Lesson 154- Look on the bright side, at least you aren’t dead.
I fall off of my seat and only Torin’s quick reflexes save me from falling on my face. What. The. Actual. Hell? Did Phil just say I’m immortal? How, why and when did this happen? Torin carefully places me back on my seat, then turns to Phil, his favourite poker face in place.
“Are you sure? Absolutely certain?” He demands. Phin shrugs.
“Fairly sure. As a banshee I can sense when someone’s death is approaching. Since immortals don’t HAVE a natural death they feel totally different to me. Unless they are about to get themselves killed somehow, I never feel them at all.” Phil explains awkwardly. I don’t think this is something he explains to people very often. I suppose most people who are immortal already know they’re immortal. It’s not new information to them. But seriously, how am I suddenly immortal? Do I even WANT to be immortal? I seriously doubt it’s as straightforward as just, not dying… No one has done any magic or anything on me since the last time I saw Phil except for…” I turn to Torin, my eyes wide and he nods.
“Our bargain. This is that change you felt, my magic did this, and I think I know why. I said I would protect you as long as I am alive and willing. But I’m immortal. If you die, I can’t keep protecting you. Your soul would move on and there would be nothing of you left to protect. So the magic just… Extended your lifespan to match mine.” Torin concludes. His voice is very measured, like he is repressing some kind of emotion. I can’t tell exactly what though. Is he okay with this or just freaking out? We knew there would probably be magical side effects based on what the magic decides Torin wants. Can I interpret this to mean that he wants me around forever because if so, then I kind of want to swoon a little bit. Now is probably not the time though because Torin is clearly struggling to process this. Honestly, as far as side effects of magic go, this really isn’t the worst one. I’m immortal which is obviously a big deal, but it’s not like I can’t die. There are probably pros and cons to this. But I suppose the main thing is that it probably explains why Solem was so confident.
“Solem knows.” I point out. Torin frowns.
“What makes you say that?” He questions and I shrug.
“Well… He was so happy to just wait until we stop getting along. If he knows that I’m immortal, it probably explains why he isn’t in a hurry. He figures there’s plenty of time and if he just waits one of us will eventually break the bargain and he can just claim me then for the rest of my apparently very long life.” I explain. Torin groans and nods.
“You’re right. We really can’t let that happen, not ever. You’re immortal now. Being enslaved wouldn’t just be for a few decades, it could be centuries or more.” He reminds me and I shudder.
“You’re right. At some point we will probably have to find a more permanent way to deal with all of this. But at least this means Solem probably did mean it when he said he wasn’t in a hurry and would wait. So we have time. Hopefully people will stop coming after me all the time now and I’ll be mostly safe. Or as safe as someone with two demon contracts can be.” I grin and Torin shakes his head, clearly baffled by my ability to joke about this. I can freak out about it later, I’m still just feeling relieved. Solem is leaving me alone for now, I’m fine, my brother is fine, all my friends are fine and the mysterious magical side effects that Tori was worrying about aren't nearly as terrible as they could be. Ooh wait until everyone hears about this. It should be completely hilarious.
By the time the party ends, the sun is starting to rise and we are all more than a little exhausted. Except Eli, he is still going strong talking to Damien who looks like he might pass out at any second. Everyone else pretty much cleared out when the vampires left. They obviously had to make it home before the sunrise. Yawning, I stumble my way over to them.
“Eli, it’s time to head off. We want to lock up so we can get some actual sleep. The adrenaline has worn off, I’m running on caffeine and willpower right now.” I fight the urge to yawn again. All I can think about is that my comfortable bed is just down the hall and how badly I want to be back in it. Damien nods.
“Are you staying here again today?” Damien asks and I nod.
“That’s the plan.” I say cheerfully.
“Right. Well in that case, Eli do you mind giving me a ride home? You’re pretty sober by now, right?” Damien asks. Eli shrugs, clearly trying to play it cool.
“Sure.” He agrees casually. They both hug me goodbye, then off they go. Eli looks absolutely thrilled. I guess he and Eli are at least friendly now. Good for him I suppose.
Laura and Catcher help Tori and I clean up the place, then they head off too. While Tori finishes locking up, I check my phone and realise I have about a hundred texts. All from Eli of course. The first ninety nine or so are basically just selfies of Eli with pretty much everyone who attended the celebration and an excessive number of the photos are just of my brother… Thanks Eli? The last message makes me laugh though.
Loverboy- Don’t try to call your brother, he left his phone in my car. I am of course devastated because now I’ll HAVE to go back by his place later today to bring it back to him. ;)
I text him back.
Rina- Sure thing. Please tell me you didn’t steal his phone so you would have an excuse to see him.
Loverboy- Nah, he left it himself. Unless… Do you think he might have left it to make sure that I have to come see him? Or so he could have an excuse to come see me?
Rina- I think you’re overthinking it. But I suppose it doesn’t matter if it was intentional or not, does it? Either way you have your excuse to see him.
Loverboy- Of course it matters! If he left it on purpose it means he likes me too!
Rina- Right… Well I honestly don’t know Eli. I’m not exactly an expert at this kind of thing.
Loverboy- That’s for sure.
Rina- Hey!
Loverboy- I’m just saying. You have that demon wrapped around your little finger, when are you going to do something about that?
Rina- Who says I haven’t already?
Loverboy- I do. I can see the way he stares after you when you aren’t looking. And the way you stare at him. Get a move on already.
Rina- …Is this about that betting pool I’ve heard so much about?
Loverboy- OBVIOUSLY! If you aren’t dating by the end of the week I lose the bet.
Rina- That only makes me want to delay longer.
Loverboy- So mean. What if I told you that your brother now owes like $200 to the betting pool because you didn’t officially start dating Torin before sunrise today?
Rina- Please tell me you’re joking…
Loverboy- Nope. Unless you happened to be making out with the guy in secret when you guys snuck out of the party earlier?
Rina- Nope. No making out.
Loverboy- Dammit. Seriously though, when are you going to do something about that?
Rina- Soon.
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