Vanir stomped out of the clubroom. He turned to slam the door, but his hand refused to move. Sensing his intent, the demon raised his hand and gently pushed, closing the door. This further annoyed Vanir, who spun around and headed straight for the Kharme Club. His footsteps echoed through the empty halls. Although he followed the three Heavenly Avians, he was willing to pray to Kharme, the Ascendant One, if it meant being freed from the demon possessing him.

“Don’t be mad, Vanir. The club members weren’t at fault for—”

“Not at fault? Those charlatans couldn’t perform even a single ritual,” Vanir argued, not wanting to be appeased by the same demon. He had cut classes for these visits, yet all three Avienery clubs didn’t know how to perform the banishing ritual.

“They’re students, not acolytes,” the demon explained. “Clubs serve as a gathering place for people with the same hobbies, the drive to improve comes naturally. The three Avienery clubs serve as an isolation for praying, not for training acolytes.”

Vanir viewed this approach as a failure. Clubs were supposed to be subsidiary classes one could attend to hone skills not covered by the main subjects—a place to improve, not to party.

“Who’s their instructor?” Vanir harrumphed. “I’ll ask him instead.”

“That would be Mr. Finchley, though he simply signed the papers and didn’t know any rituals. You have to visit a monastery—”

“NO,” Vanir responded vehemently. He didn’t have the patience to wait a whole weekday to end before he’d be allowed to leave beyond the academy walls.

Silence took hold once again, except for the footsteps. “If you want… you can ask the headmaster for help.”

“The headmaster?” Vanir narrowed his eyes. “He doesn’t strike me as a religious person.” His only impression of the headmaster was during the opening ceremony—enthusiastic and charismatic, but not spiritual.

“He isn’t, but…” the demon paused. “Just… ask for his help.”

Vanir didn’t trust the demon; it would never suggest its own demise. “You know the banishing is meant for you.”

“I know, but I’m not a demon, so it won’t work. But, I understand why you want me gone,” the demon slowly articulated. “I would be spooked too if a spirit suddenly hijacked my body. Though…”

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Vanir raised an eyebrow. “Though?”

“Well,” the demon paused. “I wouldn’t mind sharing my body if she’s nice and friendly.”

Vanir groaned. He wanted to massage his head but couldn’t. “How did this demon manage to possess me?” He turned and headed for the principal’s office. While he still didn’t trust the demon, he could simply ask and leave if it didn’t work. However, he would have to be careful with his words. He didn’t want to be labeled as possessed.

“Hey,” the demon pouted. “Just so you know, I’m a very, very amazing person.”

Vanir didn’t even try to argue. He just wanted the demon gone.

“Enter.”

The heavy wooden door groaned as it creaked open. As Vanir stepped into the headmaster’s office, his eyes were drawn to the wooden carvings—shelved sculptures, racks of bows and arrows, spears, wooden utensils, and various other artifacts. At the far end sat a large mahogany desk stacked with papers and books, and the headmaster.

“Greetings, Headmaster Endicott.”

“Greetings to you as well. I wasn’t expecting a visit from the young Cambern. Please have a seat,” the old man said, his gaze never leaving the document as his quill continued to move swiftly across it.

Vanir obliged and sat on the wooden couch, its hard surface uncomfortable against his back. The headmaster kept on writing despite his presence. He waited patiently, his foot tapping erratically on the stone floor until the headmaster stamped the paper.

“So,” he placed his quill on the ink bottle and faced Vanir, interlocking his fingers. “What brings the young Cambern into my office?”

Vanir crossed his arms. "It troubles me that Amity Academy has no personnel trained to deal with demons. Why is that?"

“If you’re worried about an invasion, your concerns are unfounded. We chose this island for this very purpose. Demons can never step foot on the Nesting Ground, made by the Heavenly Avians.”

“I see.” Vanir frowned. This lent credibility to its assertion of not being a demon. “If a demon possesses—items or humans—would they be able to enter a holy ground?”

“They won’t.”

This annoyed Vanir. He had planned to claim a pendant was possessed and have it banished—with him holding it. This, however, made the entity’s claim of not being a demon appear more credible.

“I see, apologies for the intrusion.”

The headmaster waved his hand dismissively. “If you have more questions, don’t be afraid to ask.”

“I will.” Vanir got up and headed for the door.

“Before you leave, young Cambern,” the headmaster said sternly, looking directly at him. “While demons can’t enter the holy ground, a vessel can.” Vanir turned to see the headmaster writing on a new paper. “If you hear even a whisper of temptation, refuse it. That’s how they take over a body, turning it into a vessel.”

When the headmaster didn’t speak further, Vanir said, “I’ll keep that in mind,” and left, returning to his class. The only thing on his mind then was how to rid himself of the demon quickly. As it turned out, he became its vessel, though only half of his body was affected.

‘So, what now?’ the demon asked innocently.

He didn’t answer, as he already started planning how to exit and enter the academy grounds without getting caught.