"I'm so sorry!" You blurted out. Immediately you knelt down and started picking up his books for him.
"It's okay," he said, rubbing his forehead. "But damn, that hurt."
Your gaze fell on one of the books you had picked up. In large gold print, the front cover read "THE LESSER KEY OF SOLOMON."
Upon noticing the man immediately snatched the book away from you. "That's mine, thanks," he mumbled.
"Wait, hold on!" You definitely knew that title. It had come up a few times during your research into demons and supernatural beings. "Are you into that kind of stuff?"
"W-What do you mean?" he stammered, obviously flustered and embarrassed. He quickly shoved his books into his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and began walking away, but you were following him. "I am too, you know!" you exclaimed. He stopped. "You're joking, right?"
What were you doing? Were you really going to take your chances with someone you just bumped into on the street who just happened to have one occult book in his backpack? Come on, Christian, pull yourself together, you thought. After taking a deep breath you continued. "Look, if you're an expert on... That... I think I could really use your help. I'm serious." You looked eyes with him, allowing him to scan over you hoping that he would detect the sincerity in your request. "I... Maybe..." he began. "I wouldn't go so far as to call myself an expert..."
"Look, I have to go to class, but take my number and text me whenever you're free." He obediently took out his phone and entered the number you gave him. "Actually, would tonight be good?"
"I think so," he responded. "Uh, what's your name?"
"Christian." He put your name into his contacts and saved it onto his phone.
"Okay. I'm Blake."
"I'll be seeing you later then?"
"Uh, sure."
***
After an uneventful lecture with Dr. Heinrich, you and Greg decided to meet for lunch at the park on 5th street. The two of you were running on a budget this month, so you were content to settle on hot dogs and soda from the vendors.
"So how's the whole knowing that I'm an incubus-alp-demon-vampire thing going for you?" you asked Greg.
"I'm not gonna lie dude, I was a bit delirious when I got back to my dorm. It just kinda sunk in and I was like, 'holy shit, my best friend isn't human,'" he declared. "But I mean, even if I am still in disbelief about this whole thing, it doesn't change anything, between the two of us. In fact, I guess it's kind of cool."
"I just had to tell you because, you know, sometimes it bothers me. When I first became aware of my abilities I asked my brother about it and he had no idea what I was talking about. I tried hinting it to my parents and I didn't get a response from them either. So my guess is that they're all normal human beings and I might not even be related to them at all."
"Do you know if you were adopted?"
"I remember asking my parents that before, and they said no."
"Is it really a problem, not knowing? Even if you knew for sure that you were some half-demon half-incubus or whatever, would that really change anything?"
"I guess I just want a peace of mind, that's all," you said.
"Hey man, if there's any way I can help just let me know," Greg said, patting you on the shoulder.
"Thanks."
"Dude, that time when you turned into smoke. I still can't believe that actually happened. Do it again!"
"What?! I'm not gonna transform when we're out in public!"
"Haha, but you said you can take over people's bodies right? Ever gotten a girl that way?"
Your face became red. "Well, yeah, just to try it out."
"Are you serious? What was it like?"
"Different. Awkward. Anyways, did you do your philosophy homework yet?"
***
As agreed, Blake had texted you later that day and arranged a meeting in the library. The two of you were situated all the way in the corner of the reference section, where people rarely went.
"I'm not some sort of satanic devil-worshiper, you know," he explained. "I just have an interest in these things, and, well, I guess I know a thing or two about magic and summoning and all that."
"Have you ever actually done any of it?"
"Nothing major, just some protective spells. Anyways, what is it exactly do you need help with?"
You held your breath for a moment. How should you do this?
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