Demon Hunters

By Darren Sloan

Zombies, monsters, and a misplaced Heaven. A decades spanning epic adventure with demons, angels and a guy with two really big guns. Jake Corba had a rough start in life. When he was an infant he lost his family in a tragic church fire, but what was most tragic was that the fire was caused when he was possessed by a powerful demon. Since then, he’s learned not only to depend on himself to survive, but to control the monster within his soul as well. He lives a desperate existence on his own, trusting no one, until a stranger known only as Ivar appears in his life, and a chain of events are set into motion which will put Jake to the ultimate test as he learns who he really is and finds his destiny as he fight to save not only his own life, but the lives of his friends and all of reality as we know it in the process. Jake first meets Ivar and in his first attempt to free himself of the demon, he learns the true meaning of his heritage and the value of knowing who he really is. Ten years later, Jake encounters the cult of The Reborn who seek to revive the sorceress who originally cursed the Corba family centuries earlier. As he fights to keep this evil from returning, he meets Gwen and finds something he never thought possible. Love. As he continues to thwart the dark forces that seek to destroy him, he finds himself entangled in a master plan set by two of his oldest enemies. A master plan that spans generations and takes him to the brink of his sanity, and the world to the very edge of destruction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darren Sloan
• Release date: Apr 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311373465

Book preview

Part 1

Chapter 1

In The Beginning

My name is Jake Corba and I spent my twenty-fifth birthday baking away along Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, California. I wasn’t homeless, as such, but it was a lot more pleasant for me to camp out along the street than be at home, which was nothing more than a glamorized roach motel which enjoyed frequent visits from bill collectors and repo men. My creditors had become aggressive in their attempts to squeeze the last bit of blood from my veins and I didn’t want to make their job easier by being a stationary target.

I sat along the street and begged for change when the mood struck me, but mostly I just sat there and thought. I tried to keep my thoughts away from the past. I realize many people reflect fondly on their histories, but I’ve never found any comfort in mine. I never could see any point in dredging up a painful life in order to figure out exactly where it all went wrong, when I already knew. I could pinpoint my first and biggest mistake to the day I was born.

I didn’t remember much about my parents, as they didn’t last very long. There was a fire in the church on the night of my baptism. A fire, I have come to understand, that I started after I was possessed by some otherworldly force. A demon to be exact.

A demon had infiltrated my small, fragile body and I was filled with its power. I didn’t know what I was doing and I don’t recall much of the experience, but apparently I caused the death of my parents and nearly every single soul in that church. That’s about all I can remember from my childhood. I have flashes of growing up, being tossed from one foster home to another. I didn’t have many good memories to hold onto so I never tried.

Over time, I learned to control the demon on my own. It became a part of me and I learned that I was a lot better off on my own than with any family. No one could possibly understand who I was or what I had become. The demon inside me gave me strength. It helped me to survive on the street.

I saw a wealthy looking woman approaching me on her way to one of the boutiques along the boulevard. I looked up and mumbled a request for some spare coins. I expected her to just walk by but to my surprise she stopped and dug out some coins from her purse. She dropped them into my backpack and hurried on her way. When I was sure she was out of earshot, I rifled through my bag and found the money; a couple quarters and a penny. I shoved the coins into my pocket to join the others I had collected that morning. I almost had enough for a small cup of coffee. Happy birthday to me.

The day dragged on. I sat and watched the usual parade of life pass by. I walked along the block and mingled with my fellow street people. Once you get past the crazy, they have some real interesting stories to share. As I was heading back to my usual spot, I stopped in my tracks. I could see him across the street.

There was a very weird looking dude who seemed to have gotten into the habit of stalking me. He was a big guy too. Built like a brick wall. I had seen him staring at me a couple times over the past few months. At first, I just thought he was a local. I’ve seen a lot of people more than once around here. It wasn’t that unusual, but when I realized every time I saw him, he was looking at me, I began to worry. His gaze was penetrating. It was as though he were expecting me to do a trick or something. I turned away from him. When I looked up, he was gone. I was rather surprised by my reaction. I’m not the kind of guy to scare easy. I wasn’t sure why this freak was making me feel so uneasy.

