The Seventh Beauty

Malaya

"Gran, there is a man up front that wants to speak with you. He says it is urgent."

"It's always urgent." replied Gran with a distracted look. It was almost like she had something weighing on her mind.

"He said to tell you, 'Analeya Lucikani Hanakathea.'"

"He did what!" Gran stormed out the back room and into the actual store area. Even with the distance I could hear Gran's raised voice.

"What are you doing here?" she asked as she pointed a finger at the man. "You are not allowed on these premises!"

"Oh sweet Lucy, that is what they call you these days is it not?" Despite the question the man continued not once letting Gran speak until he was done. "You have banished my true form, but you have not banished me in the flesh."

"Get out of my shop now!"

"Oh but Lucy, how I've missed you." the man only paused to laugh and then continued. "I've come to claim what is mine. Return it and you will be spared."

"Return it for what? So I can watch you slowly slaughter every human on this planet, I don't think so! Now if you will please get out." After Gran was done speaking the man just stared at her and smiled. Seconds flew by and then Gran lifted her hand as if she was about to push him and said, "Talyathien Bemaltak Anzekain, I command thee to leave this holy ground on which you stand, never to return again, in any form you take on in this life or the next."

Once Gran was done speaking the man hissed and then fled from the room. I swear his eyes even turn charcoal black for a second there.

I walked out of the back room and just studied Gran.

"What was that about?"

"That, my darling, was the leader of the Kanleyhas."

"The what?" I asked.

"The Kanleyhas are demons that are hungry for power and human souls. They are master deceivers and can find a loop hole in anything."

"Yeah, so I've noticed." I let my sarcasm show.

"Honey, if you see him anywhere, walk the other way and don't listen to anything he says." Gran said worriedly. "If you stop and listen to him, he will manipulate your mind."

"What do you mean 'manipulate my mind'?" Usually I would have just contorted that he was a typical man but curiosity got the best of me.

"He will suggest things in your mind to allow him to get closer to you. Once he is close enough he will ask for permission to touch your palm. If he succeeds you will be under his control." Gran stated plainly. "Tal is one of the most powerful Demons of the Underworld. If his powers are released, all of humanity will be wiped out." she stopped for a second and then mumbled "Oh and he is also your grandfather."

"What?" I could not help but wonder if my ears were deceiving me.

Gran looked down to check her watch then informed me, "Oh I'm sorry Darling, but I really am late for my appointment... hey maybe we when can finish this discussion later." Gran grabbed her umbrella and flittered out the door just as Thorn descended the staircase and entered the shop.

"Good morning Sunshine." Thorn managed over a yawn. "Where is Gran?"

"You just missed her actually. She had some kind of appointment she had to go to." I replied while rearranging the counters. "So where you headed today?"

"Actually I'm due at work in like thirty minutes. You mind giving me a ride?"

"Sure just give me a second to close the shop." I quickly grabbed my keys and headed for the door. "Alright, out the door you go." I flipped the sign to closed and made for the car.