There was another . . .
Xypher lay on the cold pine floor as he listened to Simone breathing. She'd fallen asleep about an hour ago while Jesse was in his room, playing records way too loud. He didn't know how Simone could sleep through the same Altered Images song playing over and over again, but unlike him, she seemed immune.
Of course, he'd gotten used to not sleeping. In Tartarus, part of his punishment was someone beating him every time he closed his eyes to rest.
"Xypher ..."
He tensed at the whispered call. The voice was a deep baritone laced with a demon's sharp accent.
It was a voice he hadn't heard in centuries. "Jaden?"
The demon lord appeared before the closed door in a crouched position.
"Salt?" Jaden laughed. He stood up, walked to the window and licked his finger. His smile was cold as he lifted the digit to his mouth and sampled the salt they'd put there. "I know you weren't trying to keep me out with this."
"I know better. How is that you're here?"
Jaden didn't answer as he walked to the bed where Simone continued to sleep, oblivious to the fact that one of the most powerful entities in existence was close enough to touch her. "She's pretty enough. Is she your offering?"
He had to bite back his fury. To snap at Jaden invited instant death.
"No."
"That was a quick denial. Why do you seek me, demonspawn?"
As if he didn't already know. But that was one thing about Jaden, he always wanted you to speak your needs. "I was going to summon you tomorrow."
"In the daylight when I'm weak." He tsked. "What bargain do you wish this time?"
"I need my powers returned and I want the human protected."
Jaden arched a brow. He tinned back toward Simone and brushed her face with his hand. "Human ..."
Jealousy flared inside Xypher so that it was all he could do not to shove Jaden away from her. But that would be a fatal mistake, especially since he needed Jaden's cooperation.
"A Daimon bound us together and I can't do what I need to so long as we're joined. I need your help. I have to have my freedom and my powers unencumbered."
Jaden tinned toward him. "My help comes at a premium price. You know that. You've already paid me once."
Xypher wanted to curse at the reminder. "Was it worth it?" Jaden asked.
"I'm sure you know the answer."
"I warned you."
Indeed, he had. That was what stuck hardest in Xypher's craw. Jaden had told him at the time that such bargains seldom worked out. If only he'd listened.
Jaden drew near him. "You know the law, Xypher. You have to barter something for my services."
"I have nothing to barter with."
"Then you're wasting my time." Jaden faded.
"Wait!" Xypher snapped. "Tell me what you'll accept."
Jaden solidified once more. His gaze went to the bed where Simone was.
Xypher's blood ran cold. "Not her."
"How badly do you want your revenge?"
"More than anything."
Jaden's gaze was harsh and unforgiving. "There is an old woman in this city. Her name is Liza. She owns a doll shop on Royal Street. About her neck, she wears a green amulet. Bring it to me and I'll free you from those bracelets."
"What of my powers?"
"They'll be fully restored as soon as I have the amulet."
Xypher couldn't believe he'd take so little for his service. "Is that all?"
"Trust me, it's enough."
Relief coursed through him. Until Xypher remembered something else. "One more thing."
Jaden's eyes sparked as his fangs flashed in the darkness. "You ask much, demonspawn." But as quickly as it came, his temper fled. "But I'm feeling generous ..."
"There's a spirit I need to find. Her life was ended by a gallu and her soul partially taken. Do you know where I can find her soul and body?"
"Of course."
"Will you tell me where?"
"The price?"
Xypher moved to the dresser where Simone had a pewter medieval-style goblet. He manifested a knife in his hand before he cut his aim and let it bleed into the cup. "You need to feed. I'll give you my blood." Since he was a demon and a demigod, Xypher's blood was a lot stronger than anything Jaden could find on the street.
Jaden licked his lips as his eyes darkened to black. Xypher had been right, the creature was starving.
"Deal." Jaden's voice was husky from need. Xypher handed him the cup.
Jaden took it and downed the contents with one gulp. A tiny bit of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. He wiped it with the up of one finger before he licked it clean. "The blood of the damned. There's nothing sweeter."
"What of Gloria?"
He snapped his fingers, and her ghost instantly appeared by his side.
She frowned in confusion. "Where am I?"
Jaden caressed her cheek. "Safe, my sweet. Very safe."
"And her body?" Xypher asked. "It needs to be free from gallu control."
"I'll take care of it and leave it in the yard for you. Unless you want the stink of it in the house ..."
"No, and don't leave it in the yard to scare the innocent neighbors. Can you put it back in the alley where she died?"
Jaden held the cup out to him. "That'll cost you a bit more." Xypher ground his teeth before he complied.
Smiling, Jaden inhaled the scent of his blood before he again drank it. "Ew!" Gloria said, wrinkling her face up. "That's disgusting."
Jaden save her a cold smile. "So are sausage and escargot, but you ate your share of that, did you not, human?"
She didn't respond.
Jaden set the empty cup on Simone's nightstand. He ran his finger around the rim, gathering the leftover blood. He licked it from the pad of his finger before he spoke. "I'll be back tomorrow night. Have my amulet for me." He glanced toward Simone. "Otherwise you're going to be very sorry . . . and the woman even more so."