I decided then was as good a time to pack it in. I could feel my skin burning, but I didn’t mind. The demon inside of me helped to keep me healthy and well. Any wounds I suffered, it would heal. Any ailments I had, it would cure. The voices in my head were a small price to pay for that kind of coverage.

I could tell it was getting late. Nearly time to eat but I didn’t have enough to get anything. I went over to a nearby trashcan and did a quick scan of its contents in case someone had tossed some leftovers or a half full soda cup. Nothing, but I had a theory that I did have some stale potato chips in my pantry back at my dump. I grabbed my bag and threw it over my shoulder and headed down the street.

The next day I came out at my usual time and camped out as always. It was a bit cooler and I was able to stake a claim on some sidewalk that had some good shadow coverage. I sat just watching for a few minutes, but I got bored. I went to my bag and pulled out a pen and paper. I started to write. Nothing deep or profound. I would sometimes just write down what came into my head. I wasn’t always sure if it was coming from my head, of course, but that wasn’t the point. It also helped to have something to focus on other than myself. It really helped pass the time.

I was tearing through the pages for what seemed like only a few minutes, but when I finally came up for air, I saw three hours had passed. I felt my stomach begin to rumble loudly. The potato chips from last night weren’t quite as filling as I had hoped they’d be. I set the paper down and considered my options. It wasn’t even noon yet, and the foot traffic was unbearably light, so I didn’t have much more than the money I had collected yesterday. I double-checked my bag in case I missed something. I then decided to drown my hunger in my writing. I grabbed the paper and went back to my words.

The shade I had been luxuriating in for most of the morning was fading and I could feel the heat spreading. My forehead was moist with sweat. As I was starting a new line on the paper, I thought about taking a break to find a new spot when suddenly, the shade returned. I looked up and the brick wall freak was standing right over me. He had never gotten so close before. I could smell something coming off of him. Either his cologne or soap. It was subtle at first but soon it was all I could smell. Some sort of mix of animal musk and Old Spice.

Hello. His voice was like thunder. I snagged my bag and tried to slide away as slowly as possible.

Hi. I said.

Jake Corba? I felt a shock come over me. It had been so long since I had heard someone say my name. It almost seemed like hearing a foreign language. I wasn’t sure how to respond. I had made ducking creditors into an art form, but I wasn’t getting that kind of vibe from the guy.

Yeah. I said as I got to my feet. I began inching away, just in case.

It is you, isn’t it? He sounded relieved somehow. A smile, or what I thought was a smile, began to form on his lips.

It’s me all right. Do I know you?

My name is Ivar.

Ivar? Ivar what?

For now, just Ivar. I have come a long way to meet you, sir.

Sir?

I am what some might call a student of the universe. I have traveled the world studying from the greatest religious and Philosophical minds on Earth. Holy men from every corner of the globe.

Okay, that’s great. Your passport’s full. Congrats. Can I go?

I’ve come here to study from you. His tone was so sincere, I nearly believed him.

From me? In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a holy man. I don’t even go to church.

But you are a Corba.

Guilty.

The day you were to be baptized, you were taken by a demon that still dwells in your soul to this day.

How do you know that?

I have insight.

That’s great, I had thought he was creepy when he was just looking at me, but hearing what he had to say raised his creep factor by a million. By the look in his eyes, I could tell he really believed it all. I knew I had to get out of there and fast. This has been interesting, but I think I need to get home now. Bye. I said and turned away.

I took the long way home but as I was walking, I could sense someone behind me. I turned and saw that Ivar was following me. He wasn’t chasing me, but keeping pace with me. Clearly asking him to leave me alone wasn’t going to work. I turned a corner onto a small street a few blocks from my apartment and spun around to face Ivar as he approached.

