Touched by the Demon

Contents Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen About the Author N.L. Hoffmann Touched by the Demon Copyright © 2023 by N.L. Hoffmann All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. N.L. Hoffmann has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book. First edition Cover art by Vanesa Garkova Editing by Gina Writes Words Author Services This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy Find out more at reedsy.com For those who fight their inner darkness every day…We got this Prologue “Someone appears to be summoning a demon, sir. Do you wish for me to respond?” my second in command asked. He liked answering the summoners. Usually, it’s to scare a couple of young mages or witches that don’t follow the rules. Never summon a demon unless asking for a specific one. You could get one big asshole. Like me, for example. “Who is it?” I queried, lounging in my bed, wearing only a pair of shorts. I hated Hell more than anything. I was ready to make my exit and start my life as something other than being my father’s performing monkey—which he seemed to enjoy far too much. The silence made me prop up on my elbows and stare at him as he paced the bedroom. “Well?” I asked again. “Edison, the head of the death mages, sir.” He was paler than usual. Despite living in Hell my second appearance resembled a nerd locked away in his lab all day, never to see the light of day. “Hmm, interesting. I sat up, smiling as my clothes appeared on me. “Very interesting. If father asks, I’m away topside. I’ll return momentarily.” My second opened his mouth to object but I was already gone, appearing in the summoning circle a split-second later. As expected, the circle was stronger than average, but he’d been calling for a stronger demon. Only I bet he didn’t think he’d get me. “Ah, finally! You took forever to show up, demon,” the man snarled, circling me as he held a thick leather book in his hands. His black hair was swept to the side like he was in the boy scouts, blue eyes were pale, almost dead inside. This was a man who’d spent his life searching for power and doing whatever he had to in order to get it. Fucking bastard. Demons were assholes, but some of the supernaturals on topside could be far worse. I looked down at my nail, feigning disinterest. “What is it that you want, mage?” He wouldn’t know who I was right away, just that I was powerful enough to accomplish what he needed, which probably came down to power. Suddenly, a tug at my chest had my head snapping around to a baby lying in a bassinet. She cried out in hunger, but that wasn’t what had captured my attention. It was her. We’d be something together. Not now and not for a while, but I’d make sure she survived this time to be with me. The death mage cleared his throat, and I reluctantly looked at his rat-like face. “I’ll give you the child if you achieve what I need.” Irritation sprung up within me at how easily he’d give up this baby to a demon. He had no idea what I’d do, but for power, he’d give her away. “What is it that you want?” I growled, prowling the circle. He watched me toe the line, smirking because he thought it would hold me. Only it wouldn’t. I was a prince of Hell. “I need enough power to defeat the royal mages. Once I’ve completed that, I want to live for an eternity.” He nodded once, pleased with his request. “In return, I’ll give you my granddaughter.” His granddaughter? I reared my head back in surprise. How fate was determined to make my life difficult. I had no choice but to agree. If he was willing to do this to her, then who knew what he’d do if I refused her? I smiled, glancing in her direction as she fussed. “The deal will be the power and eternal life in exchange for me giving my blood to her so that I may return to her at a later date. You will also let her leave with her father.” I looked at the man who appeared from behind a rock. He’d been there the whole time while we took over most of the cave. He wanted her back and I’d make sure she survived her grandfather. “Deal!” the mage quickly shouted. He snapped the book closed and then took a knife out to cut his hand. “No. We will not do a blood exchange. The deal I’ll make is far more potent and permanent. After I give the