Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 18

And so that was their plan of action. After Bane had commented how cold it was at night, and Andie had said it was ridiculous to leave them out in the open like that anyway, it was decided Zarias would be moved to Bane's place. It was the only place that made sense, since Robert knew about Bane's powers. And the girls wanted none of their siblings to be anywhere near Zarias, which, surprisingly, he didn't object to. Jessica of course, had something to say.

"Hold on a minute, aren't we being a bit rash?"

Andie and Bane, who'd been making their way to the car, turned around.

"How so?" Bane asked.

Jessica stepped closer and lowered her voice to a whisper, glancing surreptitiously at Zarias at the same time."Isn't it possible he wants us to do that so he can draw Zorak to us?"

"If that were true, Zorak would already be here, by now, wouldn't he? And if he really is planning on setting us up... we'll deal with it."

"Yeah, but Jessica's raising a valid point, you know..." Isabelle pointed out. "If Zorak does come after us, are we ready to deal with the possibility that people might see us? That our powers might be exposed?"

"I am not going around in spandex and a mask," Emily stated firmly.

"Me either. Spandex does nothing for my figure," Jessica said.

They all gave her a "not the point" look.

"Well... we'll just have to cross that bridge when come to it." Andie decided.

With that, they all went their separate ways. Andie, who'd been planning on staying with Bane most of the day anyway, was going in his car and had come with Jessica. The weather was damp and chilly from the recent rain and cold winds.

"A demon in my house... who'd have thought?" Bane said as he turned a corner.

Andie glanced at Zarias using the rear view mirror.

"Yeah, I guess things never turn out the way you'd expected..."

There was a pause.

"... So, what are we going to tell your neighbors?" Andie inquired.

"We both have dark hair, he can just be my cousin or something." Bane shrugged as he turned a corner. "But he'll have to stay in the house."

Andie, thinking it better that Zarias didn't hear this part of the conversation, switched to speaking with her mind.

What about your uncle? If Zarias does turn on us...

I have been thinking about it myself. But he's at risk either way. Zorak could attack him at the bookstore, in the street...

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, huh... Andie thought.

Something like that, Bane agreed.

Soon enough, they arrived at Bane's house. As they climbed out, Andie couldn't help casting a sidewards glance at Zarias who was sizing up Bane's house and garden. It occurred to he had only ever lived in that huge palace in the Demon Realm.

"Your house is... cozy", he finally commented.

"It fits two," Bane shrugged. "Most humans don't live in palaces."

"Yes, I know that."

They made their way into the house.

"Bane? Is that you?" came Robert's voice.