Our relationship with the church is an interesting one. They really don’t like Mallory, but they put up with us since we’re the only ones around to consistently deal with demons. Apparently they’re only supposed to call their main branch for “demonic disturbances”, but they’re so frequent and extreme that the main branch can’t always help.

It’s funny, Mallory used to be a frequent participant at the church—as she used to be a devout follower of Cevdim. But, once her prayers went unanswered on multiple occasions, she gave up on it.

I also think that this church specifically is just a rebranded cult, and I wish they’d leave our town. But, unfortunately, they aren’t going anywhere soon, and we help everyone who asks.

We get off at the bus stop down the street from the church. The land around the church is always dead, and seems impossible to revive, so they put in fake grass and took away all the trees. Animals still don’t come near this place though.

As we arrive, there’s already a small group of them waiting for us on the steps.

“Ah, fellow child of the gods!” One of the ladies greet me. I think her name might be Alice. “How are you this fine afternoon?”

“Greatly inconvenienced.” I retort flatly.

“And I’m feeling pretty energized, thanks for asking!” Mallory pipes in.

Possibly-Alice laughs awkwardly, not even trying to hide her grimace.

You know, I don’t think Possibly-Alice even knows Mallory personally. She only joined this church last year. She’s got some nerve being this disgusted by her existence.

“You guys got any snacks?” She asks, clasping her hands behind her back.

They all seem to ignore her, their attention on me—as always. Well, all of them except for one.

“Haven’t you been eating regularly?” Charles sighs and reaches into his cloak.

Charles is one of the oldest and highest ranking member of the church. And, despite being around for the Maple Leaf Incident, he maintains a neutral stance on Mallory. He (and all the other church members) recognize Mallory’s very existence as a sin. But, he’s also made the decision that it’s not their right to kill her.

Charles even goes the extra mile and keeps her existence a secret from the main branch. Apparently, there are higher ups who do have the right to kill her (in their eyes).

Charles pulls out a small pack of fruit snacks and holds them out to me. I take them and give them to Mallory, who seems to be unbothered by the Curate’s unwillingness to come near her.

“So, what do you guys want?” I cross my arms.

“We’ve come across and contained two disturbances this past week.” Charles explains. “One is currently contained here at the church. The other is believed to be living among a family in the neighborhood. We require your assistance in extracting and banishing them, as a traditional exorcism was not effective.”

“The one here. Is it using a vessel?”

“Not as far as we can tell.”

“And, is the one living with the family a huge priority? Are they in danger?”

“The demon has been getting more and more aggressive every day, according to the family. It has inflicted many mild injuries on both the parents—the mother especially.”

I look to Mallory, to see what she wanted to do.

“Well, if things are escalating that slowly with the family, we should start here.” She shrugs. “Plus, we’re already here.”

“You heard the girl.” I place my hands on my hips. “Take us to your dungeon.”