Page 49 of Dragon My Crazy

“Congratulations, demon.” A cunning look passed Leroy’s features as he waved his hands and chanted a few syllables.

“Tell me true, have you released and freed him from every spell you’ve placed on him?” I asked when it looked like he was done.

“I have not.” Leroy’s eyes went wide.

“Ah, that was expected. It is why I have special procedures for releasing demons and other souls from servitude. It is not uncommon for wizards and witches to hold onto their pets after the time is over. I know it’s a hard task. Which is why I have safeguards to make sure it is done.”

I hadn’t. This had been Sena’s idea, but he didn’t need to know that I was glad she’d had the foresight to make the spells for me in advance and put them into an envelope labeledCassian’s Release.But Leroy didn’t need to know that.

“And before you try to cast any spells, you won’t be able to until you walk out that door. And you won’t be able to walk out that door untilallthe spells you’ve placed on Cassian have been lifted.”

I watched as his face went from surprise to anger, and finally, back to cunning.

“What’s to stop the demon from attacking me after?”

“I am. He will not attack you, lest he be engulfed in dragon fire.”

“And after?” Leroy asked, frowning. “When you are not around?”

“Have you done anything that might incur his wrath?” I asked.

He sputtered. “I can’t believe you’re not trusting me now. Afterdecadesof working for you.”

“As I said, this is my standard procedure for releasing bound souls under my employ.” I spread my hands. “It’s not personal. And I’m disappointed you think so.”

I said no more and simply waited. After a beat, Leroy made a few more motions and mumbled a few more words. I felt, more than saw, the spell on him and the door release. It shrank to form a magical barrier in front of Cassian and me, protecting us from retaliation if need be. Sena had really thought of everything.

Leroy turned without saying another word and walked out of the office.

“He’s not going to be happy.”

“He doesn’t have to be.”

“He still has access to the protective wards on your castle.”

“Partially. But they are still Sena’s spells, and he is not the only thing maintaining them. He knows that the walls will literally come alive to protect me if he chooses violence.”

The demon’s face fell at the mention of Sena. “He murdered her. I watched it. Didn’t realize what I was seeing at first, so I didn’t hide myself in time. I tried to tell you so many times. I still owe you.”

“You owe me nothing. You have a job here for as long as you like. But first, I must know why Elana left.”

“I will find out for you, but I will not leave the castle, or you, long, because Leroy is plotting something else.”

“What?” I prodded.

“I don’t know for sure. But it’s something big.”

“What is your guess?” Because I could feel there was something he wasn’t saying.

“I believe he wishes to steal Melly and raise her to do his bidding. But I have no proof.”

That was what I’d worried about. “I will keep watching him.”

“Be careful, my lord.”

“It’s just Emmett.”

Cassian, unlike Puck, had no problem just using my name. “Emmett. Does that mean we’re friends now?” he asked drolly.