I shrug my shoulders. “I had some of my best memories here. It was always something Stevie and I looked forward to. And like I said, I like to play pretend.”

“I think we need to revisit this teacher thing you brought up.”

I shrug off his suggestion as I watch my cousin approach, holding hands with Asmo. Since Kas left, they have gotten closer. I’m glad that my cousin found someone she can depend on, especially since things with Dax and I have gotten so intense.

“How’s the remodel at Hex going?” I ask her. I thought I would feel more when it came to giving up the restaurant, but really, it’s just a relief. The idea of running it seemed more overwhelming than enjoyable after everything that’s happened.

“Great! The new lighting is going in today. I can’t imagine what that fight looked like with how bad of shape the restaurant was in.”

“How’s retirement, old man?” Asmo says to Dax.

“I’m not retired,” he says back.

“I thought that’s what fucking the boss’s daughter got you. A cushy pension and no administrative work.”

Dax furrows his brows. “My job right now is to train Blair.”

“Right,” Asmo says, rolling his eyes, and I watch Dax stiffen.

I had a feeling that this was coming, that Dax doesn’t like being cooped up in this small town. I want to talk to him more about it, but he’s been so invested in helping me learn how to be a demon I didn’t know how to bring it up. Maybe Hell is the right place to have this conversation.

“Caramel apple?” Stevie asks and I nod my head, Dax letting go of my hand as I follow her to the booth. “You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”

“Stevie,” I sigh. As much as I can tell, Dax doesn’t want to be here. I also have had the itch to spread my wings. I’m not sure if it’s from being able to embrace what I really am or everything that happened with my coven and mother. Hallowsdeep doesn’t have the same tether on me as it used to.

“I’m not mad. I’m just going to miss you. You promise to visit as much as you can?” she says, her big, watery eyes pleading with me.

“I promise. What about you and Asmo?”

“Well, he’s a demon and I’m a witch. He has things to do in Hell, and well, I’m here.”

“If anyone can get you a hall pass into Hell, it’s probably me.”

She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tightly. “If anyone is worth going to Hell for, it’s you. You’re my best friend, Blair.”