The next day, Renny woke feeling as though he hadn't slept at all. How could he, when every thirty minutes he shot awake in panic, half-expecting someone to come for him? He had never truly rested, never dropped his guard, and so his sleep had been useless. Good thing he was a demon, he didn't rely on it much. Still, rest was always a welcome boost.
With a sigh, he got up and began preparing for his ushering duty that night. He was expected at the venue before noon for preparations. His mind drifted back to the same time last year, back when he'd been in this same apartment, dozing off until the welcome message woke him that night. He still couldn't fathom how much had happened since then. Now he wasn't just a demon; he was a royal demon.
He shook his head while fixing his tie. Hopefully, by next year, he'd be something greater than he was now. Insha'Allah, as the Muslims on Earth would say.
He called for a taxi, and within minutes, one pulled up to the curb.
The driver gave him a long, hard look as he slid into the back seat. Renny raised a brow, waiting for the man to start the engine. But the key never turned. The driver just kept staring, eyes full of something Renny recognized instantly.... hostility.
Renny shifted, frowning. "What's the problem?"
The driver's voice cracked with fury. "You killed him. My brother. For what?"
Renny leaned back, exhaling, the realization dawning. Of course. That. He rolled his eyes. "Your brother brought it on himself. All he had to do was stop the car when I told him. He refused. I had no choice."
The driver's teeth clenched. "You had a choice, Sir. The choice to follow simple instructions. But no... you had to be stubborn. And now you say what? You say you had no option?"
Renny's gaze hardened. "Look, I don't have time for this. If you want to join your brother, I've got no problem reuniting you both. Step out, and we settle it right now. Or…" he tapped the seat beside him, "you do your job, and drive me to the venue. The choice is yours."
The driver's glare lingered, but in the end, he turned away, shoved the key, and the engine roared to life. The taxi pulled into motion.
***
By the time the taxi pulled up, Renny stepped out and adjusted his suit. The sky had darkened, clouds gathering low... looked like it might rain by afternoon or later tonight. Just like the last inauguration. The consistency of it drew a faint smile from him, amused at the irony.
He paid the fare, the driver making the exchange as stiff and awkward as the ride itself. A sharp side-eye came with the change, and for a moment Renny wished the system would've handled this part for him, too. If they could stay so consistent about the weather, why not the payments? Now he had to waste contract points to cover the fare, his dwindling stash of dollars shrinking further. He didn't have much left to convert at the bank, and tomorrow's contract signing couldn't come fast enough.
Shaking it off, he walked to the entrance. The guards checked his ID, then waved him in. Inside, the venue buzzed with movement... demons already at their posts, preparing for the night's ceremony.
Then a voice rang out. "Oh yes, Renayo Ezraphor!"
He froze. His eyes followed the sound until they landed on her. Seraphine Velzira. Grade 5. She was waving him over, all charm and command.
A knot tightened in his chest. Renny exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. Of all demons… what is hell plotting tonight?
He straightened his tie, braced himself, and walked toward her.
Seraphine's eyes narrowed the moment he approached. "Well, look who finally decided to show up. On his own time." Her voice was velvet laced with thorns. "Tell me, Ezraphor, weren't you supposed to be here earlier?"
Renny glanced at his watch. 11:30. Only thirty minutes past eleven. His brow knit. "The ceremony doesn't start until tonight. Why's it a problem if I'm a little late? We've got hours."
Her smile was razor-thin. "Oh, so the association that told you to be here before nine… they're stupid, is that it?" She stepped closer, her presence pressing down like a weight. "Listen carefully, Ezraphor. You do as you're told. You don't act smart here. Not with me."
In his mind, Renny scoffed. Grumpy and uptight for someone repeating her grade. Figures. Out loud, he forced a nod. "Understood. Won't happen again." He exhaled slowly. "What's my duty?"
"Follow me," Seraphine said, turning sharply on her heel. She led him through the venue, her finger pointing like a general assigning posts. "You'll handle the curtains. Then the tables... clean and arrange them. Flowers, decorations, refreshments." Her gaze slid back to him, satisfied. "Since you thought you could stroll in late, you'll cover what others were supposed to do. Consider it discipline."
Renny pressed his tongue against his teeth, fighting back the retort itching to slip out. Instead, he rolled his sleeves and got to work.