The Devil's Ex

Chapter Sixteen - Debris

He wasn't hard to find. A creature of habit, he still haunted the same gambling den. He may own most of the city, but that didn't mean he didn't have his favourite... Getting into the den had been as simple as flashing some gold coins she'd 'borrowed' from Fenton as she'd left.

The den was much like a run-down casino you'd find on earth. The red carpet and upholstery was practically mandatory – blood was often spilt over assumed slights and insults. To accuse someone of cheating was likely to end in at least one death, maybe two.

'The Den of Sin and Sanctimony' flashed in neon letters over her head. A fitting welcome to a place filled with demons and creatures alike who considered themselves the top of the town; the talent behind their omnipresent master. It was only right, therefore, that Henry was not only the Devil's best friend, but also another member of the Devil's council. Serving alongside Fenton and five other trusted advisors, Henry was the Devil's money man. A creature with a penchant for investment.

It was surprising that this particular den was as quiet as it was. Traditionally, it would have been packed to the rafters with fools looking to lose their lives, money and souls. Anything is for trade in a demonic casino. It would seem, that Henry's normally loyal fan base had waned. Maybe they'd wised up to his ways.

Jenny headed towards the back corner where a game was in session. She picked up a jug of something green as she headed towards them, snagging glasses off the next table. She would blend with the other lower demons milling around the edge, the servers should the demons require anything.

She caught her breath as she saw Henry. It had been a long time, yet his rotund face was still speckled with the same dark red and purple spots that would indicate he'd been drink since breakfast. His eyes, small and beady, flashed around his opponents, every move calculated. Most people, upon meeting Henry, would write him off as a drunk, but in truth the man had been drunk for a millennia, and by now had got used to the effect. He would use his drinking as a cover, and that was what made him the best card player Jenny had ever seen.

It appeared he was on his normal winning streak again today, as he leant forwards to scrape a pile of IOU's and jars of various items, towards him, a triumphant smile on his face.

"Come on Bridge'. Please, I'm good for it, you know I am. Bail me out a little," one of the others begged, shifting in his seat. Jenny didn't recognise him, but knew the emblem on his jacket. He was a second circle demon, higher up than most around here. If she wasn't mistaken, the three swords with a flame on the central one, indicated he was a commander, probably of a bunch of armies of thousands of demons and-

Either way, he was reasonably powerful and surprisingly important to be found in a place like this. Was this how Henry was ruling the rebellion? Meeting high level demons in his gambling dens would provide decent cover. No one would ever suspect... 

Jenny had to bite down on her rising anger as her power surged to the surface and the black cloying darkness grew in her chest, but it was too late. Like a moth to a flame, any demon who possessed an ounce of power could sense her magic leaping to the surface. Henry Bridget's eyes snapped to Jenny's.

"Aw, hell," she muttered beneath her breath.