Hellbound Hearts

11. Permanently Altered

"So, your main job is getting rid of those demons?" Cody frowns. "Are you guys exorcists or something?"

I can't help but snort with laughter.

"Nope, no one prays in this household," I reply, trying to suppress my giggles. "God doesn't exist."

The atmosphere in my small room shifts noticeably. Cody seems to be relaxing, slowly. At least, he's no longer clutching the knife in his jacket pocket. I hope my explanations are easing his doubts about our intentions.

"But still, I don't quite get it," he says, trailing off.

"We're more like... contract hunters," I chuckle. "We track down supernatural stuff and deal with it—no holy water, no crosses. Just skill and a lot of guts."

"How do you even start in a job like that?" Cody raises an eyebrow.

"Long story," I shrug. "But let's just say it's not for everyone."

Cody stays silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful, as if he's searching for the right words.

"How do you do it—all those things?" he finally asks, gesturing at me with his finger. "Your wound... it started healing instantly."

"Demons are crazy strong and play nasty tricks. It'd be unfair if we didn't even the odds a little. Hunters are ordinary people, like you. We just have a few tricks up our sleeves. For example, Eleonora can heal wounds," I explain.

"And you?" he hesitates but asks anyway.

"I can summon flames of energy to expel a demon's essence. It's a complicated technique, so I usually just rely on physical strength," I say, scratching my temple with an awkward smile.

Cody nods, though I can't tell if he actually understands or if he's just being polite.

"Okay, but how do you get these abilities if God doesn't exist?" another question slips out of him.

I sit astride the chair, resting my chin on my hands over the backrest.

"Do you believe in a world that defies common sense and reality? A world where humans coexist with spirits?" I ask, smirking to spark his curiosity again.

"Probably not. I don't believe in God either, but I'm seeing people with snakeskin, wounds that heal instantly, and a bunch of other nonsense no sane person could explain," he says bluntly. "So, either this world really exists, or I need to see a psychiatrist."

I laugh at Cody's comment but quickly try to control myself, not wanting to offend him.

"I don't think that'll be necessary. This world does exist. The spirits who hire us also grant us these gifts."

A moment of silence follows as he contemplates.

"How do they choose people? Or how do people reach the spirits? I don't understand... it's all so confusing," Cody mutters to himself.

I realize I have two choices. I could just tell him the truth—that I'm a spirit too now. But something inside me whispers to hold back, at least for now. Even the most oblivious person could see that he's been under immense emotional strain. I don't want to add more weight to his shoulders.

In just one afternoon, his entire worldview has likely shifted. I'm convinced that, to avoid traumatizing him further, I need to stay silent and let him process this new reality on his own.

I have my own challenges to face, too. My mind is swirling with questions, and if Cody started avoiding me, finding answers would only get harder.

"That's enough for today. You should go home and rest. Your parents are probably waiting for you," I suggest gently, not wanting to sound like I'm pushing him out.

"You're right. It's time I go," he says, quickly standing up from the bed.

"I can drive you home," I offer, only to realize the absurdity of my offer as soon as I say it.

Sure, he'd love to share his home address with a suspicious creature like me. Idiot.

"No need," he replies with a polite smile.

I don't try to persuade him, instead walking him to the front door in silence.

"You probably don't want to see me ever again, do you?" I ask slyly, curious about his thoughts.

It's not the most appropriate question, but I don't think it'll do much more harm. Cody lowers his gaze to his white sneakers, kicking at some pebbles on the sidewalk.

"Thank you. For everything," he replies softly.

Before he leaves, our eyes meet one last time.

With my hands in my pockets, I watch his back until he disappears around the corner. Without noticing, my lips curl into a small smile. I don't fully understand why this intrigues me when it offers me no benefit. If anything, it just brings new responsibilities.

But as I head back to my room, one thought sticks in my mind. He might not have given me a clear answer, but it wasn't a no, either.