Eva frowned. He had said something similar on the rooftop while trying to find a summoned demon. “So long as she doesn’t bother me, I don’t care what she’s doing. I’ll not interfere unless her plans bring harm to me or anyone I know. If that is what you’re wondering.”
“I will let her know,” Zagan said with a sneer.
Eva’s frown deepened as Zagan turned back to Ylva.
Though, if Zagan wanted her to interfere, not doing so was probably the correct choice.
“Let’s get you two into Martina’s office and away from all the gawkers,” he said with a wave towards two students who were standing just far enough away to not hear them talk.
Probably.
With Zagan leading the way, nothing really changed. They might have even gathered more stares than they had before. Whether on account of Zagan being an authority figure or Zagan being Zagan, Eva couldn’t say. The students who weren’t interested in Eva or Ylva made note of their professor walking around.
A few even greeted him by name. Zagan would return their greetings with a few words or a wave. Although he never mentioned names, he was polite. There was the barest hint of disdain in his voice, but it was well covered.
Ylva walked with her head straight forwards, apparently not taking notice of the peasants walking beneath her. That was just an appearance. She was noticing. She wouldn’t have mentioned their stares otherwise.
Zagan brought them through Brakket’s lobby and into the adjacent offices.
“Morning Catherine,” Zagan said to the lesser succubus sitting at the front desk. “We still on for tonight, yeah?”
Catherine’s eyes flicked over the group. They started with Eva, narrowing as she looked over Ylva and stopped at Zagan. There was a brief flash of red as her eyes reverted to a more demonic state. It passed as quickly as it came.
“In your dreams,” she said with a snarl before looking back to her makeup compact.
“I certainly hope so.” He flashed a bright smile before turning his golden eyes back to Eva and Ylva. “Well, best not to keep Martina waiting.”
He pushed open the door labeled with Martina’s nameplate.
The room was dark, lit by a single desk lamp and a standing lamp just behind Martina Turner. All the chairs had been moved to the far corner of the room, save for the one behind the desk. Paper stacks covered her desk, save for one corner that was occupied by a pair of boots.
Though Ylva standing might backfire somewhat.
Martina Tuner’s eyes widened as Ylva had to duck slightly to enter the room. If their meeting went on for any length of time, it would be Martina’s neck that would be in pain.
The dean set aside a manila folder she had had in her hands. She had to recline as far back as her chair would allow in order to keep Ylva in sight as they neared the desk. Zagan moved up to stand behind her. His polite smile turned somewhat sinister the moment he moved behind Martina.
If Eva had to guess, the chairs and Martina not getting up were his doing. He advised for this petty power play knowing exactly how it would turn out.
Martina realized at least part of that. Enough to slowly move her feet to the floor. She still did not stand.
Eva cleared her throat. If they wanted to play their little power games, they could do it without her. She had better things to. Namely, anything. “Ylva, this is Martina Turner. The dean of Brakket Magical Academy. Martina, this is Ylva. The daughter of Death’s goddess, Hel.”
“So you told me over the phone.” Martina’s eyes glanced over Ylva again. “And you’re wanting to assist in our little rogue demon problem?”
“We do as We will. This meeting is offered as a courtesy.”
Ylva’s tone was harsh. Angry even. A few steps away from the booming voice she occasionally used in her domain.
And Eva couldn’t blame her one bit. Martina had no idea how to handle meeting with powerful entities. Or trusted in Zagan’s advice far too much. Eva was betting on the latter. After all, she somehow wrangled Zagan into a contract.
That was scary enough on its own.
Zagan looked to be suppressing a laugh behind Martina. His eyes met Eva’s glare. A shrug of his shoulders was the only answer to her unasked question.
Martina looked unperturbed. “While here, you are to remain away from Brakket Campus. There will be other guards stationed around the school on Saturday. You are free to wander the town so long as you do not draw undue attention to yourself. Something I see you might have problems with.”
Eva took a casual step away from Ylva as the demon narrowed her eyes.
“You presume to order Ourself?” The wall shook as Ylva’s voice thundered out.
“If you cannot abide by my terms, Zagan will be force–”