What is your problem, man? I don’t want to talk to you! I don’t know how you know so much about my life, but it doesn’t impress me. Just leave me alone! I’ll go to the cops if I have to.

I realize how strange this may seem to you. I have come to learn from you because I feel my teachings have become limited. It doesn’t matter how many religious leaders and figures I speak with. They are just devices chosen to deliver a message, but you are as close to the very essence of the living energy of this universe as any living thing can get. You are not a representative of a higher spirituality. You are a part of it. You have experienced a higher plane of existence and became one with it. You have knowledge that I could never hope to attain. I want to know all I can learn from you. I want to know how you came to be and why and...

Hold on there, dude. You want to learn about me from when? When I was born?

That’s right.

Well, you know about as much as I do. After that church thing, it’s all a blank until my first day at my first foster family.

Surely, you have more information than that. Your soul is bonded to a demon. Your family has been hunted and persecuted by demons for centuries. You are a perfect example of the functionally cursed.

What are you talking about?

Don’t you know about your family?

No, I don’t. I never really cared to look into the whole family tree. Being stuck with the demon has been bad enough.

You don’t know the story?

Don’t know it. Don’t care to.

Come with me then. I will share with you what I have learned.

Thanks, but no thanks. I never knew my family, and that’s been a fine arrangement so far. They seem to be too much trouble. Especially if they’re cursed. This has been freaky and disturbing and I think you need to go. Now. I said and turned away from Ivar and continued on my way home.

Don’t you even want to know why you live under this curse? He barked at me as I got further from him.

Not interested!

Even if I can help you cure yourself. I stopped. The world stopped. His words echoed in my head. I had heard the word cure thrown around carelessly. Before I learned to control the demon, I tried to expel it. I talked to everyone I could about it. A few offered hope and promised they could save me, but they were all wrong. I decided it was better to just live with the damn thing and close the door on any hope of being cured. I wanted to turn back to Ivar and agree. I wanted him to show me some miraculous procedure or remedy that all the others had overlooked. The one silver bullet that would finally free me forever, but before I could utter a word, I remembered the disappointment I felt each time one of those saviors had let me down. I couldn’t do it again. I wouldn’t. I braced myself and continued on down the street without a word. I could hear Ivar behind me, begging me to come back, but I kept forward.

Chapter 2

Ivar’s Story

I reached my apartment house. It was one of the few true dumps that could be found within my zip code. The buildings on either side of mine were pristine and fresh, as though they had been built the day before. Stuck between them was my home. The tiles on the roof were cracked. The paint was faded and worn. The security door, if it could be called that, was intact save for the lock. It looked condemned, but the no vacancy sign on the front assured those who walked by that people did live there occasionally.

I pushed the door open and walked into the courtyard. It was even worse on the inside. The pool water was black and bubbling. There were a couple of deck chairs next to it. They were broken with rusty hinges and sharp edges.

I breezed by to my unit and shoved my key in and pushed the door open. I had grown accustomed to the smell but once in a while it would sneak up on me. I felt it burn in my nose as I forced the door shut. I headed to my bedroom. The stink was less intense in there. I only had a mattress and a small black and white television, complete with wire hanger antennae. I threw my bag onto the floor and flopped onto my mattress. I cursed Ivar a bit for ruining my usual daily routine. I considered just going back later, after I was sure Ivar had gone to his cave, or wherever he lived. I sat up and crawled over to the television. I switched it on and after some fiddling with the antennae; I managed to get a clear signal. It was some news program. I thought of changing the channel but I didn’t want to deal with the antennae any longer so I left it where it was. I tried to absorb what was being said, but I couldn’t get my head calm. Talking to Ivar had riled something up inside of me and I didn’t like it. Just as I was finally beginning to calm down, I heard a loud knock come from my front door. I still had the receipt for the money order I used to pay my rent with. I fished through a pile of papers and retrieved it. Mr. Ochmulan used to pull scams on me, claiming I missed my rent and suckering me out of an extra payment, but I was ready.

I stomped over to the door and pulled it open, but instead of my landlord, I saw Ivar standing before me.

