by Janene Wood
“Even the weakest ones aren't completely harmless though,” she added ominously. “They can still affect people's moods and their perceptions, making them think the worst of themselves and the people around them. They can be a real downer.”
“And you can see them.”
Kate nodded, a little embarrassed by the admission, though God knows why. It's not as though she had a choice.
“You said most people are able to control their impulses. What happens to the ones who can't?”
“Well, that's where it really does get scary,” said Kate grimly. “It takes time, but those people gradually lose all sense of right and wrong. They start doing pretty much whatever they feel like. At best, they become social pariahs, at worst, full-blown psychopaths. Evil corrupts their souls, eroding their humanity. Most don't even realise what’s happening, it’s so gradual. The demon influences every decision they make, every action they take. It keeps feeding and getting stronger and stronger, until the host eventually dies, breaking the tether and freeing the demon.”
“That’s awful,” said Jason sombrely. He was silent for a long moment, processing. “I guess it explains why some people are capable of such terrible things.”
Kate shrugged. “People make dozens of choices every day. Make the wrong ones too often and that's what happens. It's called free will.”
Their waitress finally arrived with dessert, but Kate had lost her appetite and toyed unenthusiastically with her pudding. Jason tucked into his chocolate mousse with gusto, pausing only to remark, “That's harsh...but fair, I guess. Does everyone have a demon? Do I?”
Kate gave a reluctant nod. “Afraid so. There are exceptions, but they're rare.”
“So what do they look like?” asked Jason curiously.
Leaning forward with her elbows on the table, Kate steepled her fingers. “The vast majority of them – the weakest ones – are really just shadows, without any form or substance to speak of. Tethers are different. The stronger ones can take whatever form they like and are as individual as we are. More so actually.”
Kate looked across the room to Suri, who actually had six lines of power running out of him, going off in various directions, including the one connected to the demon in the restaurant. The other tethers weren't visible, thank goodness; they were probably off scoping out the neighbourhood for their master, keeping an eye out for rival binders. Just because witches were paranoid, didn't mean their enemies weren't out to get them.
Suri's one visible tether was strutting about the room, pausing for a moment to lean over the shoulder of a middle-aged woman to stir her soup with its talon. Kate nodded in its direction, remarking to Jason, “That one, for example, is relatively normal looking with two arms and two legs, except it's covered in fur and has a face like a cat. Oh, and its teeth are razor sharp and pointy.”
She added quickly, “Don't worry, they don't eat, as such, they only absorb negative energy. They change their appearance depending on the circumstances; if they feel threatened, they make themselves look as fierce as possible. The cat-tether is a lot stronger than the other one, so it doesn't need to appear too intimidating. The other one looks like it’s only just achieved a tether; its shape is roughly human, but it has no distinguishing features.” It looked like it was testing the limits of its new tether, although it could move no further than the chair beside its master.
“Unbelievable,” murmured Jason, fascinated and repelled at the same time. “So why you, Kate? How is it that you can see them and no else can?”
Kate shrugged. “I'm not the only one, but as for why me, your guess is as good as mine.”
“Have you always been able to see them?”
She shook her head. “No, thank God. It wasn't till I turned 17 that things started getting weird.”
Suri's tether had moved on and was now following one of the waitresses around as she gathered dirty dishes. Grinning malevolently, it stuck out a foot to trip her over and plates and cutlery crashed to the floor. The poor waitress was beside herself with embarrassment, but the other wait-staff rushed to her aid and quickly cleaned up the mess. Not quite finished playing, the tether followed them into the kitchen.
“That was the tether, making a nuisance of itself,” said Kate, wondering what mischief was yet to come.
Jason continued the conversation as if there had been no interruption. “So you must have been pretty freaked out,” he said, fascinated by Kate's revelations. “The worst thing I had to deal with when I was 17 was getting dumped by my girlfriend.”
