Page 39 of Hell-Bound

I didn’t summon you!

Oh, but darling, you most certainly did.

Out! Now!

And with a chuckle, she felt a coldness and knew he’d left.

“You should really work on that.”

Jester pointed at the smoky substance lingering on her skin.

“Ughh. I don’t know why he does it!”

“Oh, that’s easy. He wants to make sure that you know that he’s watching. If he isn’t in your head, the smoke won’t appear. He has to get consent before accessing your thoughts,” he finished matter-of-factly.

“But I didn’tgiveconsent!” she ground out.

He looked thoughtful.

“Well, have you indulged in any sins lately? Greed? Gluttony…Lust?” he emphasized the last with a waggle of his eyebrows. “You know…the seven deadly sins?”

“I—of course not!”

“Weeeeeell, that would summon Azur. It’s like calling to him. But don’t worry, you can learn to control it. And anyway, if you ever want him to leave you alone, just sever the connection. He can’tspyon you.”

“She felt a bit of the tension leave her shoulders before turning her attention back to the letter.

“Ren,”it began.“I have sent Jester to accompany you into Castle Valdrock. He is very resourceful if a bit maddening at times. You can trust him as your objectives are aligned.

The contract you are searching for will likely be located in Wyvryn’s study and marked with my holy symbol,”

An example was drawn under the words. It was a splash of black paint, which evidently was supposed to be a face, yet it looked more monster than man, with two sinister horns emerging from its head.

“I have given Jester a set of magical lock pics that you’ll be able to use to infiltrate rooms even with the strongest of wards.Do not get caught.”

The last sentence was underlined several times.

“We discussed the risks of being discovered, but do not underestimate the wrath you will face if you disappoint me.”

It was signed.

His Lordship, most esteemed and handsome Devil of your dream, Azur Pelegros.

“Ridiculous,” Renata muttered.

As she lowered the letter, she saw a flash. Holding her hands up, she caught something.

“Apparently, you’re really good at being sneaky. Despite your pathetic display the other night.”

He showed her one of his playful grins.

She rolled her eyes, hiding her own grin as she looked down at the lock-picking kit.

“Yeah. apparently, I did it a lot…before.”

They both let the words hang in the air.

But Jester, never one to allow a moment to go by before a snide remark, broke the silence.