How did you find me?

I told you.

Right. Insights. I thought I made myself clear.

Just let me have fifteen minutes. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you must. I thought for a moment. I figured if a guy were willing to stake me out for months and somehow follow me home like Ivar did, he would be willing to do it again.

Fifteen minutes. I stepped aside. As Ivar walked over the threshold, he clasped his hand over his nose and looked around in disbelief. The carpet was black with filth. The furniture, what little could be found, was broken and in shambles. The kitchen was bare and garbage was piled against the walls.

You live in this?

It’s just a place where I eat, shit and sleep. It’s not like a home or anything.

Is there someplace I could sit?

Given your reaction, you may just want to stand. I slid back into a large leather chair. The one good piece of furniture I had which had been left behind by the previous tenant.

Very well. Ivar said.

So tell me about my family, Ivar stood before me, clearly feeling awkward and weird. He tried to remove his hand from his nose, but it was no use. The stench was too powerful for him. Here, I went to the kitchen and came back with a can of air freshener. It’s not much, but it may help. I resumed my seat. Ivar sprayed and finally took his hand away from his face.

Better. Now, as I was trying to tell you, the Corba family exists under a curse. A powerful witch leveled the curse upon your ancestor, Jericho Corba. Morgan Sanguine was a powerful sorceress who had struck a bargain with the Devil himself. She was to marry Jericho and in doing so, she would be able to deliver Earth to the devil and turn it into a new level of Hell. Jericho discovered her true intent and refused to marry her. Morgan was then condemned back to Hell where she would suffer for her failure, but before she was taken, she cursed Jericho and his family. From that day on, Jericho and his descendants were doomed to be hunted and victimized by the dark side. Demons and all sorts of malevolent creatures were set upon the destruction of the Corba family. Ivar stopped for a moment and looked down at me. I tried to hold back a laugh. I couldn’t believe how serious he was being about it. Witches? Deals with the Devil? I was tempted to kick him out, but then I realized it might get even better.

You don’t believe me. The smirk on my face must have been a dead giveaway.

No, I do. I’m possessed. How could I not believe you? It’s just you’re really into all this, aren’t you?

I’m not finished.

Oh! Then please. Go on.

For a long time, the Corba family ran from this curse, but it always found them. In the eighteenth century, Jeremiah Corba decided to stop running. He traveled the world learning the ancient art of demon hunting. He mastered every known form of combat and went out to face the threat to his family straight on. For the first time in centuries, the Corbas fought back. Jeremiah’s methods carried on from generation to generation until the Corba family was one of the most renowned demon hunting families in history.

Okay. Nice fairy tale. Can we skip to the happily ever after now?

Which brings us to you.

Me?

Yes. You are the first Corba to be possessed by a demon. This could be seen as an escalation in the war between demons and the Corbas. They have made you into your own worst enemy.

It’s been ten minutes. You have time for one more story, or a song, if you prefer? Ivar looked at me with dead eyes.

I’m sorry, He said and headed toward the door. I see I’m just wasting your time and mine. You have no interest in learning about your heritage or who you really are. It’s clear you’re much happier mucking about like some sick pig in his sty. I bolted up from my chair.

Hey! I didn’t ask you to come in with this! Growing up with this monster in me was a living Hell and by some miracle, I managed to cobble together something of a life for myself. It’s not the best, but I have it under control. The demon’s been quiet for a few years now and it’s been cool, now suddenly you show up looking to kick up all this dust all over again! I was fine not knowing any of this shit!

You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t bother you again. And thank you.

For what?

For the invaluable lesson you have taught me.

What’s that?

Enlightenment doesn’t always fall upon those who deserve it. Sometimes it’s just wasted. Good bye.

The next few days passed easily. I went about my usual routine. I didn’t see Ivar anymore. I was able to slip into my old ways and banish away any memories of what he told me. I even managed to earn enough money by the end of the week to afford to get a real dinner. I’d have to skip on the tip, but I didn’t care. I hadn’t eaten a decent meal in months.