Kate gave a feeble smile. “Yeah, I was pretty sure I was losing my mind for a while there.” Actually, she had thought she was suffering from the DTs at first, which at least made some sort of sense, but after a couple of weeks of sobriety, the “shadows” still hadn't gone away. It wasn't until Father Peter, of all people, turned up out of the blue, that she found some of the answers she had been seeking so desperately. And while he never actually apologised for what he did to her all those years ago when he tried to exorcise her, the very act of seeking her out and sharing his new-found knowledge was sufficient atonement for Kate.
“So what's the point of it?” asked Jason. “Sure, you can see demons, but...”
Sounds of a heated argument filtered out from the kitchen, followed by the rattle of china and the slamming of doors. Conversations all over the restaurant died abruptly, but gradually picked up again when the disturbance seemed to have run its course.
“That was the tether again,” advised Kate, glancing at Suri to gauge his reaction to the fracas. He was predictably unconcerned. “They're remarkable childish when they're not being downright nasty.”
Jason looked at Kate in awe. “How do you know so much? How did you get your head around any of this?”
“Well, I didn't figure it out on my own, that's for sure.” Father Peter had been extremely helpful when it came to explaining demons and shadowbinders, but unfortunately, wasn't able to shed much light on Kate herself. Yes, she found out that demon slayers – Aletes – were an actual thing, and that they came into their powers on their seventeenth birthday, but she’d figured that much out herself. And yes, some of the ancient texts he had found alluded to them being gifted with other supernatural abilities, but it was like there was a massive conspiracy to keep silent about where they came from or where they might be found. It was so frustrating!
The tether responsible for the uproar in the kitchen was now making its way back into the dining room. It wended its way through the maze of tables toward its master, but it must have seen Kate watching and it made a sudden detour, sliding into the unoccupied seat beside her.
“Well, hello hot stuff!” it greeted her with a feline sort of leer. “I don't think we've been introduced.”
Kate rolled her eyes and groaned. While grateful that Suri kept his tethers out of sight whenever they had coffee together, she wished he had continued to do so tonight. She could only imagine what was coming next, and knew better than to hang around and find out.
“It's time to go,” she said to Jason, ignoring the tether as it started playing with loose strands of her long hair. Catching the eye of their waitress, she waved and gestured for the bill.
“What's the sudden rush?” asked Jason, unaware of their visitor.
“No rush, it's just time to leave,” insisted Kate calmly.
The tether scooted closer and blew warm, fetid air in her ear, then followed up by licking her face with its wet, rough-textured tongue.
“Cut it out!” exclaimed Kate, trying to keep her voice down and not quite succeeding. The couple at the next table frowned disapprovingly as she wiped her cheek with a napkin.
“We've got a live one!” proclaimed the tether loudly to anyone who could hear, which was a total of three people. “We don't come across many of your kind,” it remarked to Kate in a curious tone of voice, “not in a social setting.” It spoke with a pleasant lilting accent that sounded quite absurd coming out of that mouth.
“You're not leaving on our account, surely?” said Suri's familiar voice beside her.
Kate stared at him, noting his complete lack of surprise at learning she could see his tether. He knew! He had known all along she was Alete! How? she wondered briefly, while at the same time rearranging her own features into a carefully bland expression. Two could play at this game.
“Nothing personal, Suri, but I prefer not to socialise with demons,” said Kate irritably, annoyed with herself for being so careless as to make eye contact with a bloody tether! Her hands were trembling slightly as she took out her purse and handed Jason a pile of notes. Reluctantly taking the hint, he headed to the bar where their waitress was totaling their bill.
“It wasn't my intention to inconvenience you, dear one, but you know what binders are like,” laughed Suri. “If we can't prove we've got the biggest dick in the room, everyone assumes we're just a pussy. That's when the trouble starts, hence the need for young Felix here.”
“What are you even doing here?” she snapped. “Why aren't you and your friend at each other's throats?”
“Times are a-changing, Lady K. You should know that better than anyone, right?” He gave her a meaningful look she was at a loss to explain.
