Page 46 of Bargain with Fate
“Then you’ve lived a very sad life, Protector.”
We entered the ballroom, which was teeming with Neighbors who did their awkward best to lean into the theme. Even Little Lord Ruffington was in attendance, wearing a usekh collar and a tiny black wig. I started to envision the possibilities I could’ve explored for Jinx, although dogs were far more agreeable than cats when it came to costumes. In fact, a sweep of the room toldme that not a single cat was dressed for the theme, except for the cat of honor. That tracked.
“Maya, you made it.” Gina’s gaze raked over Vale. “I didn’t realize you were bringing a plus one.”
“Plus two, actually. Jinx is here.” I scouted the area, but I’d already lost sight of the cat amid the throng of legs. I noticed scratch marks on Gina’s cheek. “Are you all right?” I asked, gesturing to the injury.
Gina laughed awkwardly. “Oh, it’s nothing. The guest of honor wasn’t enthusiastic about her special outfit.” She turned the other cheek. “Help yourself. There’s plenty of food and an open bar. All the drinks are part of the theme, so I hope you like Pyramid Palomas.”
Vale shot me a gently raised eyebrow. “Very authentic.”
My empty stomach was drawn to the platter-covered table. Gina seemed to have spared no expense. Was it wrong to be jealous of a cat?
I filled a plate with all kinds of food and dug in. Vale did the same.
“I was sure you’d skip this one, Maya.” My neighbor, Edith, appeared beside us, holding a half-empty Pyramid Paloma in her hand. “Who’s your friend?”
“Edith, this is Vale. Vale, this is my neighbor, Edith.”
“Are you Judd’s replacement?” Edith asked.
“No, Vale is the Protector of the Region,” I said.
Edith’s eyes widened. “Oh, are you here about the monsters? That’s a relief. I’m tired of needing to find a buddy to walk everywhere with. You’d be surprised how hard that it is with everyone’s busy schedules.”
I had an inkling it wasn’t due to busy schedules, but I kept the thought to myself.
“That guy is wearing a white bedsheet,” Edith said, visibly disgusted. “This isn’t a toga party. Do these people know nothing about ancient Egypt?”
I placed a calming hand on the harpy’s shoulder. “It’s a birthday party for a cat, Edith. People are here for free food and booze, not historical accuracy.”
“It was this or keep square dancing,” Edith said. “I got a cramp in my foot after the second round, so I quit while I was ahead.”
“Did Joan come with you?”
“No. She got spun around one too many times. Gave herself high blood pressure and a headache.”
I had a feeling it wasn’t the dancing.
“Oh, look. There’s Martin. I’ll see you later. Nice to meet you, Protector.”
“Have fun,” I said.
“Monsters?” Vale asked, the moment she was gone. “I thought the shadow was top secret.”
“Not the shadow. These are demonic spirits called oni.”
“I’m not familiar with them.”
“They seem to have had their fun and left. You haven’t had any incidents in your territory?”
“Not that I’ve been told, but they only tell me what they think I need to know.” He paused. “Do I need to know about oni?”
“They’re apparently harbingers.”
“Of?”
I tried to maintain an air of nonchalance. “Of something wicked this way comes. Maybe. Probably.”