There was a fast food joint along the boulevard that was a step above the typical fried food crap. It was a nice little shop. Clean and cool with pretty modern music playing over their speakers. It was good because for a small price, I could get a lot of food. I determined I would save the money to get dinner on Friday night. It just felt like a Friday night thing to me. A little treat to ease the pain of the week away.

As the sun got lower in the sky that Friday, my stomach began doing somersaults. It knew food was on the way and I could barely keep from slobbering. My hands were shaking as I approached the store. I pulled the glass doors open and I could see the look on the cashier’s face as I walked in. Her nose screwed up as though she just got a whiff of some bad cheese. I sauntered up to the counter as confident as I could and placed my hands upon it.

What do you want?

Look, honey. I got money today. Okay?

Fine. What’ll it be?

I’ll have a number two meal, please. With a forced smile, the cashier looked down at her register and typed in my order.

That’ll be six fifty two.

I flipped my bag around and opened it up. I sifted through my crap for my little nest egg but I couldn’t find it. Panic ripped through me and my stomach fell a bit. I searched faster, but it wasn’t there. Suddenly, relief came over me as I realized I put the money in the smaller front pocket. I zipped the bag closed and went on to the extra pocket. I pulled it open but found nothing but a hole in the cheap vinyl. My blood froze.

Sir?

Hold on! I barked as I searched every inch of the pocket. My finger stumbled on something and I quickly plucked out a shiny quarter. Here! The cashier examined the coin closely.

That’s fine, sir. Your balance is now six twenty seven.

Look, I had the money. I did!

Do you have the money now?

No, but...

Next! The cashier said and the kid behind me slid around me and she began taking his order. I stepped back. I felt my head growing lighter. I looked to the floor. I saw a penny outside the door. I lunged for it. As I pocketed it, I saw another coin a few feet away. Soon I was half way down the block picking up fallen money along the path I came. I had found all the coins and the single. I was still missing the five-dollar bill. I saw a small child picking up a bill off the ground. My brain snapped all of a sudden and I charged forward.

Stop! I screamed as I flew forward and tackled the child. I saw the five land on the ground. I reached for it, but I felt hands grabbing at me. I struggled against their pull to get closer to my treasure, but I saw the bill slipping away and I looked up and two officers were coming upon me. They grabbed me and pushed me up against a nearby wall. I felt the cuffs slap on and they shoved me into their cruiser.

Once we got to the police station, the arresting officer led me inside to the booking office. Cops were taking statements and fingerprints and there was a large line of people waiting to be processed. I saw a small room off to the side and I could see that was where they took mug shots. The officer took me to a desk in the back and sat me down. He came around me and slid behind the desk. He flipped on his computer and started typing quickly. I looked around and felt a sinking feeling come over me. Most of the people they had in custody looked to have gotten the short end of the stick when it came to life. Most of them looked to be fresh out of all kinds of different rehab. One crack whore in particular struck me as she had stringy blonde hair, pale skin and was missing at least four of her front teeth.

Name. The cop said all of a sudden. I turned to face him and I heard the jingle of my cuffs.

Jake Corba.

Hmmm.

What?

You’re not in the system.

I’ve never been arrested before.

Honestly? That surprises me.

Yeah. Me too.

So. What happened?

I know it looks bad, but it’s really very simple. I had been saving to get something decent to eat, but I discovered I had a hole in my bag. I was retracing my steps to get the money back and that kid was just then picking up the five dollar bill.

And that’s when you dog piled on her.

I just snapped. I wasn’t thinking. I was just so hungry. I haven’t eaten real food in months. I didn’t hurt her, did I?

She’s fine, but her mother is fit to be tied.

You think she’ll press charges?

I’d be amazed if she doesn’t sue your ass off.

I don’t have anything!

Easy. I’ll talk with her and see if I can sway her. Suddenly I heard some kind of excitement behind me. I looked over and saw the child’s mother storming in.

