The bar looked grungy from the outside, but somehow the inside was even worse. Dim lighting only did so much to hide the dirty walls, chipped tables and torn vinyl seats. Half-dead neon signs advertising long-extinct beer companies dotted the walls, mostly over places where it looked like someone had taken out their aggression on the plaster.

Only a few of the bar’s patrons looked up when Kyle entered. He suspected most of these people were regulars, and surprised to see someone new, but no one seemed to be able to tear their attention away from their drink for more than a moment. Fine by him. He was here with only one goal in mind: to get drunk.

Or that had been his intent, at least until his gaze landed on the man sitting at the far end of the bar, head buried in his hands. At first glance, he looked just like any of the other glum alcoholics out for a mid-afternoon pint, but a second glance was much more revealing.

He suddenly understood how a Reaper they once had met felt when he’d first seen Kyle and Ryka. When you knew what to look for, seeing a host and parasite was like looking at two people taking up the same space. There was the man hunched over the counter, obviously exhausted, and in the same place, there was the ghostly outline of the demon, wings folded and tail twitching on the dirty floor. Even looking in the mirror and seeing the hazy image of Ryka’s demonic traits didn’t make his head ache like this.

Kyle hadn’t meant to stare, but Ryka was keeping their gaze locked on the pair. Well, shit. I thought we were the only ones.

The other man, or more likely his parasite, finally felt their gaze. Just as Kyle suspected he’d done, the man did a double-take, eyes going wide when he realized who’d been watching him. “Do we need to worry?”

I don’t think so. I’m at least a little stronger, and I think they’re here for the same reason we were: to get shit-faced.

With that assurance, Kyle started toward the two. He sat down at the bar, leaving an empty stool between them. Up close, the man looked even more tired than he had at a distance. His eyes were bloodshot and the heavy dark bags under them looked like bruises. “Hey,” Kyle greeted.

“Hi.” Well, Kyle assumed that’s what he meant to say. He mouthed the word, but no sound came out. And there was no hiding the blatant shock on the man’s face.

“I’m Kyle.”

Fully expecting it, Kyle managed not to react when Ryka introduced himself. “And I’m Ryka.”

“Ichiro,” the host replied, this time managing to eke out actual words. “And Hara.”

Not having met any other host/parasite pairs, and only having been told what little Ryka knew, Kyle didn’t even know how surprising it should have been for the other two that Ryka was able to talk through his host. Or maybe it was just that Kyle seemed so relaxed. Ichiro was very much on-edge. Kyle certainly remembered the feeling.

“Can I buy you a drink?” Kyle offered.

This wasn’t as easy a question as Kyle had hoped. Hara seemed to have an opinion that Ichiro didn’t agree with, at least based on the way Ichiro grimaced, brows furrowed. Suddenly, Kyle realized how it must have been for Adam, watching as Kyle had carried on conversations with Ryka.

“It doesn’t have to be here. Our hotel is close by. We could go there.” Kyle wasn’t sure it was a helpful suggestion, but the more time he spent sober in this bar, the less he actually wanted to linger there. It really was quite disgusting.

“We’re just nosy,” Ryka added. To Kyle, he added, I think Hara thinks I want to hurt them.

If that was the case, Kyle suspected Ryka’s reassurance wouldn’t mean much. But it wasn’t just Kyle he couldn’t lie to, and both Hara and Ichiro knew this. “We’ll go,” Ichiro conceded at last. “I … we have some things we’d like to ask, too.”

Ichiro paid his tab and followed Kyle back out into the street. Kyle hadn’t even touched anything in the bar, and he still felt grimy. It was nice to be back outside. “How long has Hara been with you?” It seemed like a safe enough question.

Answering looked like it caused Ichiro physical pain. “Six months,” he muttered. “And you and Ryka? How long?”

“Um, let’s see. It was forty-three years last month. Right, Ry?”

You got it, stud.

That stopped Ichiro in his tracks. “How long?” he breathed.

Kyle turned back around to face him. “Forty-three years.”

“How?” was all Ichiro could manage.

“Let’s get to the hotel. We don’t want to talk too much out here.” There weren’t many people on the street, and no one was paying them any attention, but it wasn’t worth the risk.

