Harper dialed Selena's number and waited as the call connected. After a few rings, Selena answered with a crisp, "Harper, what is it?"
"Selena, I've just had a demon encounter," Harper reported, her voice low and serious.
There was a beat of silence before Selena spoke again, "Where?"
"In the city," Harper answered. "I was handling a case for a client and it just appeared out of nowhere. I managed to fend it off, but it was clear it was not supposed to be here."
"I see," Selena said thoughtfully. "I'll inform the ruling council and make sure the necessary measures are taken. Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Harper replied. "I just wanted to make sure to report this to you as soon as possible."
"Good," Selena said, sounding relieved. "Stay safe, Harper. We'll handle this on our end."
With that, the call ended and Harper leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh. She hated having to deal with demons, they always brought with them trouble and unrest.
After ending the call with Selena, Harper sent a group text to her employees reminding them to be careful and to keep an eye out for any strange activity.
Harper dialed Ava's number and waited for her to pick up. Ava answered on the second ring.
"This is rare, you calling me, what's up?" Ava said.
"Hey Ava, I just wanted to fill you in on something that happened earlier today," Harper said, her tone serious.
"Okay, what happened?" Ava asked, her voice immediately alert.
"I had a run-in with a demon. It was at a job, but it was unexpected. I managed to fend it off, but I had to submit a report to the ruling council and Selena," Harper explained.
"A demon? That's not good. Have you heard anything from the council yet?" Ava asked, concern evident in her voice.
"No, not yet. I just submitted the report a little while ago," Harper replied.
"Okay, well let me know if you hear anything. In the meantime, be careful. And if you need any help, call me," Ava said.
"Thanks sis, I will. Take care," Harper said before hanging up.
Harper dialed her parents' number, and her mother answered on the first ring.
"Harper! I was just talking to Ava, are you okay? Ava said there was some trouble with a demon?" her mother's voice was filled with worry.
"Yes, Mom, I'm fine. It was just a minor altercation, nothing to worry about," Harper reassured her.
"Minor altercation? Harper, you know demons are not to be taken lightly. I don't think I like this whole thing you're doing," her father's gruff voice chimed in from the background.
"Dad, I've been doing this for years, and I know how to handle myself," Harper replied, trying to sound as confident as possible.
"But this is different, Harper. Demons don't usually wander into our world without a reason. And what if the ruling council doesn't take this seriously?" her mother asked, her voice laced with concern.
"I've already reported it to the council, Mom. And Selena is keeping an eye out for anything strange," Harper explained.
"I suppose that's something. But please, be careful, Harper. We love you," her mother said, her voice softening.
"I will, Mom. Love you both," Harper replied, before ending the call.
Harper hesitated before dialing Alexander's number. As soon as he answered, she could hear the annoyance in his voice.
"Alexander, it's Harper," she said.
"I already know," he replied tersely. "What happened? Why was a demon so close to you?"
Harper filled him in on the encounter, and Alexander's irritation shifted to his watchers for not preventing it.
"They'll be dealt with," he promised. "But, Harper, you did well. You took care of the demon quickly and efficiently. I'm impressed."
Harper couldn't help but smile at the compliment, despite the situation. "Thanks, Alexander," she said. "I just wanted to make sure you were aware of what happened."
"I always know what's happening with you," Alexander said firmly. "You don't need to worry about that. Just be careful and stay alert."
"You know, Harper, I'm so glad you called me," Alexander purred silkily. "You've been such a good girl. I promise, I'll reward you the next time I see you."
There was a promise in his voice that left Harper feeling flustered and unable to form a coherent response.
Unsure of how to respond, Harper quickly ended the call, her heart racing. Alexander sent her a text with a laughing emoji and a rose emoji, leaving Harper even more flustered. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Alexander, but she also knew that he was a dangerous and powerful man, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for that kind of entanglement.
Harper leaned back in her chair and let out a sigh, knowing that there was much more work to be done. But for now, she was relieved to have taken the first step in addressing the situation.