Page 73 of Galen

“For some, it very well might be.” Clara took a deep, calming breath. Anger rolled off her. Aimed toward her father, perhaps? “Is thereanythingyou can tell me that might help me track it down? Do you know who took it? What they looked like? This is of grave importance. The smallest detail could help.”

“Kyo?” Simon turned to him. “Can you watch the store for a bit?”

“Of course.”

Simon then looked at Clara. “There’s a break room in the back. If you have the time, I can make us some coffee and tell you all I know.”

Relief flooded her face. “That would be great.” Her gaze shifted to me. “I take it you’ll be coming too?”

I only stared at her.

Simon lightly nudged my ribs and whispered, “Be nice.”

“Iambeing nice. This is my nice face.”

He rolled his eyes before stepping out from behind the counter and ushering Clara down the hall. I followed behind them, eyes not leaving the witch. One wrong move and I’d have my blade at her throat.

“Have a seat,” Simon told her once we were in the room, motioning to the table. He filled the coffee machine with water, added scoops of coffee, then hit brew.

There were only two chairs, so I stood against the wall, arms crossed and gaze still on her.

Her eyes were on me too. They narrowed as she looked me up and down. “You a demon?”

Simon plopped down in the chair across from her, surprise written all over his face. The way she’d mentioned it so casually took him off guard.

“No,” I said, tone flat. “Quite the opposite.”

“Angel, then.” Clara folded her hands in front of her. “They can be just as bad.”

“Any being is capable of wickedness,” I said, my suspicion of her growing. “Angels are no exception. Though, I’m curious howyouknew that.”

“Let’s just say you’re not the first supernatural being I’ve met. I know all about angels, demons, vampires, reapers, all of it.” She focused on Simon. “At least you’re human.”

“Last I checked,” he said. I pressed my lips into a line to keep from smiling. His brow dipped in the center as he rested his arms on the table, becoming serious. “What can you tell us about the ring?”

“The ring.” Clara tilted her head. “So you opened the box.”

“Um.” Simon gave her a sheepish grin. “Well, it was kind of an accident. The lock popped open on its own.”

“Because the power contained inside wanted to be released. And it sensed your ignorance.” She rubbed at her temple, squeezing her eyes shut before opening them again. “When you opened the lid on that box, it was like a beacon for the creatures who seek it. No wonder it was stolen.”

I would wait to tell her that I was the one who stole it. I wanted information first.

“What is the ring’s purpose?” I asked.

“I don’t know for sure,” she answered. “All I know is something dark is attached to it. A power that was bound to it long ago. My grandmother warned me to never open the box.”

“Why was there warding against angels and demons?” I asked, stepping closer.

“And why should I tell you anything?” Clara cut her eyes at me. “You could be one of the monsters my grandmother warned me about.”

“Don’t test me, witch.” Anger flared in my veins, and a low growl rumbled in my chest. “Now answer the question.”

“Easy, big guy,” Simon said, placing his hand on my arm. Instantly, the anger subsided. He looked at Clara. “We’re just trying to understand. We know demons are after the ring, but we don’t know why.”

“How do I know I can trust you?” she asked.

“You can’t know for sure,” Simon responded. “But I hope that you do. I get the feeling we’re on the same side here.”