Free Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett

leaders from each order. This was like herding cats. Esoteric orders are historically secretive and uninterested in sharing their secrets or banding together for a greater cause. However, my parents often acted as interorder liaisons with some degree of success.
    â€œWasn’t it the Luxe group who blew the whistle on them?” Lon asked.
    â€œYep. After their leader was attacked, Luxe accused them. That’s when they were brought in for questioning and the whole media circus started. A couple days later, the leader of the Luxe Order led the police to the murder weapon used inthe Black Lodge slayings—I’m sure you’ve heard about that in the news as well.”
    He nodded, creasing his eyes as he studied me with greater intensity.
    â€œWhen my parents’ fingerprints were found on it, the warrant for their arrest was issued. At that point, they were facing serious charges from the law and even bigger threats from Luxe. There was no way out—they had to run.”
    â€œYou too.”
    â€œMe too,” I agreed, remembering the panic and fear, the sudden loss of my family. “I don’t know how Luxe got their fingerprints, but it was rigged evidence. It was a demon, not a knife, that did the dirty work.”
    â€œThe albino demon?”
    I nodded.
    â€œBut they didn’t summon it?”
    â€œNo. We think it was either someone from the Luxe group who was trying to sabotage our order, or some outside independent magician trying to take over all the orders. It might sound ridiculous to an outsider, but you really wouldn’t believe the politics and power struggles that go on between the major occult organizations.”
    â€œOh, I believe it. Whenever people organize, there’s problems. That’s why I’m not a joiner. I keep to myself and mind my own business.”
    That was true of most demons I knew. I smiled. “Except for the seminary stint?”
    â€œThat was self-serving.” A trace of smile showed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “So, the albino demon …”
    â€œIf I can find it, I can force it to tell me who committed the murders. My parents will be exonerated.”
    â€œYou need me to find it fast because the police are looking for your parents again?”
    â€œWell, that doesn’t help matters, but it’s more because the Luxe Order has given my organization a mandate to turn over my parents—or me—in two weeks.”
    His eyebrows shot up. “What would they do if you turned yourself in to them?”
    â€œKill me,” I said very seriously. “Eye for an eye, sins of the father, all that.”
    â€œDamn.”
    â€œYeah.”
    A cool breeze blew in from outside the window and fluttered a few stray hairs around my face. I pushed them away, and noticed that our beers hadn’t been touched in a while. Toying with a small tear in the knee of my jeans, I spoke again in a low voice.
    â€œI bet you didn’t expect all this, huh?”
    â€œThis? No. I thought you might be some angry kid with a vendetta. Not this.”
    â€œWell, I guess you can either help me, or you can rat me out to the feds and collect a handsome reward. It’s up to you.”
    â€œDo you worry about people doing that? Turning you in?”
    â€œNo. There isn’t anyone who knows who I am.”
    â€œNo one?”
    â€œA few people in my order, but they’re willingly under magical oath to keep quiet. Otherwise, no one. I guess you think I’m pretty stupid, spilling my guts to a complete stranger. I’m not even sure why I told you. I could have made something up like I usually do.”
    We looked at each for a few moments, then he sat on the edge of the sofa and leaned forward, legs spread and forearms braced on his knees. “Two weeks, huh? That’s a lot of pressure on me.”
    â€œYeah, sorry.”
    â€œMmm.”
    â€œWill you do it?”
    â€œI think the bigger