Thron gave me a quizzical look, but before he could ask further, a glittering golden dart shot through the door. It burst into Borealis, spreading crystalline wings of molten gold. The demon flew right into my arms, trailing stars after him. I rose and caught him with a giggle, nuzzling his head with my cheek.
"You did it!" I cried, squeezing him close.
He cawed proudly, preening himself in an effort to retain some dignity as I smothered him in my arms.
"This is a demon?" Thron asked, wonder in his voice.
"Borealis. He's been my friend for a long time," I answered.
Borealis squawked, shifting to perch on my forearm. He looked Thron over for a moment, then dipped his head in what I hoped was approval.
"Fascinating," the old librarian murmured, studying the eagle-like creature with a furrowed brow. "He bears your mana and your aura. I can't sense any of the infernal presence normally associated with demons."
