To the naked human eye, demons are just a myth, monsters under your bed are ways for your parents to scare you into listening, and the ghost that haunts houses is something to spook your friends over. Though, as much as it would be nice to believe that they don't exist, they do and are d*mn right terrifying. For three years, Alessia learned that the things that bump in the night are far worse than the stories about them. It took her a while to adjust to them, and with each passing day, she learned of a new supernatural creature.
For her, gaining this ability taught her that survival costs money. So, she did what any logical 21-year-old would do.
She is a psychic exorcist for hire. Alessia posted her flyer around towns she visits and has her website and more. Though she only gets as few requests as she would like, she does get enough to support her fight against the evil in the world.
Right now, she is reading through her emails while Zagreus's gaze continues to burn a hole through her head. Alessia wonders what does he expect her to do? Magically turn into Mania or bring her back from wherever she went to?
Groaning under her breath, the thought that she would have to live her days with a God following her around like a lost puppy makes her eyes twitch. But nothing less, she still needs food and a roof over her head. Alessia pulls up an email that catches her eye.
It was from a girl who is 18 years old and is worried that her mom's coma was because of a hostile ghost. Her mom fell down a flight of stairs and fell into a coma because of a severe brain injury. Of course, no one believes the daughter about it being a ghost because who believes teenagers anyway? Alessia felt a stab in her heart. She knew how adults would look the other way or call them liars.
The daughter believes it's the ghost of a man who lived in their home centuries ago. She included attachments to the email. Alessia read the news articles about the man and quickly felt sick.
Stuart Mckinney was hung in the town after the police discovered he would kidnap and kill teenage girls and women over time. The story went on about more disturbing things, and Alessia couldn't stomach reading anymore.
If this ghost story is true, the hatred this man has for women will make a ghost turn powerful and easily be able to harm a living human, especially since they are now renovating the home that once was a group home for boys.
Having a woman not only live in his house but also rebuilding it most likely pissed poor little Stuart off.
Alessia shuts down her laptop and starts packing her things. She will take this case and help Jamie, the girl who sent the email to her.
"Where are you going?" Forgetting that Zagreus was in the room, Alessia jumps at his deep booming voice.
She glances over at him. He is perched up on the table that holds the microwave. His arms are crossed, and his gaze is just as intense as earlier.
"I have a job. Now, either you can go back to the underworld, or you can tag along. I don't care what you do. Though if you plan on tagging along if humans can see you. I would hope you change your attire. You might scare them with the sword, or you may gain a fandom. I'm not sure which would be best." Alessia observes him. He is handsome and would attract anyone with his looks. With Zagreus's long black hair, dreamy blue eyes, and dressed like a man who would slash a thousand demons for you, he is a man women daydream about.
He moves with stealth quickness and stands inches away from Alessia again. She can't get over how fast he is or how close he gets to her. Zagreus peers down at her, and he lifts her chin with one finger.
"I told you I would be sticking close to you. Now as for my look, humans cannot see me like this. If you want, I can appear as human." Zagreus steps back, and within a split second, he looks completely different.
Looking at him with a weary look, She wonders if how he looks makes things better. His long hair was pulled into a ponytail, and he wore a tight black shirt and blue jeans. He does seem less intimidating and more ready to start a modeling career. Alessia is still determining if she wants the attention he will attract. Though, he may bring more clients for her.
Waving her hands in the air with frustration, "Forget it, let's get going. The car ride is going to be a few hours." Alessia reaches for the keys to her car and swings her duffel bag over her shoulders.
Zagreus grabs her arm, and she flinches. "What now, Zagreus?" She glares at him, and Alessia shakes her arm from his grip.
"We don't need this car. I can move us between places instantly; where are we going?" Zagreus says with an ignorant look as if Alessia insulted his godly powers.
She glances down at the keys to her used car, where she constantly has to put oil in it, and looks back at Zagreus's arms which have muscle and definition with a snake tattoo that goes up his bicep.
Letting out a sigh, she tosses the keys on the table. "Sure, let's go your route. We are going to Pines, North Dakota." Zagreus grabs her waist, which sends a shiver through her body. He pulls her closer and leans down, his lips against her ears.
"I would advise you to close your eyes, as I'm much faster than my brother Donn. Coming back to the human realm most likely wasn't much for you, but I guarantee my speed will make you realize how powerful I am." He whispers into her ear, sending another wave of shivers through Alessia's body, giving her goosebumps. Though what he said wasn't sexual, his husky voice and closeness to her oddly made this situation sexual. Let's just say Alessia was turned on by this killer God.
Alessia isn't sure if she will like this partnership because the thought of being attracted to a God, who once tried to kill her, makes Alessia question her sanity.