“We will!” the girls chorused enthusiastically. Ellie reluctantly handed Luci back to me, and off they went.

And I went back to work. There was no time to think about SJ, or whether I’d get into my postgrad course, or … anything really, except selling my costumes, scratching the heads of new ferrety friends, and schmoozing with all these people who were deluded enough to think I was famous, all because of a few billboards around the city, and some ads on social media with my face on them.

I didn’t even have a chance to think about how hungry I was getting, or if it was close to lunch, until I caught a whiff of campfire and cloves, and I gasped, leaping to my feet. I couldn’t see … I needed to see!

Because there was only one person in the world who smelled that good.

Ignoring the heads turning in my direction, I climbed onto my chair and stood on my tiptoes, frantically peering into the crowds, until I saw him. Taller than the rest. And even amongst all the milling costumes, the crazy makeup and prosthetic … appendages, his horns stood out.

Holy Hell!

And … Another Epilogue

SJ

“Am I doing the right thing here?” I muttered, wiping my sweaty palms on my breeches.

“I don’t see the problem, Boss!” Bub dooked at my ear. “You look less ridiculous than pretty much all of these humans!”

Bub was virtually vibrating with anticipation. To be fair, so was I. My hand kept checking my pocket. It was still there. My heart thundered, and I swallowed back my nerves. And then swallowed again.

Devils don’t get nervous, SJ.

“Yeah, if there ever was a time you could go around incognito in your real form, it’s a place like this!” Beezle added, his fluffy tail tickling at my ear. I flicked it away.

“I don’t mean my devilness,” I mumbled out of the corner of my mouth. “I mean my … intentions …”

“Oh. That.”

I produced my ticket, handing it over to the volunteer who scanned it, giggling and blushing and generally eyeing my naked chest with more interest than I was comfortable with … from everyone except Jemma.

“Are you not on board with the plan?” I asked sharply, stepping forward with the queue of people slowly filtering into the exhibition hall. “Because you have had two weeks to express your concerns, and neither of you has said a word.”

“No! We’re totally on board!” Bub protested.

“It’s about damn time, Boss!” Beezle added.

I reached into my pocket. The Soul Token was still there, still giving off that same gentle warm pulse it had for almost a full year now.

Jemma Bliss had nothing to feel miserable about anymore. My heart swelled with pride because, while she had a lot to do with that, I had helped. I was an important piece of the puzzle that made Jemma happy.