head in this town. There are a lot of people with all sorts of magical abilities who will work together to protect one of our own.”

“I just moved here,” Dan reminded him. “I didn’t grow up in Fox Hollow. I’m not sure that counts.”

Jeffries smiled. “You’re here now, and I believe you’re where you were meant to be. You have friends and someone who loves you. It counts.”

Dan tried to take Jeffries’s words to heart and quell his fear. He didn’t want to get anyone else hurt, but he knew that alone, he didn’t stand a chance against the wurm or the bounty hunter.

“Thank you.” He still felt overwhelmed but had a glimmer of hope.

“Now about those spells.” Amy pushed a bronze amulet on a chain toward him. “This will strengthen your bond with your daemon, since it’s relatively new for you.” She met his gaze. “It won’t make you unbeatable, but it will enhance your connection. Trust your daemon. You’re new at this, but he is ancient.”

Wally didn’t say anything in Dan’s mind, but he felt a surge of protectiveness and encouragement through their bond.