Page 14 of Forbidden! Exorcist Roommate
Sagitta paused as confusion washed over his face. Then, beneath his serious scowl, I swear I saw a hint of gentleness.
“You... came for the fish?” he asked.
“Yes, dude. He’s not at my place, and I know you dropped me off there. So where is he?”
“I—” For the first time, Sagitta sounded unsure of himself. “He’s safe.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
Something about his conviction soothed me. My gut said he was telling the truth.
I relaxed. “Okay. Now we can discuss all the other crap.”
The serious edge returned to Sagitta’s face. His eyes sharpened and he straightened his posture.
“There’s something you should know about that black book,” Sagitta said gravely. “It was an authentic grimoire. It shouldn’t have been in the hands of civilians. I don’t know how Jared got it, but the ritual—”
“Sorry, wait, I forgot to tell you something.”
He seemed annoyed that I’d interrupted. “What now?”
“I dunno about the book, but I know the ritual worked. There’s a demon in me,” I explained.
Sagitta looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel. “Why did you not say so earlier?”
“There was a lot going on, okay?”
“How certain are you?” Sagitta asked carefully.
“Well, he won’t shut the fuck up about donuts, so a hundred percent.”
In my mind space, I felt Faust roll his eyes, but for once, he didn’t have a snide remark. Maybe he was too entertained by the external drama to comment.
Sagitta glowered at me. He wasn’t amused. “If you’re telling the truth, then you’re quite cavalier about your demonic possession.”
“I mean, he’s not shooting lasers or setting shit on fire. He’s just annoying.”
Faust scoffed.“I do not shoot lasers. That is so pedestrian.”
“See? Did you hear that?” I blurted, pointing at my forehead. “He just said something!”
Sagitta stared at me with an unreadable expression. I felt a hot flash of embarrassment. I hoped I hadn’t made an ass out of myself. But if anyone could help me deal with the demon, I figured it was Sagitta. He was knowledgeable, and he’d invited me to this mystical temple. Hell, even that Fairfax guy sang his praises. He must be good.
“Youcanhelp me, right?” I asked, pleading.
Sagitta spoke slowly and deliberately. “Yes, Chase. But first, I must confirm.”
“Confirm wh—”
I couldn’t even get the word out. Fast as lightning, Sagitta whipped out a polished wooden bow and fired a bright, glowing arrow directly at me.
My brain and body were too slow to react. There was no time to get out of the way.
The arrow was about to pierce my chest.
“Ugh. Speaking of pedestrian weapons...”
