The Demon's Half

Chapter 14

After returning to Elena's with Logan, we spent some time training, focusing on breathing exercises until she got home from work.

Logan said learning how to breathe was as important as learning how to wield a weapon— doubtful. But he explained to me it had something to do with the life force energy. It connects with the energy within. I was too numb to even pretend to understand what he was saying so I decided to nod, and got to the breathing-posture.

Once Elena arrived I was soaked in sweat. Weird, since it was freezing cold outside.

Dinner with them was a rare kind of comfort—a home-cooked meal I never thought I'd have again after my mom left. With my dad, food was always something quick, something easy. Fast food, canned food, whatever was convenient.

But this? This was different.

It felt like home. It tasted like home. Not the kind of meal you'd find in a restaurant, no matter how fancy. This was the kind of food that held warmth in every bite, made from scratch with love and patience.

The fresh salad set the stage for the main course—rich duck stew and creamy mashed potatoes that melted on my tongue. And for dessert, Elena had made chocolate flan, its silky sweetness the perfect ending to an already perfect meal.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt full. Not just my stomach, but something deeper. Something I hadn't realized was empty until now.

But—that feeling didn't last.

Elena's endless chatter about spirits took over as we sipped tea, her words settling uneasily in my stomach, twisting with the meal I had just enjoyed.

Logan told her everything about the coffee shop. The way the demon had seized my mind instantly. The unnatural patience he had shown toward me—how unlike other demons, he wasn't treating me as disposable. Most demons made their deals and left, only returning when it was time to collect.

But this one? apparently he was... He was different.

That unsettled her.

And I could see why.

He had attacked me with his shadows before. But now, he was holding back. Playing nice. Why?

Maybe he had figured out that brute force wouldn't get him anywhere with me. Maybe this was another kind of manipulation, something more subtle.

Whatever it was, it put me even more on edge.

Elena insisted our safest bet was to head to Jessica's party, promising to stay near just in case things went south.

The worry in her voice was unmistakable. She wasn't just concerned for me—she was worried for anyone who might cross paths with him. And after I voiced my suspicion that Jessica's or Kate's soul might be his next target, her concern deepened.

It made too much sense. He had pushed for this party. He had read my thoughts and denied it, but what did a demon's word mean? Nothing.

I had to protect them.

Logan, ever confident, tossed out a casual, "I could take him down," earning a swift dismissal from Elena. Instead, she assured us that a group—the council—would be stationed outside, ready to intervene if things went not as planned.

I stayed quiet as she spoke, but my stomach was not having any of it. The duck I'd eaten felt like it was staging a rebellion.

Logan caught the tension in my shoulders, the way my hands clenched in my lap. "We should get ready," he said to his mother.

Grateful for the out, I gave him a small smile, then turned to say goodnight to Elena.

The hot water did little to ease the tension coiled inside me. I stood under the stream, watching the droplets bead on my skin, rinsing away the familiar scent of coffee.