Somehow, this was the push Ichiro needed. He was no longer plodding along behind Kyle, but eagerly keeping pace. Big-eyed, Ichiro gaped when they entered the hotel. First in the opulent lobby, and again in Kyle and Ryka’s room, one of the most expensive suites in the city. Ryka liked room to stretch, and Kyle liked to make sure he had it.

“Come on in.” Kyle ushered his guests inside, and immediately headed for the bar. Luckily, it had been restocked in their absence, and he produced two beers from the fridge there. He was also quite thankful housekeeping had been by – it no longer looked like a tornado had ripped through the room.

Ichiro gratefully accepted the proffered beverage and sat down on one of the couches. Kyle plopped down on one opposite him and cracked his beer, taking a generous swig. “That’s better. So, you have questions, too?”

“Yes. Fort-three years? How have you made it that long?”

“Financially? By cheating casinos. Or the occasional security gig.” Kyle had finally been trained out of trying to minimize his height. Years of Ryka pulling back his shoulders and lifting his chin had done wonders for his posture. And his self-confidence. It also made him an intimidating presence. Finding under-the-table work as a bouncer or bodyguard was a simple matter of showing up and glowering. He’d always been hired on the spot. And his passenger always made sure he did his job well.

“But in general? By keeping a low profile. Well, this isn’t exactly subtle, but not getting caught is what I guess I’m trying to say. Same goes for feeding Ryka. We just try to stay out of the news.” The aftermath of Ryka’s feedings sometimes made headlines, but they were usually safely gone by then.

“No. I mean, don’t you hate each other?”

Now Kyle was the one in shock, and he could feel Ryka bristle at the question. “Hate? No, not at all.”

“Did you ask for this?” Ichiro inquired. In the better lighting, it was clear just how exhausted he was. Kyle was wondering if he’d gotten a decent night’s sleep since becoming Hara’s host. He recalled long nights early on, at hardly being able to tolerate his own reflection for how corpse-like he had appeared. If he looked tired now, it was for very different reasons.

“Of course not, but-”

“Then how do you not hate him?”

In the many decades they had been together, Kyle couldn’t think of a time he’d truly hated Ryka. Sure, he’d been angry, annoyed and embarrassed, but that was par for the course in most relationships. “I, I just don’t. We get along.”

Really well. This with a flirty mental grin.

“You hate Hara?” Kyle asked.

Ichiro gave a small nod. “I … I was separating from my wife. I had hoped to be able to reconcile. She was willing to talk. Then I had what I thought was a dream, and became his host. I can’t go home. I told her I had to leave, and now she won’t talk to me at all. I haven’t spoken to anyone else in my family, except to tell them I was leaving and not coming back. I’m alone now.”

“I’m so sorry.” That had all obviously been devastating for Ichiro. But to say he was alone – how cruel.

That’s not even all of it. I don’t think Hara’s very comfortable in that body. They’re missing something, and their host doesn’t know. Or care to.

Kyle badly wanted an explanation, but it seemed rude to ask with them sitting right there. Besides, Ichiro was still questioning him. “What did you lose?”

“I mean, I had to say good-bye to my family. But we were all kind of off doing our own things anyhow. And a good friend left, eventually. That wasn’t easy.” Which is wh he avoided thinking or talking about it, but decades had taken out some of the sting. “But, I’d just gotten out of a bad relationship when Ryka came to me. I was lonely then. I haven’t been since.”

It seemed to take a moment for Ichiro to take his meaning. “You mean ….?”

“I love Ryka. He loves me.” His whole body buzzed with Ryka’s purr, and Kyle knew he was smiling like an idiot.

At that, Ichiro clutched his head and keeled forward. Obviously, Hara was through being a passenger and wanted a chance to say their piece. Some sort of argument followed, which ended with Ichiro’s stern “No, I will not.”

Although it was very clear Ichiro and Hara barely had a working relationship, Kyle still felt like he was intruding when he suggested that Ichiro summon his parasite. “I think Ryka would like to talk to Hara. It’s safe here,” Kyle assured him

Ichiro didn’t seem to agree, and from the pained expression he wore, Hara was continuing to argue, and possibly starting to retaliate.

Let me out, stud.

“Please be nice,” Kyle mumbled.

I will. I promise.

Whatever disagreement was happening across from him stopped when Kyle stood and pulled off his shirt. Only a little self-conscious, he shifted his pants lower on his hips.

Ryka wasted no time – the transformation was over in the blink of an eye. Growling quietly, he fully stretched his wings before shaking them out and folding them behind his back.

