Not What It Seems
Chapter 3

That demon’s words rang out to me as I left the room. I found out why the mirror had drawn my attention. But I didn’t want to spend time and energy on a demon. In all my studying, I learned that it wasn’t safe to trust demons or take any deals from them. They were mighty powerful creatures that only used non-demons for their own benefit.

I needed some air. And I wanted some advice on my current situation. Luckily, I knew where my mentor would be at this time. He would know what to do. Without hesitation, I left my home and made my way to the tavern nearby.

After I walked the short distance to the tavern, I placed my hand on the door and pushed it open. The tavern was usually full during this time of night, and my teacher was usually there for his evening games with friends. I didn’t often go to the tavern at night because I spent most my evenings preparing for the next day.

I found my mentor in the corner and made my way over to him. He let out a bellow of a laugh and he glanced over at me. He took a double once he realized I was there and motioned for his companions to wait for a moment. Standing up, the older gentleman walked towards me with a smile. His slightly grayed hair was slicked back, and his goatee was peppered age.

“Zeriah,” he greeted. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

I bowed my head. “Thank you, Master. I did have an inquiry of you, but I feel that this would be best handled in private.”

My Master looked over me for a moment and nodded. He held out a hand, leading me out the back of the tavern into the ally where it was empty and quiet. He closed the door behind us and turned to me. He leaned against the wall and waited for me to speak.

“How may I help you, my student?” He asked.

My hands went to my arms. “Master, I recently purchased a mirror from the market. I felt a strong connection to it for some reason but didn’t know what. I found out after I brought it home. There’s a demon trapped in it. And he wants me to let him out.”

His eyes widened at the last part. “And what did you say to him?”

“I told him no, obviously.” I explained. “But he insists that I will return and need his help.”

He grabbed my shoulder. “You have to introduce me to him! Take me there now!”

Without waiting for my answer, he grabbed me by the hand and dragged me back towards my home. We arrived quickly and I opened my door to my Master. He walked in and I guided him to my study. He saw the mirror instantly and walked over to it. His fingers moved over the intricate designs of the black framing and danced over the surface of the mirror. I soon realized that the demon was sitting there staring back at me, as if to ask why the third person was there.

“So, what did you do to summon him?” My Master asked as he turned to me.

I blinked. “I didn’t do anything. He just appeared. In fact, he’s there right now.”

He turned back to the mirror and looked at it. But saw nothing. “There must be some powerful magic at work if it means that only you can see him. But why?”

“That’s what I want to know.” The demon called.

“I’m guessing you can’t hear him either.” I observed.

My master looked back at the mirror. “Did he say something?”

“He has the same questions as us.” I stated.

“This is most intriguing, Zeriah.” My Master stated. “I have never come across a mirror such like this. And having a demon trapped in it too. There must be a reason for this. I could investigate this, maybe replace something that could release the demon, but we will have to be careful. We don’t want to use magic that will bind him to one of us, but just release him.”

My eyebrows furrowed together. “Would that be a good idea. Releasing a Demon?”

“How long did he say he was trapped in there?” My master asked.

“Years. I lost count.” The demon stated.

“Years.” I repeated.

“I think we should be fine.” He explained. “Once he is freed, he will be weaker in the real world and won’t be a threat.”

“Well, I don’t know about that…” The demon called out in anger.

“In any case, he will be released and can leave. He won’t be a problem.” My Master explained. “He’ll get what he wants, and you won’t be tormented by him. But it will take some time to replace the spell we are looking for.”

I nodded. “Alright, I understand. Thank you, Master.”

My Master nodded. “Of course, my student. I am glad to help.”

He exited my domain and left me alone in my study with the demon. I glanced over at the mirror and made eye contact with him. His magic made it look like swirls of black smoke drifted down his face and arms. His eyes were inverted in color where his sclera was black, and his irises were red. Parts of his face were deathly white and looked like a skull peeking out of a dark abyss. He had on a dark cloak and a hood that went over his head. His whole design sent terrifying shivers down my spine.

He stared at me for a moment, before a small smile crept to his lips. His eyes changed from red to white. “If it’s going to take a while, we might as well get to know each other. I am called Vudu. Your friend called you Zeriah, correct?”

I gave him a blank stare.

“Your eyes changed to a brown.” He said. “I’m guessing you are annoyed with me. Well, get used to it, Firefly. You are I are going to be stuck together for a while.”

“Just because I can see you and hear you, doesn’t mean I have to pay attention to you.” I pointed at him. “Just be grateful that my Master wants to replace a way to release you.”

“Oh,” he exclaimed with a bow. “But I am. Once I am free from this prison, I can return home and enjoy the things I did before I was trapped in here.”

“I don’t trust you as far as I can throw this mirror.” I argued. “While my master replaces a spell to get you out. I’m going see if I can replace a way to permanently banish you from this world.”

Without letting him continue the conversation, I walked out of the room and closed the door behind me. I stormed to my room and sat down on my bed. Letting out a breath of frustration, I relaxed my shoulders. I didn’t want this in my life. I didn’t want to deal with a demon. I was happy with my town, and my current life. I didn’t need something to throw it out of balance.

I fell back onto my bed. Deep inside, I hoped this whole situation was just a bad dream, that when I woke up, the mirror would be gone. But I knew that it was real. I knew that I would be tormented by a demon until I could get rid of him. I was tired and needed rest. My eyes became heavy and I fell into a deep sleep.