Chapter 5: Half-Truths

"My name is Christina Annia Lemures. I am apart of a family that has been known to lay ghosts to rest or raise them, whichever suits the person." Annia started.

"You're a Necromancer?" Danny interjected. Annia nodded but looked away.

"Yes, I'm a Necromancer." She replied.

"What brings you here then?" Danny asked.

"Well I-" Annia was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door. She stood and briskly walked towards the door.

"Hello?" She asked, opening the door wide. A man loomed over her and peered down at her through dark sunglasses. His black trench coat was open but hung down limply. In fact, his outfit was all black.

"Kris?" The man asked. A smile lit up Annia's face as she embraced the man.

"Daemon!" She squealed. Daemon grinned but pushed her off.

"You're a bit little." He stated. Annia backed away and glared at him.

"I'm fourteen Daemon." She hissed.

"Oh." Daemon said as he stepped into the house. Annia closed the door and walked back into the living room. Daemon followed her but chose to stand while Annia too her seat next to Danny.

"Danny," She said. "This is Daemon, my guardian." Danny looked up and nodded at Daemon in greeting. Daemon made no move to acknowledge his presence.

"Kristina, I've found the house." He said. Annia sighed and rubbed her eyes.

"Daemon, I told you to stay in Krik, I was going to find the house my way." She responded, her voice tired and worn.

"It's been a week. How close are you?" Daemon questioned.

"This is their kid." Annia answered and gestured to Danny. Now Daemon acknowledged Danny's presence, but not in such a friendly manner.

"He's a Fenton?" Daemon snarled at Danny, who was now being held up by his shirt in the air.

"And he's a Halfling." Annia said with a smile. With a thud, Daemon released Danny who fell onto the floor.

"Mind explaining what the Hell is going on here?" Danny yelled.

"Silence!" Annia exclaimed as she abruptly stood. "He's coming." Annia then strode past the boys and into her kitchen. She picked up her belt from the table and picked out a slender bell.

"Sachiel, bind the ghost boy to me." She whispered and then proceeded to ring the bell. The sound ripped through Danny but forced him to stand, arms locked to his side.

"Forget what you have heard here," Annia ordered, still ringing Sachiel. "He is not to come but in a week hence so you must forget till then. Such is my will." With that, the pain stopped and Danny once again fell to the floor. Annia replaced the bell carefully into its pouch and returned to the living room.

"Return him back to his house. Do not disturb the portal." Annia said. Daemon bowed low before her and when he stood back up, Annia was once again her natural height and age.

"Never call me Kristina in Danny's presence." She said.

"Yes my Lady." Daemon said as he picked up Danny's limp form.

"A mild piece of advice, Mistress." He said.

"Yes?"

"You called this Halfling by his name, I am hoping this is out of respect and not," Daemon paused, searching for the word. "Infatuation. But if it is, do not let your feelings for him jeopardize your mission."

"It is not Love, Daemon. And my mission isn't in any danger. But I will need Da-" Annia caught herself. "The Halfling." Daemon nodded and walked past her. "And find my silver clasp while you're out there."

"Of course, Mistress." He whispered. As he exited the house, opening and closing the door with Danny still in his arms, Annia sank onto the floor.

"I will miss him." She murmured.