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

Revantra didn't like surprises.

Especially not the sort that wore sunflower-yellow ribbons in their hair and had the audacity to squeal.

"Eeeek! You must be Elias! Oh my goodness, you're even cuter than the staff portraits!"

Elias blinked once, twice, and then performed the brave, time-honored tactic of a man completely unprepared for social ambush: he smiled vaguely and took an urgent interest in a nearby potted fern.

It was Monday morning, which already meant an uphill battle against sleep deprivation and stiff uniforms. But this week was special. "Parent-Health Check Week" at the Capital School of Magical Arts, where guardians were encouraged—no, expected—to attend magical growth consultations with students. Which meant Elias, as her legally designated "uncle," was doomed to a week of awkwardly trying to understand mana charts while surrounded by other suspiciously perfect-looking parents.

And now this.

Revantra stood frozen just outside the classroom doorway, half a foot taller than last week thanks to the infernal aging process that refused to slow down, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"Lysine Flarehart," the girl announced to the class, twirling one of her ringlet curls between two fingers. "Transfer from Wistervale Academy! I specialize in aura diagnostics and intermediate charms!"

No one had asked.

"And this is my assigned guardian for the week!" she declared brightly, grabbing Elias's arm like a winning lottery ticket.

Revantra's vision tunneled slightly. The glass on the window beside her trembled, just a little.