Demon Singer Read Free Page B

you to use it."
    Lyric's eyes narrowed and he spat out a staccato phrase from a song of transference.  This particular song would transfer whatever the subject was feeling - emotional or physical - to another.  The Guild taught soul singers these songs as a means to enable better diplomacy.  Someone with Lyric’s quick mind and natural knack had the ability to improvise a bit.  This particular improvisation amped up the sensation Acheron had fired at him exponentially and returned it to her. Acheron's eyes widened briefly before she purred, "do that again, Lover, that's how parties start."
    Lyric looked away in disgust.  Lomong almost smiled.
    "Don't get pulled into her games son, you'll lose, and she'll just enjoy herself.  Come to my office before you leave tonight, I have something to give you."
    * * *
    "Lyric!"
    Lyric stopped and turned at the sound of his name. Allison Holt, the youngest mistress in the Guild was hurrying to catch up with him.
    "I smell fairies."  Acheron looked around.  Her eyes locked on Mistress Holt.  "She's cute!" the demoness said enthusiastically.  "Introduce us."  Lyric spared her a withering look before turning to greet his instructor.
    "Mistress Holt, what can I do for you?"
    The tiny Singer grabbed Lyric's arm and pulled him into an empty classroom off the hall.
    "It's more what I can do for you." She pressed a small booklet into his hand.  He leafed through it briefly and his eyebrows shot up.
    "Mistress, is this original?"
    "Yes."  
    "Why are you giving it to me?"  Writing new songs without Writer training was strictly forbidden in the Guild.
    "Because you will likely need it.  It has all manner of songs in it that will be useful.  I will be presenting it to the High Master for inclusion into the curriculum for next year.
    "No disrespect, Mistress, but why are you doing this?  What you've handed me here is tantamount to treason, besides, the Guild is likely going to kill me in a year's time."
    "A lot can happen in a year, Lyric," the small woman said sternly.  "Do not think that any of the Council wishes to see you fail.  On the contrary, it is our belief in your abilities that is affording you this opportunity.  You never know where help will come from.  I expect you to return with a full report on how your unique dilemma has been resolved, including specific details on how this book may have aided you."  She began to turn away then stopped.  "Lyric, I want nothing more than the Guild to flourish and grow.  I would never betray the only place that's been a home to me.  You've been tapped for Writer training.  This book may help give you a leg up."
    "Yes ma'am," Lyric tucked the book into his back pocket.  "I'm grateful for your support."
    "It's extended on credit, Lyric," she looked pointedly at Acheron who blew her a kiss.  Mistress Holt shook her head in disgust.  "I expect you to earn it."
    With that, she turned and left.
    * * *
    “Strange, you tying to a demoness,” Ervin sat in his barber’s chair facing Lyric who took his customary position in the center waiting chair against the wall.  Acheron sat beside him, looking around curiously, as he related his story.  The barber’s laughing blue eyes were unusually sober as he listened to his young friend.  “I didn’t even know that was possible.”
    Lyric shrugged his frustration.
    “Me neither,” the soul singer tried to keep the increasing desperation out of his voice, but it screamed from his body language as he spoke with the confidant of every student in the Guild.   The old man tapped his chin thoughtfully and hummed a pretty melody as he considered the dilemma.
    Ervin was a pillar at the Soul Singers Guild.  No one knew how he came to be there, and each of the Masters gave a different answer.  Regardless, the entire Guild, masters and students alike, trusted and loved the affable barber.  With the rigorous demands of being a soul singer, there needed to be a place with an ear that was