“I don't– What are you talking about?” She shook her head in frustration. “Actually, never mind. I don't want to know.” She should have known better than to befriend a witch, no matter how civilised his behaviour or how cool his tats; it was just asking for trouble. “You should tell your friend to stop being so precious and get himself some ink, like any normal, self-respecting witch. And doesn't he know he looks ridiculous in that getup?” She stood and retrieved her coat from the chair Felix was occupying. “Catch you later, Suri.”
But instead of heading toward the exit to wait for Jason, she walked impulsively toward the witches' table, where Mr Darcy was eyeing her like she was a tasty morsel he could eat. Stopping a safe distance away, she raised her right hand so her palm was facing his shadowy, ill-defined tether, and projected her will at it. There was a sudden flash of white light, so brief it was gone before anyone could be sure they had seen it, and the tether winked out of existence.
“Who's got the biggest dick in the room now?” she muttered smugly as she walked past Suri on her way out.
Suri chuckled, not at all concerned by her unprovoked attack on Darcy's tether. “Watch your back, Lady K,” he called to her across the restaurant, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and stare. “If you really are the One, they won't stop until they turn you.”
Kate glared at him. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”
He called back a final warning. “Just be careful, dear one. If I were you, I would make myself scarce. Before it's too late.”
Kate shook her head at him, bewildered by the whole encounter. “I can take care of myself,” she said in a normal voice, not caring if he heard her or not. She turned on her heel and practically ran out of the restaurant, relieved to be out of the witches' sphere of influence. Shadowbinders were bad news; she must have been out of her mind to befriend one.
Once she and Jason were out on the street, Kate slowed to a walk. Her breathing was still rapid, but the rush of adrenaline had waned and she was feeling a little calmer.
“What was that all about?” demanded Jason.
Choosing to misunderstand the question, she replied, “That was me doing my little bit for humanity. I wish they were all that easy, but my super powers are rather limited.”
Jason was confused. He hadn't seen the flash of light and was, of course, unable to see the demon vanish. “Can you pretend for a minute I don't know what you're talking about?”
Kate couldn't help a small smile of satisfaction. “I sent Mr Darcy's tether on a little trip back to hell.”
“Ha! So that's why he was so pissed off,” he said, understanding dawning. “So there is a reason for you being able to see them! So you can slay them!”
“Just another day at the office,” she said with a feeble laugh.
“And you do this every day? That must add up to a lot of demons.”
“One or two,” she said off-handedly. Jason was evidently impressed by her abilities and she wasn't sure she liked the way that made her feel. Perhaps she had made a mistake telling him.
“It's still early, maybe we could go somewhere and you can slay a few more?” he suggested eagerly.
Kate let out a feeble laugh, feeling at once completely energized and utterly exhausted. It had been a long day and she just wanted to curl up on her couch and chill out in front of the TV. “Will you take a rain-check, Jase? I don't think I'm up to it tonight.”
“Yeah, sure, of course. Go home and get some sleep,” agreed Jason, thoughtful as ever. “But I won't forget. Who'd have thunk it? Kate McDermott: demon slayer.”
Giving her a quick peck on the cheek, he said, “See you tomorrow, chicky babe.” He turned to cross the road to where his car was parked, singing loudly, “Ding dong, the witch is dead...”
Truce
It started raining just as Kate pulled into Pembroke Square. With no umbrella to hand, she couldn't help but get soaked during the sprint from the car to the front door of her building, but the rain always lifted her spirits, so she was smiling as she ran up the stairs to her flat.
Halfway up the last flight, she found the way blocked by the tortoiseshell cat she befriended a few days earlier. It was mewling piteously and pacing back and forth, its tail twitching nervously, as if it had something important to tell her. Which was crazy of course, thought Kate, swallowing a giggle; it was probably just hungry and knew her for a soft touch.
