Almost Demon (The Sigil Cycle) by AJ Salem Page A

them? Why am I the one who even needs to do this? You seem to know everything there is to know about this stuff.”
    He took a moment before answering. “Let’s just put it this way. I don’t really have what it takes. What does the old adage say? Whomever can’t, teaches?”
    I looked back down at the page. This sigil would not be as inconspicuous as the last. Ashtaroth, as the book indicated, needed the addition of a pentagram. I was going to look like a psycho demon worshipper.
    “This blows,” I said.
    “Think of the greater good. You’ll be doing your part.”
    “Fine.”
    Thom got up, checked the hallway, and closed the door to the classroom. On his way back to the desk, he picked up a large pillar candle and a small satchel. He placed the candle on his desk, took the paper with the sigil and placed it on the floor in front of me then proceeded to pace around our two desks while pouring a white substance from the small bag.
    “No worries. Just salt,” he said. “You always need to make a circle of protection for yourself.”
    “Doesn’t sound like demons are all hunky dory.”
    “Well, you saw what it was like dealing with an angel. You get nowhere.”
    “I’m just saying.”
    “Keep your thoughts to yourself then, alright?” His voice was clipped. “We’re here to work.”
    I rolled my eyes as he was tying the ends of the little cloth baggie.
    “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do that.”
    “Do what?” I replied, jutting my chin up in challenge.
    “Be impudent.” He was looking at me now and I could feel the blaze in his eyes. “This is important. More than you’ll ever know. More than your little life. So just do as I say.”
    He lowered himself back to his seat and lit the candle. I took that as my cue to begin.
    “By the power of three. I summon thee. Ashtaroth. By the power of black fire. Ashtaroth. By the power of black ice. Ashtaroth.”
    The sigil began to glow and expand until it had tripled in size. 
    “Is it supposed to be doing that?” I asked.
    “Just watch,” Thom said, and gave me a quick pat of reassurance.
    Smoke started to billow up in a slow, undulating pace. Then, in a flash of blinding light, the demon appeared before us. He wore a drab, mustard yellow suit with a mismatched purple silk shirt and green tie. He had one of those long twirly mustaches and small beady eyes that were too far apart on his face. 
    “I’m here. I’m here.” He pulled out a pocket square and wiped away the sweat from his forehead. “You’d think I wasn’t in the middle of something.” He looked down at the summoning circle and grimaced. “And for future reference, can you please make these a little wider. It’s no fun being funneled through a pipe that is two sizes too small for my Rubenesque figure.” 
    Talk about two sizes too small. Those buttons look like they’re ready to pop right off.
    He adjusted his clothing a bit and continued .
    “Oh yeah. Ashtaroth at your service.” He bowed, bending from the waist like a concert pianist after giving the performance of his life.
    “Hi, I’m-”
    “No names,” Thom interrupted.
    “Oh I didn’t see that anywhere,” I said, looking back through the grimoire for any reference.
    “It’s a trade secret.” Ashtaroth laughed, revealing rows of sharp overlapping teeth. “Do the powers that be know about your little plaything?” he asked, directing his question to Thom.
    “Everything has had advance approval,” Thom answered.
    “I see. Very well.” He turned to me and began twirling the end of his mustache. “You’re in luck, chicky. I’m running a back- to-school sale. My fee for today is one sigil. I’m not even gonna try to trick you since you’ve got your lawyer friend here.”
    “Whose?” Thom asked.
    “Ah, ah, ah.” He wagged his finger. “That’s between me and the lady.”
    I looked to Thom for some guidance but found none. Instead, his face was drawn into a pensive frown.
    “Tick tock,”