I Raised the Demon Queen (Now She Won't Leave Me Alone)

Elias sat cross-legged in the center of the dusty room, surrounded by half-empty books, half-full ink bottles, and a very full mug of regret.

Opposite him sat her. The small horned girl. Blanket cape, impish eyes, legs swinging off the edge of a stool far too tall for her.

"You still don't remember anything?" he asked, trying not to sound frustrated.

She shook her head, staring at the flame of a candle like it held all the answers.

"Not even your name?"

Her lips parted, slow, hesitant. "Re... va..."

Elias leaned forward. "Reva?"

She squinted harder, like forcing it out would crack the puzzle in her mind. "...Re...van..."

His heart dropped.

So close.

So dangerously close.