There! There he is! She had sandy blonde hair and was wrapped in expensive looking threads. I really noticed the large rock on her wedding finger. She came up and towered over me with a threatening glare. I don’t know what kind of man just attacks an innocent little girl right there on the street, but I will make sure you never see the light of day again! Do you understand me?

Ma’am? Please. If you would, please wait behind the desk. I’ll come for you when I’m ready for your statement.

I’ll give it to you now! This man attacked my precious daughter right before my eyes. He was probably high on crack or Meth or whatever they call it.

It wasn’t like that. I was just... I began, but before I could say another word, I felt her ice cold hand slam across my face.

Ma’am! I said wait over there! Unless you want to share a cell with Mr. Corba.

Oh. He has a name? Are you sure it’s real?

Please, Ma’am. Just let me do my job.

Fine. She then turned on her heel and went back to where her daughter was waiting at the other side of the room.

Sorry. The cop sat back down.

It’s fine. Suddenly a scream broke out. I turned and some large behemoth in a leather vest was banging around. He was swiping away cops as fast as they could hit him. Everyone began screaming and running to get away while the police all pulled out their guns and swarmed around. I had seen him when we first came in. He looked like some kind of biker. He seemed docile at the time, but something had stirred him up.

More uniforms came rushing in yelling at him to calm down. One cop rushed him but the brute grabbed him and tossed him aside. Apparently, he also managed to lift the cop’s gun, because he held it out and sent everyone back. I saw the kid and mom close behind him, huddled in the corner. The biker turned and quickly grabbed the little girl and pressed the gun to her head.

One more step and the girl loses her head. He dragged her back as he distanced himself from the crowd of police. I was still in my chair, cuffed. He was making his way toward me. I wasn’t sure if he had not seen me or just thought I was no threat. I saw the kid’s mom’s face. She may have been an ice-cold bitch to me, but seeing her kid held at gunpoint was tearing her up. I’m not sure why I cared, but I suddenly felt morally obligated to do something.

Just as the crazed biker got within reach, I leapt up and threw my arms over his head and pulled the cuffs against his throat hard. He flailed quickly and the girl broke free. She streaked back to her mother just as the big dude bucked me off. I flew back and hit the wall hard. He still had the gun and was stomping toward me. He raised it up, but before he could shoot, the cops were on him. Once they had him subdued, everything slowly shifted to normal. I sat back down as the cop returned.

Good moves. He said approvingly.

Thanks. Instinct, I guess.

Officer? The mom said from behind.

Yes?

I, uh, I wanted to thank Mr. Corba. For saving Katy.

No problem. I guess I owed her.

It was very brave of you. Thank you.

Sure.

After processing, I was escorted to a holding cell. It was dark and the floor was gray and cold. I could hear the coughs and whispers of the other inmates in the other cells. Mine was rather empty. Only two other guys were there. One was asleep on one of the benches and the other was a crazy looking freak with long, wild black hair. He sat in the corner with his arms wrapped around himself, as though he were trying to hold in all his crazy. The fluorescent lights above seemed to augment the dingy pipes and chipped green paint on the walls. I found a spot far from both of my cellmates and waited. I wasn’t sure what I was waiting for, but I waited. The longhaired guy kept staring at me.

Hours bled into each other. I began to think about my situation and I was starting to think I wasn’t in such a bad place. I had a roof over my head and they had to feed us. I was sure it wasn’t four-star cuisine, but it was better than nothing. Finally, the cop who processed me returned.

Corba?

Yes?

It’s your lucky day. The mom’s decided to drop the charges.

What?

She figures she owes you a good turn for saving her kid. I’ll get the papers moving right away.

Wait!

What?

I just, I was hoping that I’d be here long enough to get fed at least. I said, feeling stupid for even uttering the thought. The cop looked at me thoughtfully.

Well, we feed you guys at eight, usually. I guess it’ll take me until at least eight thirty to get the papers through.

Thanks.

Sure. I took my seat back but was startled to find the longhaired freak right next to me. I didn’t even hear him move.