“You … you don’t need to be summoned?” Ichiro asked, aghast.

“Not for a long time, no.” Ryka closed the distance between them in one step. “But Hara does, so go on.”

Ichiro just gaped at Ryka. Somehow, even faced with another demon, he was still hesitating. Patience had never been Ryka’s strong suit, and what little he had was wearing thin. He snarled out something in the language shared between Heaven and Hell. Kyle only knew a few words, and would have been more than a little jealous to hear any of them now. Since it was, so to speak, Ryka’s native tongue, it was what he resorted to in the throes of passion.

This time, he was obviously just trying to converse with Hara without Ichiro’s interference. There was no reply, but that didn’t seem to matter.

With a full-throated growl that rumbled up from the floor, Ryka loomed over the other host, mantling his wings and covering them in a low flame. Teeth bared, he shot out a hand and closed it around the man’s throat. Not too tightly, though.

Still, it took until Ichiro felt claws digging in for him to finally panic and speak the words of summoning. Ryka stepped back, and Kyle was worried there would be a fight. But Hara just sighed and ripped off the remaining shreds of Ichiro’s shirt. “Thanks,” they muttered. “This fucking asshole ….”

Ryka said nothing, but picked up the beer Kyle had started and polished it off. No point in wasting perfectly good alcohol.

Once Hara had thoroughly stretched – Ryka correctly assumed they hadn’t been summoned that much since making his contract – Hara was able to focus on the other demon. “So, the rumors are true, huh?”

“Rumors?” Ryka had a strong suspicion he knew exactly what was being said back home, but confirmation wouldn’t hurt.

“About you and your host.”

“How fucking slow is it in Hell right now? There’s nothing else to talk about?”

Hara raised an eyebrow. Kyle thought they were quite attractive, with wings that faded from black to rust and scruffy dark hair. Ichiro was going to need a haircut – his had been cropped close. Small black horns just barely poked out from those messy waves, and Hara’s tail, black with a barb that matched the reddish hue of their wings, hung relaxed behind them. “No pair has ever lasted even close to that long. The longest before you two was what? A year? Maybe two? Average is where me and this dipshit are now.”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“And what are they saying about us?” Ryka didn’t seem angry, just curious. He made his way over to the bar, grabbed another drink for himself and nodded toward the bottle sweating in Hara’s hand.

Hara chugged their beer before answering. “Just what your host already said – you love each other. Some laughed at first, but now that you’ve made it this far, they’re just curious to see how much longer you’ll go.”

“Until we’re called back. Hopefully a long time from now. This is too good to give up,” he remarked, tossing Hara another bottle.

“I will miss this.” They drained the second beer just as quickly as the first, and Ryka grabbed a third round for them both. “But I don’t think I’ll be enjoying it much longer. This one’s about ready to do himself in. Miserable bastard.”

“Cuz you’re having so much fun, right?”

At that, Hara’s shoulders slumped. “You can tell?”

“It was off, seeing you both at once. You don’t fit together.”

“I don’t fit. I’m only half in this body. I’m sure there’s still fun to be had, but since we’re not having it, I’d rather my own body back. End this.” Even not quite understanding what Hara was getting at, Kyle found he still felt bad for them. And sympathy may not have been Ryka’s strong suit, but this triggered an adjacent emotion.

“We can help.” On the wall behind him, Ryka’s shadow grinned before opening his mouth wide, belching heat into the room.

“I might take you up on that.” With a sigh, Hara finally dropped onto the couch, wings hanging over the back. “Was it always easy for you?”

Kyle knew what his answer would be, but was curious to hear Ryka’s. “Easy? No, but it wasn’t a struggle either. Well, except for getting this idiot to realize how he felt.” Somehow, he made “idiot” sound like a term of endearment. “And he’s gotten used to making sure I stay well fed.”

“How? This one’s squeamish.”

“I make it worth his while,” Ryka answered with a lascivious grin.

Interest piqued, Hara inquired, “And how does that work?”

“I think you do have to actually trust each other, but you can give up control. Say, of just your hands.” Hara certainly looked intrigued. “I don’t think Master would be willing to give a demonstration. Besides, it would just look like I’m jerking off.”

“So you do call him that, huh?” It was a casual question, and Hara went so far as to flatten their wings and look away when asking, just to make it perfectly clear they weren’t looking for an argument.

