Three days passed uneventfully. On the third day, I left at nightfall. I knew exactly where the clearing by the creek was that the demon had talked about, as I’d been there lots of times before. Sometimes I’d break the ice and get some fresh water, and it usually tasted fantastic. So I made my way there. To no surprise, the demon was waiting for me. “Ah, Anastasia! It’s so wonderful to see you without that parasite hanging all over you,” he says, by way of a greeting. I feel a flash of anger at him calling Dallas a parasite. “He isn’t a parasite,” I hiss. “Ask about the necklace in his pocket, when you get back,” the demon tells me. Confused, I consent.
“So what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked, leaning against a tree and crossing my arms. I was unsettled, but I didn’t want to show it. “The Universe and my plans to save it from Heaven’s horsemen,” the demon answered. “But first, I think you should know my name.” I lean forward in spite of myself. “Do you understand what that would mean?” he asks. I shake my head, wishing I did. “Okay, well, I’ll explain. A demon’s essence is in it’s name. Our vessels are temporary. Our names define us. I am showing an extreme amount of trust to give you mine.” I bite my lip. “Okay. Thank you,” I say quietly. He gives me a small smile.
“My name is Jasarashi. I don’t expect you to be able to pronounce it properly, so just call me Jas,” he says, speaking quietly and looking around as if expecting an eavesdropper. “Okay, Jas. Thank you for trusting me with your name.” He smiles at me, reaching out and patting the top of my head awkwardly, like he doesn’t know how to express emotions. And he probably doesn’t, being a demon and all. I give him a smile. “So, Jas, you said that keeping wards up drained you. Despite actually liking your presence, I think we should hurry,” I say. He gives me another smile, keeping his hand on my shoulder. “The four horsemen are, of course, behind this winter. You have to stop it, well, them. So, what I propose is simple. We locate them, as they’re blending in with the humans on this earth, and you become friends with them. Get them to like you. Then they’ll stop, after you reason with them. Simple, really. And you could pull it off, Anastasia. There’s something about you, a natural charm that draws people in,” Jas tells me, taking on an aura of power.
I find myself nodding along. “Okay,” I say. “I can do that.” He smiles, leaning forward and kissing me on the cheek. Before I can protest, he vanishes, and I walk back to the cave, my arms folded across my middle.