Corba? His voice was raspy and weird. His eyes were wide and crazed. I felt my skin growing cold just sitting next to him.

Yes.

What an interesting name.

What’s yours? His eyes were wild as they looked upon me. It felt like he was appraising me, or something.

Sam Abaddon.

Nice to meet you, Sam."

Likewise. Your name carries quite a history. The cold in my blood intensified.

You know about my family?

Of course! I am what some would call a student of the black arts. I have spent the better part of my life studying magic and mysticism and anyone in that world knows of the Corba family. Demon hunters. But I sense something more in you. You’ve got a power that’s literally bubbling to the top. You are special.

Thanks. I’m going to sit over there for a while, okay? I flung myself from my seat and found a quiet spot at the other end of the cell. Sam was close behind.

Don’t misunderstand my interest, please. It’s just that when I find someone who could be such a powerful force, I feel it’s my duty to help nurture that talent.

I’m not looking for a teacher or anything, okay? I said. Sam’s hand grabbed my arm. A heat rose up through me and as quickly as that, Sam fell back. He looked up at me with amazement in his eyes. He smiled quickly and leapt back up to me.

A demon! You host a demon in your soul!

Yes. I do. I’ve learned to control it, so just shut up about it.

You don’t understand. You have within you a power you can’t begin to imagine.

Trust me. I can.

This is wonderful. Sam began ogling me like some sort of prize. I got up and walked to the middle of the cell.

Look, man, I don’t really care about the demon in me. I don’t care about magic or whatever. I’m just trying to live my life. If it’s all the same to you, I just want to wait for my dinner and get out of here.

Has anyone talked to you about this?

Some guy. Freak like you. Ivar.

Ivar.

Of course you know him. Crazy knows crazy.

Ivar and I have traveled in the same spheres, yes, but he and I are vastly different. He languishes in the past. I can show you a way to use the demon inside of you to make your life better now. You want food? Shelter? You can have it all! More in fact! The key is within you, Jake. Like a genie in a bottle. You just need to release it.

If I could do that, I would have done it years ago.

You can’t do it, but I could, He had my attention. I can release the demon from you. I can also help you use the demon’s powers to make your life better. No more struggling to survive day to day. I can feel the pain coming through you even now. You have been down so long, you can’t even imagine a better world, but I can help you. I still had my doubts.

Prove it.

What?

You say you study this stuff and you can do this for me. Prove it. Sam stood up and paced around the cell, his crazy eyes glued to me. His look was almost accusing, as though I had pulled the curtain away only to expose the trembling weak fool hiding behind his powerful boasts. He suddenly sprang forward and grabbed my arm. He dragged me to the floor and held my arm down upon it.

Proof? You need proof of my power? His voice was trembling. He held up one of his fingers to me and I could see he had grown his nail out and filed it to a sharp point. With a sick grin on his mouth, he stabbed into his own hand. Here’s your proof. I looked down and saw his wound was deep and blood was seeping out. His fingernail was covered in it and he dripped a few drops on the floor. He forced my hand over the blood and guided it around in a circular motion. He began to mumble something under his breath. Suddenly, fire burst up from the blood. I looked down at the small flame while I felt Sam’s eyes on me. He began laughing. He held his hand out over the flame and he began slowly waving his hand over the fire and with every pass, it grew larger and brighter. I sat back and watched as he teased the flame higher until finally he balled his fist up and as he did, the fire died. He looked over to me waiting for a reaction.

I had dreamt so long of abandoning the demon, but after so many years, I had given up. I had been waiting for so long to find someone who could save me once and for all. It didn’t fill me with too much confidence that I finally found that person in a jail cell, but I wasn’t going to be picky.

Chapter 3

Sam’s Story

When dinner came, I sat down with Sam and he told me about his life. It seemed we had a lot more in common than I thought. We were both orphaned at a young age. Just like me, he was tossed from foster home to foster home. He never had many friends and retreated to his books. He discovered his talent for magic