Phoebe and Demetrius spent another few hours together, going over and over what they had packed, and trying to ensure that they had everything with them that they could possibly need. They chatted excitedly about what life might be life back in Ireland, and given that she had left the Emerald Isle behind when she was very little, Phoebe’s memories were hazy and she found herself as excited about seeing it again as Demetrius was about seeing it for the first time.
Eventually, the friends agreed that they had done all they could with their preparations, and Phoebe decided that it was only right for her to return home and leave Demetrius for a last few hours with Esau, Martha and the children.
“Thanks, Bird,” Demetrius smiled at his friend. “You’ve been such a big help to me today. You know, I’ve been so nervous about this move, but now that it’s almost here, I have a deep peace about it. I believe it’s the right thing for me to do, Bird, and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for us.”
Phoebe smiled happily at her best friend. She too was so excited that he was coming home with her and her family, and she couldn’t wait to introduce him to Ella. The thought of the three of them being together, doing everything together, made her so happy that she could burst!
“I know, Dem,” replied Phoebe, “This is just the beginning. I have a feeling that whatever is in front of us is gonna be awesome!” She lowered her voice until it was scarcely louder than a whisper, and confided in her friend: “I’m kinda nervous too though, you know? I know our guardians aren’t far away if we need them, but all this acting like they’ve gone for good, and pretending that we don’t know that the Enemy is watching our every move is giving me the jitters.”
Demetrius nodded his agreement, and mouthed ‘Me too’ at her, then Phoebe straightened and resumed conversation in her regular tone. “Right, my folks will be wondering where I am, so I’d better split. See you in the morning? Bright and breezy, don’t go sleeping in!”
“Sleep in? Tomorrow? Not a chance!” Demetrius beamed happily at Phoebe, and gave her a quick hug before she left. “Shall I walk you home, Phoebe? Might be for the best?”
“No, I’m fine, honestly, I’ll be home in a few minutes and I’ll enjoy one last little wander.”
“Well, if you’re sure?”
“I’m sure. Bye again Dem.” Phoebe smiled at her friend as she turned to leave.
“See you soon, Bird!” he called after her, and Phoebe waved back over her shoulder at him without turning around.
From the roof of the Otonnos’ house, unseen by human eyes, Braygor and Graygor leered at Phoebe as she closed the front door behind her. They were perched on the stone chimney, crouched down and silent, and behind them were at least twenty five other demons of varying degrees of grotesqueness, all chomping at the bit in their eagerness to create chaos. But they would have to wait. As vile as they were, not one of them dared to defy Captain Schnither in this matter, and so they conceded that pretty little Miss Wren could enjoy one final day before they would mercilessly blow her world apart.