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Zoe tried to remain brave as she asked, “How do you recommend preparing them? If they’re so hot, I can’t imagine they’re a great ingredient to use as-is.”
“You’re right about that, young lady. I’d recommend roasting them, then peeling off the outer skin. The inner flesh is where the best flavor is, and it’s a little easier to handle.”
Zoe nodded, taking in the information. “I think we’ll take a jar, then.”
“Very good. That’ll be…” He paused, seeming to consider something.
Zoe glanced at me, her expression nervous.
“What?” I asked the merchant.
“I want something in return, of course,” he replied, his voice low and serious.
“Yes. How much is it?”
“The price is your soul,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face.
I cocked my head impatiently.
The demon sighed, giving up the act. “Fine. I guess I owe you for that one time in Greece.”
Zoe blinked. “Jeez, what happened in Greece?”
The demon goat let out a bleat before continuing, “I was nearly sacrificed in a human ritual. Your friend here saved me just in time. He was just a little pup then. Maybe that was when he caught the bug for helping others.”
I gave him a playful shove. “You’d think it would have turned me off from it, having to hear your endless bleating.”
The demon sighed and shoved the jar at me. “Sure, pretend you aren’t sentimental, but I know the truth. Enjoy your peppers.”
We both thanked him heartily, then I led Zoe back through the crowd until we were on the main street.
As we made our way, I could see the excitement growing on Zoe’s face again as she took in the sights and sounds. There was a certain energy in the air that was intoxicating, and I was honestly a bit excited myself to be back in my old stomping grounds.
We eventually passed a dance club, where the beat of the music was loud enough that it bled into the street. Zoe stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide as she listened. “I’ve never heard music like that before,” she breathed, her voice barely audible over the noise.
“It’s a unique style, to be sure,” I replied, smiling at her reaction.
“Do you want to stay for a bit? Dance, maybe?” she asked, looking at me hopefully.
I hesitated, still overly cautious about bringing her here, even though nothing bad had transpired yet.
She continued, “I’m being silly, aren’t I?”
“No,” I replied, smiling at her. “It’s been a long time since I’ve returned here. We can go in, if you’d like.”
She smiled back at me and tugged me toward the entrance. As soon as we entered the club, the music pulsed through us, reminding me of my younger, more spontaneous days. We found an empty table and sat down, watching as the crowd of demons danced and drank. It was a wild scene, but it was fun to watch.
Knowing just what to get, I ordered us two drinks, and grinned as I watched Zoe’s eyes light up with excitement when the server brought over two glasses filled with a dark red liquid.
“What’s this?” she asked, taking a small sip and immediately coughing as the burning sensation hit her throat.
I laughed, taking a swig from my cup. “It’s called fire ambrosia. It’s a special type of wine that’s only found in the underworld. It actually doesn’t have an intoxicating effect like normal wine.”
“Then what does it do?”
“It heightens your senses and emotions. I’d recommend moderation regardless, though.”
She took another sip, seeming to adjust to the taste this time. “It’s good. Really good. We could make a killing by importing this stuff into the overworld.”