Still, Ryka let out a low rumble. “Problem?”

“No,” Hara answered quickly. “Fuck it. Whatever you’re doing works. Don’t think it will work for the rest of us, but ….” Appeased, Ryka took a sip of his beer. Hara did the same before continuing, “So, you’d be willing to help? That is, if this one doesn’t immediately throw himself off the balcony here?”

“Sure. I can’t guarantee you won’t get in trouble, but I guess this wouldn’t be going much earlier anyhow, huh? Not if he’s that desperate to end it.”

“Mm.” Hara finished their drink. “Well, since you’re willing to do me a favor, maybe I could do one for you?” The smirk they had been wearing transformed into a lascivious grin.

“Oh?”

Grinning even bigger, Hara crooked a finger and licked their lips. “Well then.” Ryka quickly emptied his drink and tossed the bottle back over his shoulder. He resumed his position in front of the couch, and Hara eagerly scooted forward, reaching up to unzip what were actually Kyle’s pants.

Whoa! Hold on! I don’t think so, Ry.

“What, stud? You said to be nice.”

Too nice, this is too nice!

“But it would be rude to say ‘no.’” Now those pants were down around Ryka’s ankles, and Ryka had Hara by the horns and was pulling them closer to his crotch. Chuckling, Ryka looked down and met Hara’s hungry stare.

Rude? Kyle’s rant dissolved into unintelligible sputtering.

“Is yours freaking out?” Hara asked, preparing to rid Ryka of the next layer of clothing.

“Oddly, yes. Yours?”

“Complete meltdown. He’s definitely jumping when I give him control back.”

A bit too cruelly, Ryka laughed. “If I want to keep it so mine doesn’t actually hate me, I should decline. Fuck these pants, though.” He stepped out of the jeans and kicked them aside.

Thank you, dear.

“Can’t believe I’m turning down a blow job.”

“You must really like him.” Not remotely bothered that their offer had been declined, Hara leaned back and resumed work on their beer. “It’s going to hurt to end this, isn’t it?”

“Most definitely. But not necessarily for long, depending on how you do it. Or how he does it.”

“I know we’re made to feel their pain to give us some incentive to keep them alive, but it’s not enough. Not in this case.”

Ryka scoffed. “The pain’s not so bad. Not most of it, anyhow.” If he could have, Kyle would have rolled his eyes. Ryka didn’t like it when Kyle was in pain, certainly. But as much as he liked dishing it out, the demon was a bit of a masochist as well. He had once told Kyle that in their dreams, he couldn’t be hurt. What he had meant, Kyle quickly learned, was that he didn’t mind being hurt.

In Hell, demons couldn’t feel any pain, so he was enjoying the new sensations that came along with being a parasite. To a degree, at least – furniture still suffered if he stubbed his toe. And if it wasn’t Kyle hurting him, the other party was sure to end up on the receiving end of an unholy beating.

“Is that so?” Hara replied, obviously catching Ryka’s meaning.

“Well, being hit by a car wasn’t great. Getting shot sucks, too.” The latter had already happened far too many times for Kyle’s liking.

“What the fuck are you two doing?” The question came with a joking tone. Kyle was impressed by how careful they were. Maybe they weren’t as evenly matched as Ryka had thought, if Hara was being so cautious.

“Trying my damnedest to keep this one alive. He’s a magnet for sinners. Lucky for me, even if it hurts sometimes.” Finally settling himself on a bar stool, Ryka asked “Do you know why you got yours?”

“Because he was miserable and desperate. He still is, just for different reasons. And don’t believe his whole sob story. His ex was barely willing to talk – he cheated. And he hardly spoke to the rest of his family. He regrets all that, but it’s too late now. Oh, he’s pissed I told.” Hara didn’t seem at all worried. For a demon, Kyle thought they were extremely easy-going. Either that or they just no longer cared. “He wasn’t looking for power or revenge or anything like that.”

“Seems like those kinds never worked out.”

“This kind’s not doing so great, either. Not for me. You got lucky.”

“I sure did,” Ryka agreed with a purr.

With the most important subjects out of the way, the demons resorted to small talk, or their version of it. Although they had encountered a few other demons in their travels, this was only the third time Ryka seemed inclined to socialize with one. Even though he didn’t really have a choice, Kyle paid extra close attention, interested to hear what they chatted about.

