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Theodore groans, dropping his head into his hands.

“What do you mean, you are not a real priest?” I snarl.

“Iwas, but they kicked me out.” Benjamin shrugs, looking unconcerned.

“So you can’t…perform an exorcism?” Theodore asks.

“Even if I was still ordained, I don’t even know the whole rite. It has to be performed correctly, and by someone of ‘great faith’. In other words, not me.”

I cannot help but let out a low, savage scream and allow the black claws to reappear at the tips of my fingers.

“You filthy liar!”

“I tried to tell you!”

Theodore takes a step between us. “Ok, just settle down. Do you know anyone who would do itwithoutthe permission of a bishop or family, and without all the mental health tests? Under the table, I guess…”

“Not here,” Benjamin says. “I could try to make some calls, but…I’m not exactly in good standing with the church anymore. Not really in a place to ask for favors, especially ones that break rules.”

“Fuck!” Theodore snaps. I begin pacing the floor beside the window, Benjamin’s dark eyes following me closely.

“So…you’re a real demon?” he asks. “What’s Hell like? I’ve been told that’s where I’ll end up. It would be nice to get a sense of the place.” He is smirking, as if it is all a joke, and the rage in my chest burns even hotter.

“Your human mind cannot comprehend the horrors that await you,Father,” I say softly, flashing my pointed teeth.

He is, apparently, still unfazed, and shifts his gaze to Theodore. “So…what now? Can I go?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Am I allowed to ask questions about your…situation?”

“I guess so.”

“She seems to want an exorcism as badly as you do. What’s the deal? I thought demonswantedto stay inside their host as long as possible.”

“This ‘host’ is weak and cowardly,” I say, waving my hand at Theodore. “I cannot take hold of him, nor bend him to my will.”

He glares at me across the room. “I’m just…dealing with some shit, and I guess that makes it harder for her to take over my soul, or whatever. She wants out so she can go find another victim, and I want her out…for obvious reasons.”

“And you can’t just leave on your own?” Benjamin asks me.

“Not unless I have completed my mission, or if I am recalled by my masters in the Seventh Tower.”

“Ok, well…skipping right over what the fuck that is, what would make your mission complete? What do you have to do?”

“I must corrupt his soul so completely that it will never wash clean, by controlling his mind and body to make him commit the most heinous of sins.”

Benjamin actually laughs, but then his face grows serious when he looks at me. “Oh…for real? I mean…that all sounds super dramatic.”

“That’s just how she talks,” Theodore says, rolling his eyes. Benjamin grins, then sits up and claps his hands together.

“Ok, listen. I know this sounds completely insane, but…I want to help you,” he says to Theodore. “I’ll be honest, I’m interested. Even when I was clergy, I guess this was part of it that I just…didn’t really believe in. So, I’m willing to make the two of you a deal.”

“You are in no position to make bargains, Father!” I hiss, sweeping my clawed hand toward him. He gulps, but does not otherwise react.

“What deal?” Theodore asks.

“I’ll make those calls and try to get someone out here who could do your exorcism…under the table. But, until then, you let me crash here. I’ll give you back what’s left of the money I took too, as a sign of good faith.” He pulls a wad of human money from his pocket and holds it out.