Meet the Host

My feet have barely touched the ceiling before I hear a loud pop. We fall, gravity abruptly restored, but Vera somehow casts a protection bubble. I bounce, rather than splat, my stomach churning.

The goblins are groaning, Erd cradling a broken arm.

“Well,” a honeyed voice says, “you could have joined the party instead of destroying it.” A demon with thick, golden ringlets and spiraling horns is standing across the room, the gold-sheathed nun between us.

Rach, single-minded as always, moves towards Erd, but I grab her wrist. “Don’t be suicidal.”

Akheron beams. “Are you all here for me?”