Work, he quickly discovered, just as most mortals did when trying to find common ground. Though Kyle had never heard such stomach-turning water cooler talk. Sensing his host’s growing discomfort, Ryka kindly changed the subject, asking Hara about their views on Purgatory so far. Of course, that quickly became disturbing as well, as Hara described in great detail how they’d like to see most of humanity punished for its sins.

Kyle supposed it was only fair he had to listen, as Ryka had spent an awful lot of time either at work with him, or listening to him talk about work. Still, as eye-opening as this whole experience had been, he was a bit relieved when Hara finally said their farewells, retreating to leave a now quite drunk Ichiro prone on the floor. A sharp hiss from Ryka quickly brought the other man to his feet to make his own quick exit.

***

Hours had passed, and after he and Ryka had spent most of that time comparing notes about Ichiro and Hara, Kyle found himself winding back down. He’d ordered room service, and was now digging into a thick slice of pie, nestled in an equally thick blanket on one of the couches.

Ryka was flipping through the TV, trying to find something they might both enjoy. While he searched, Kyle brought up exactly the subject he had been hoping to avoid.

“So, were you actually going to let Hara blow you?”

I’m not stupid¸ was the demon’s vague reply.

“Not so stupid you would or not so stupid you wouldn’t?”

The second one. Obviously.

“Ryka!” The sudden surge of jealousy that followed his words made Ryka feel much better about not being allowed any of that pie.

Come on. Would you have said ‘no’? No answer was an answer. See?

“Still ….”

It’s not like it was going to mean anything. Purely transactional.

“Are you saying blow jobs are the currency of choice in Hell?”

In his head, he could hear Ryka’s laughter. Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? Kyle rolled his eyes. They’re not always sexual, but favors, yes. If someone helps you out, you help them out. Maybe now, maybe later. You hope for now so you don’t end up with a huge debt hanging over you. The interest rate is a bitch, let me tell you.

“So that’s why Hara was so willing to just get it over with now?”

Ouch. I would have made it good for them, too. And you know, it would have been nice not to have you worrying the whole time about me accidentally killing whoever, like you do with the hookers.

“Ry ….” Inwardly, Kyle groaned. Buying company had become almost regular. It kept things fresh. The only concern was Ryka’s self-control, or lack thereof. While he didn’t care if their prostitute died, Kyle most certainly did. So far, the only victim had been a man with a soul nearly as black as Kyle’s, but there had been some close calls. “Moving on. Answer the question, please.”

Yes, this was much more filling than pie. But, yes, that’s why.

“You said Hara wasn’t happy in that body. How so?”

Like they said; they’re only half.

“Meaning?”

Half the usual equipment.

“Oh.” The reaction was automatic, and then Kyle actually thought about it. “Oh. They should have both? But can’t with Ichiro?”

Mm. They get to have the parts that are the same as their host’s, but they should have the full complement of female parts. They’d look good with a nice pair of tits, too.

“Anyhow. How do-”

Their wings. The two-tone coloration.

“Ah.” Wing color, Kyle had learned, could tell you a lot about a demon. Every encounter they had with another immortal taught him a little more. Because he didn’t dare ask. Ryka didn’t like talking about home, and Kle didn’t like thinking about what awaited him there. So, clearing his throat, he forged on. “That’s shitty, though.”

This isn’t always fun for us, either. I got turned back to an imp to try to convince you, and Hara had to give up some very important parts to match better with their host.

Kyle stared dumbly at his pie. “Sorry.”

Don’t be. But that’s why Hara’s as eager to go as their host. No hunting or fucking? Why bother sticking around? It took Kyle too long to answer, so Ryka went digging. Oh, now you’re guilty. You’re really bummed you stopped our fun?

All Kyle could do was attempt to stammer contradictions, though why he bothered he wasn’t quite sure. Again, Ryka didn’t wait for an answer.

I see. It was just bad timing. You didn’t want to get all worked up. And you wanted to be able to watch. Sicko.

Kyle sighed. Of course Ryka would find out. “Too late now, though, isn’t it?”

Is it?

***

Based on how loudly he screamed, Ryka kicking down his door at one a.m. was easily the most terrifying thing Ichiro had ever experienced. Something likely made scarier by the fact that Hara no doubt knew the other demon was coming, but chose not to warn their host. Ichiro’s fear was a good appetizer for the demons, and desperately needed by Hara. But Ryka thought he made out better still, since he got to watch Ichiro dive under the bed like the building was being bombed.

