City Infernal by Edward Lee Page B

you’re real.”
    “And the myth is true,” Via said. “You’re an Etheress.”
    The strange world seemed to flit about the basement like a trapped sparrow. “Etheress,” Cassie repeated.
    “Just like it says in the Grimoires,” Via continued, “you’re a physical bond in the Etheric Realm, something that’s created by astronomical circumstances. Two twin sisters, both virgins and both suicidal. One commits suicide and one survives. Both born on an occult holiday.”
    Now Cassie frowned. “Lissa and I were born on October 26. That isn’t any occult holiday.”
    Via and Xeke laughed out loud. “It’s the date of Baron Gilles de Rais’ execution,” Via explained.
    Then Xeke: “To the Satanic Sects, it’s their most powerful day of worship. Makes Halloween and Beltane Eve look like a sock hop.”
    Via spoke louder now, her voice echoing. “You’re an Etheress, Cassie. You’re very very special.”
    Xeke leaned forward. He seemed hesitant. “And because you’re an Etheress ... you could really help us out....”
    “Damn it, Xeke!” Via turned and yelled. “Don’t be so mercenary!”
    Xeke shrugged. “Well, it can’t hurt to ask.”
    Via elbowed him hard, then looked to Cassie. “What asshole here isn’t telling you is that we can’t stay here any more unless you say it’s okay. That’s one of the Rules, too. If we stuck around without your permission, all you’d have to do is get a priest to bless the place, and we’d have to leave.”
    Cassie didn’t get it. “Why would I want you to leave?” Then it struck her; it was almost ironic. These people are my friends. Somehow, it didn’t matter that they were dead.
    “It’s just another one of the Rules,” Via said. “You’re an Etheress. We have an obligation to tell you.”
    “Well, I don’t want you to leave. As far as I’m concerned, you can stay here as long as you want.”
    Xeke cracked his hands together in celebration. “I knew she liked us!”
    “And what were you just saying?” Cassie asked. “Something about me being able to help you?”
    “Yeah,” Xeke edged back in. “Do you have any—” Via shot him another hard elbow. “Damn it! We’re not allowed to ask! You know that!”
    “Sure, but—she can ask us.”
    “All right,” Cassie insisted. “I’m totally confused now.”
    Via stewed over a contemplation. “Be ready, tonight at midnight. But that’s only if you want to go. You don’t have to go, and we can’t try to influence you. It’s one of—”
    “It’s one of the Rules,” Cassie rushed. “I get it. But ... where are we going?”
    “Just so long as you understand. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”
    “Of course she wants to go!” Xeke exclaimed. “She’s an Etheress! It’s her destiny to see!”
    Cassie had no idea what they were talking about.
    Via stood up, put her jacket back on. Xeke and Hush got up too.
    “Out here, our energy fades during the day,” Xeke said. “we have to go back upstairs and—well, it’s what you would think of as sleep.”
    “Be ready, tonight at midnight,” Via repeated. “If you have any jewelry—not gold or diamonds—but silver, with any gemstones like amethyst, sapphire, or pretty much any kind of birthstone—bring it. Onyx is especially important.”
    “I think I have some of that,” Cassie said, still bewildered.
    Xeke was nudging Via excitedly. “And tell her to bring—”
    “Bring some bones,” Via said.
    “Bones?”
    “Chicken bones, a ham bone, a soup bone. Go down to the diner in town and look in the garbage. Any kind of bones will do.”
    Bones. From the garbage? Cassie couldn’t figure it but she consented. “Okay,” she said. “So where are we going?”
    It was only Hush who looked back at her worriedly. They were leaving the basement now, their forms seeming to fade before Cassie’s eyes.
    “We’re going to the city,” Via said.
    Her voice was fading. “We’re going to the