The Demons Assistant

Episode 5: Betrayal

I visited David, the royal who lost the boxing match, in the infirmary as he explained that he got a protein shake as a good luck token from a commoner Demon he'd never met before. It was the only thing he ingested. I asked if he was well enough to show me who gave him the poison. He nodded. I had to wait a few hours for the nurses to prepare him before I could sound the alarm. The entire facility exploded with panic, customers and staff, Demons and humans alike started screaming and running frantically. I then saw Layla running down the stairs with a shocked look in her eyes. I sighed with relief. I asked Layla to get the crowd to line up against the wall. She tried but no one listened. They were in too much of a panic. “Everyone! Get in a line. NOW! Against the wall!” I heard Brook yell after a whistle. Immediately there was action. People stopped screaming and running and walked calmly to the wall. Once everyone was lined up, I said in a clear voice, “Samuel here, Lost the boxing match because someone poisoned him. He was too weak to defend himself. Someone wanted him to lose. Or was it for someone else to win? We do not care. whoever did this committed treason. it is highly illegal” I nodded at Samuel, and he pointed right at Layla. Shock was on my face and in hers. I couldn’t believe it.

She stepped forward out of the line slowly with her head down. She kept walking until she was in front of me on the podium. “I didn’t-” I didn’t let her finish. I couldn’t. “Stop. Just stop. Stop talking and don’t move.” I said, Betrayal running over the shock. It was like that for a few seconds. She betrayed me. I trusted her. how could she? Samuel piped up. “Not her. Him” as he pointed to a man next to where Layla was in line. A balding commoner walked up and Sputtered "I Just wanted a commoner to win for once, it just wasnt fair a royal against a commoner. I just wanted the little guy to have a decent chance. I didn't know it was treason. I wouldnt have even tried if I knew. im so sorry". “You are hereby arrested for treason and poisoning a royal. Your court will commence immediately.” Brook handcuffed the man and took him away. I almost forgot about Layla. “Layla, I’m sorry. I remove my order from you. You can move and talk again now.” Layla let out a sigh of relief. I look down on the floor with guilt. "Im sorry. I should have trusted u. I knew in my heart u couldnt have done it. u wouldn't even know how. but it was shock I think"

The next morning, I knocked on her door. This is the first time officially visiting her since she moved here. “Yes?” Layla asked once she opened the door. "I came to apologize. Again. I realize that I should have had more faith in you yesterday. I hope you will forgive me?” I asked. Layla nodded and beckoned me inside. We talked for several hours, and she told me how she always wanted a pet cat. “Done.” I said. And I meant it. After all that I put her through, she definetely deserved it. We talked a bit more before I had to leave to cover for brook. She’s come down with something.

I get downstairs and it’s about mid-afternoon. And I was about to leave for the pet store when a person I didn't know stopped me. “Your slave will pay the ultimate price for something she didn’t do”. I look confused as the elderly woman lets go of my forearm. People exist who can see the future. This was obviously a warning. If someone was paying a price for anything, they would have to be arrested. But for what? Robbery? Assault? Murder? How am I supposed to figure it out? Either way, Layla’s going to need a lawyer. And I have a demon friend on speed dial.