“No use hiding,” Ryka said, murderous glee in his eyes as he pulled Ichiro out from his hiding spot by his ankles. And Ichiro had a moment to appreciate the look before being tossed back onto the bed. Instinct kicked in, and he started spitting out the words of summoning. He didn’t make it far before Ryka clapped a hand over his mouth. “Not yet. First, you set this up.” “This” was Ichiro’s phone, which Ryka had grabbed off the bedside table and shoved into Ichiro’s chest.

“Why? How?”

“The why’s none of your damn business. Just set it up to take a video of the bed.” Ichiro blanched and Ryka grimaced. “Ugh, no, not for you. And no more questions. Just do it.” Shaking the whole time, Ichiro did as Ryka ordered. When Ryka was satisfied with the set-up, he herded Ichiro back toward the bed, using his wings to block any potential exit. Cowering, Ichiro fell back onto the mattress, throwing his hands up as though to shield himself. “Now summon Hara.”

There was no hesitation this time, and it was Hara left staring up at Ryka. “Do I get to ask questions?” Hara ventured, already in full submission with wings flattened and throat bared. Their nervousness didn’t last long.

“Only if you want to waste time talking.” Obviously, Ryka had arrived sans shirt, but now was stripping off his pants as well.

“Not really. But your host changed his mind?” Hara was hurriedly squirming out of the remains of Ichiro’s clothes, now clearly understanding the purpose of this visit.

“He decided it would be good foreplay.”

“Hmm. You do have a good one. I appreciate his willingness to share.”

And Kyle was appreciating Hara’s willingness to stretch out on the bed, wings and legs spread. Judging by Ryka’s racing heartbeat, he appreciated it, too. Once again, I’m very sorry for stopping this earlier. I was jealous, and then it was just a bad time. I-

“He says ‘thanks.’” That seemed the best summation. “And since your host is going to be absolutely destroyed by what’s about to happen, we’ll gladly send you home after if you want. Then you can get back to it the right way.”

“I’d like that. Though I have a feeling this will still be fun.” As they had earlier, Hara crooked a finger, inviting Ryka closer.

Ryka didn’t hesitate, climbing on top of the other demon and entwining their tails. “Oh, me, too.”

***

Dawn had been breaking when Kyle had finally made it back to their hotel. And he had immediately fallen into bed, body exhausted from Ryka’s exertions, but still impatient to watch the video on Ichiro’s phone. He tried to push all thoughts of the other host from his mind. After Hara and Ryka had come as close to exhausting themselves as was possible, Hara had retreated, leaving a devastated Ichiro curled up with a very vengeful Ryka.

Only because Hara would feel it too did Ryka restrain himself. But he had been unable to hide his delight as his shadow swallowed the man whole, sending him to his rightful place in Hell, and setting Hara back on the path to obtaining their proper body.

So Kyle’d had no qualms about taking the phone. It had been left for him, after all. And although it did include Ichiro and Hara’s abrupt departure from the mortal world, Kyle edited that scene out and started back at the beginning.

The sex had been intense from Ryka’s point of view, but it was nice to see it from a voyeur’s perspective. To see Ryka not have to hold back and to see Hara find some level of comfort in the body they’d been saddled with.

Ryka kept quiet while Kyle watched, for which Kyle was glad. Rare was the time he was responsible for his own pleasure, and once in a while, it was a nice change of pace. Though he still had Ryka to thank for providing such good material. Some of what they’d done was startling – consensual though it was, it still often looked and sounded like a fight, complete with angry growling, hissing and lots of tussling for dominance. Hara had been outmatched, but seemed perfectly fine with the fact, submitting eagerly every time. A worthy viewing, and one Kyle would try to hold on to until the shadow inevitably ate the phone.

Only when Kyle had cleaned up and climbed back into bed did Ryka speak again. Did you enjoy that, stud?

“Nearly as much as you did.” Kyle paused, chewing on his lip. “I’m glad Hara doesn’t have to suffer anymore.”

And I’m glad their host gets to suffer forever. But listen to you, stud, sympathizing with demons.

Kyle huffed out a laugh. “We really do make a good pair, don’t we?”

Damn right.