Her Witch, Her Demon: Book 1 of Hers Trilogy [WxW]

7. The Meeting

The Herald Tower was not a tower but a basilica. Most people, especially tourists, who came to Green Front thought that the impressive building of stone was a church built during medieval times.

They wouldn't be wrong about how old the Herald Tower was. However, it was the farthest thing from a church. Founded by Lowdren Powers, the Herald Tower is the symbol of authority of the Demon Circle in Green Front.

It was in here that Nyx went to face the Demon Circle who dared summon her like some commoner. In Rorel, the Lowdren Powers were the highest authority in lower dominions. Green Front was one of these lower dominions, ruled over by the seven Lowdren Powers, the first of which was Staslok. Supported by the Highdren Powers as First Power, Staslok was the most powerful demon in the city. It was perhaps this authority he had that made him arrogant enough to summon someone like Nyx so casually.

When Nyx arrived inside the Herald Tower, the Lowdren Powers were already seated, waiting for her. They all wore their matching black and red robes, the insignia of the Lowdren Powers — a five-pointed star in a full moon — strapped to their chests.

"So what is this about?" Nyx asked in an eerily calm tone. While she was furious with the Powers, Nyx was still rational. It would be best to gather the information she needed first.

"The meeting hasn't begun yet," said Staslok in his gruff voice.

"What are we waiting for? I have things to do." And she was losing her patience by the second.

She had stayed out of the politics of Green Front all this time and did her best to stay away from the Lowdren and Highdren Powers. These demons didn't like peace.

"We have guests joining us soon," said Staslok.

Guests? Nyx raised a brow. Was it the Highdren Powers or perhaps the First Power of Zorgan, the higher dominion under which Green Front belonged? But even if the Highdren Powers were coming here, why would Staslok invite her? And what did her club have to do with anything?

Wait, had he figured out Nyx's true identity as Onixcasria? No. It couldn't be. If Staslok knew of Nyx's true identity, he would have killed himself before even thinking about summoning her. She must be here for something else. Before Nyx could ask any questions, she heard several footsteps approaching in the distance.

"Ah, they're here now," said Staslok. "I invited the Elders of the Witch Council."

Nyx narrowed her eyes. This sneaky bastard. Why didn't he tell her that before?

Nine people walked into the massive hall, an air of wariness surrounding them. The Witch Council. What in the world could have made them even accept the invitation of the Demon Circle? Something wasn't right. The nine elders sat across the other half of the room. Nyx was left standing in the center while all eyes were on her, like a criminal in a court of law.

Seated in the second row of the nine elders were Meredith's parents. Charles and Andrea Huang took a long hard look at Nyx, and then they began whispering to each other. "Is that Onyx Castle?" Charles said to his wife.

Andrea nodded. "What's she doing here?"

So the Witch Council didn't know about this either, Nyx thought. Hmm. Let's see how this plays out.

Staslok cleared his throat, the room becoming dead silent. "Thank you for honoring my invitation. No doubt my invitation must have shocked you. The last time we met was fifteen years ago. Just like that time, we have something of common interest to discuss. A common enemy."

"I see," said Ida Thompson, the grand elder of the Witch Council. With her gray hair and wrinkly skin, Ida was the oldest-looking person in the room. "Yet I don't get why she's here." The grand elder pointed at Onyx Castle. Staring deeply into Ida's brown eyes, it struck something odd yet familiar within Nyx. But she couldn't figure out what. "Didn't you say this was a meeting between the Witch Council and Demon Circle?"