Picking the cat up, she cradled it to her chest and ran her hand down its back, marveling again at the softness of its dappled fur. She was still whispering sweet nothings in its ear when she reached the landing and traversed the few paces to her front door. She didn’t notice Marc leaning against the door frame until she was almost on top of him.
“Hey Katy,” he said, his voice a silken caress that sent her heart spinning into freefall.
She flushed at the look he gave her, all smouldering brown eyes and hidden meanings. Why, oh why had she drunk so much wine? If ever there was a time she needed her wits about her, it was now.
“What are you doing here, Marc?” Sweet Jesus, she loved saying his name. And hated herself for it. She felt like a reformed addict about to take a flying leap off the sobriety wagon. She needed to stay strong.
Marc straightened and took a step toward her, running an nervous hand through his thick, wavy hair. “I didn't like the way we left things this morning, and after seeing you at the Elysium earlier, I just wanted to make sure...” He took a breath, gathering his thoughts. “I wanted you to know I'm not your enemy, Kate. It’s not you I’m mad at.”
“This morning was...difficult. We were both very upset,” she told him, generously taking her share of the blame. She wondered if he could hear the hammering of her heart in her chest. How could he not?
He flashed her a grateful smile. “There's one more thing I need you to know... I should have said it straight up this morning, before we–”
“No no no,” interrupted Kate, suddenly fearful of what he was about to say. “You don't have to– I mean, we don't know each other any more, Marc. Whatever you think you have to tell me–”
Marc reached out and pressed a finger to her lips. This time she was prepared for her body's reaction to his touch and managed not to flinch. “I'm not here to argue, Katy,” he admonished, gently but firmly. “All I wanted to say is that we'll work this out, whatever it is. I know you much better than you think I do, and I have faith in us. I've recently become a great believer in destiny.”
His smile was sweet enough to break her heart, if it wasn't already in a thousand pieces and clumsily wrapped up in several layers of duct tape. His finger fell away and the next moment his lips were lightly brushing hers; a fleeting kiss, almost chaste in its delivery, but communicating an untold wealt
h of emotion. He was hers, said the kiss, if she wanted him.
Kate knew she should say something, tell him to go away and never come back, but she didn't have the strength. All she could do was stare at his beautifully chiseled face and memorise every line and curve of his features, just in case she never saw him again. That would be the best outcome for everyone concerned, but the idea of it becoming a reality... Well, it would be no easier the second time around.
The cat in Kate's arms meowed loudly, bringing their brief détente to an end. Marc took a step backward and it felt like the sun had disappeared behind a cloud.
“I'll see you soon, Katy,” Marc assured her, a hint of promise in his voice. He turned abruptly and was gone.
Kate inhaled deeply and let her breath out slowly, relieved to have made it through the encounter relatively unscathed…and strangely disappointed for the same reason. Fool! she berated herself.
“Why does everyone keep telling me they'll see me soon?” she muttered as the sound of his footsteps receded. Forcing her legs to move, she crossed the landing and looked out over the balustrade to the foyer three floors below, hoping to catch a final glimpse of him before he headed out into the night.
“Don't I have any bloody say in the matter?” she asked the cat. “What if I don't want to see them?”
The tortoiseshell just rubbed its head against her cheek and purred.
After Marc left, Kate was too restless to settle to anything. She poured herself a glass of wine and took it into the living room where she leaned against the front picture window, watching the rain pattering down and puddling on the road outside. But instead of seeing the dreary London weather, she pictured the dry climes of East Africa. And Marc's face. Virtually every memory she had from that time contained Marc. And no matter how hard it had been, no matter how frightened or out of her depth she had felt, every memory was one she treasured.
Because of him.
It took very little imagination to picture the two of them working and laughing together, day after day, night after night. Pretending the future was something they actually had some control over. They had been good together, she thought wistfully, as a vivid memory came to mind, of the two of them, spattered with blood and near exhaustion, having been up all night treating a heavy influx of casualties.