The familiar setting of Danny's room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight as Stolas sat beside him. As promised, Danny was on his best behavior during Stolas' visit a week later. Granted, Danny had been consistently well-behaved with the owl demon since they first met. This time around, Stolas offered to teach Danny about some of the precious stones he worked with. While the boy was initially unsure, conjuring up chromatic crystals in the palm of his hand brought back the wonder in his eyes.

#

During one of their breaks, Stolas decided to ask a question that had been on his mind for a while.

Books and notes were scattered across the floor. Stolas, reclining in a chair, looked at Danny thoughtfully. "Danny," Stolas began, his voice gentle, "I've been curious about something. Do you mind if I ask?"

Danny looked up from cleaning up his room a bit. "Uh, sure."

"You've mentioned your parents a few times, but what exactly do they do for a living? You've mentioned that others see your family as weird and possible devil worshipers."

Danny shifted a bit, glancing at his desk where a family photo sat. "Well, I already told you that we aren't. They're scientists." The boy seemed to hold his tongue.

"I take it that they study something on the paranormal side of things," the owl demon chuckled.

Danny looked to the floor. "Yeah..."

Stolas ruffled Danny's head. "Don't worry, young man. I've met devil worshipers, and you are very much not like them."

Danny rubbed his arms. "My parents study ghosts," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Stolas blinked at the answer. "Ghosts?" He was expecting them to be demonologists, religious scholars, or something.

Danny nodded. "Yeah. They spend a lot of time in their lab, inventing gadgets and trying to prove that ghosts exist. "

Stolas raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "That's quite an unusual profession. Do they have much success in their pursuits?"

Danny sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, not really. They still haven't proved they exist. Most people in town think they're crazy. No one believes them, and their inventions don't always work the way they're supposed to. But they're really passionate about it. It's their life's work."

Stolas tilted his head, his red eyes reflecting a thoughtful glow. "Interesting."

Danny sat on his bed. "You're from Hell, Stolas. Do ghosts exist?"

Stolas made a thoughtful expression. "I must admit, I don't know. Typically, souls either ascend to Heaven or descend to Hell. The concept of lingering spirits is rather foreign to me. If it's any consolation, I've heard of places like Limbo and Purgatory in literature, but I don't know if they actually exist. Humans are known to say all sorts of things to trick themselves into believing they won't go to Hell."

Danny shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I get that. But my parents are convinced ghosts are real. They're always talking about ectoplasm and the spirit plane. I don't really understand all of it, but they're so dedicated. I don't have the heart to tell them they might be wrong."

Stolas leaned forward, his expression softening. "It's commendable that you support them despite your doubts." Thoughts drifted to the King of Hell and how he was cast out. "Passion can drive people to remarkable lengths, even if their beliefs are unproven."

Danny nodded. "Yeah, I guess. I just want them to be happy.."

Stolas smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Danny's shoulder. "That's a noble sentiment, Danny. Your parents are fortunate to have such an understanding son."

Danny grinned. "Thanks, Mr. Stolas. It means a lot to hear that. I just hope they don't get into too much trouble."

Stolas chuckled softly. "I'm sure they'll manage." Thankfully, he wouldn't have to worry much about his parents. After all, ghosts were just superstition that humans made up. Right?

#

With how things were going, he was sure Octavia would be coming with them next time. If his visits to Danny's home were going to become a regular thing, it would be best for him to be transparent about the typical relationships other people have had with demons and their pacts. It was more than likely he would encounter more demons, especially on the rare chance he would ever visit his home.

Near the tail end of their lesson, Stolas adjusted his tophat and looked at Danny with a serious yet gentle expression. "Danny, I know I touched on it before, but I wanted to get you more acquainted with demonic pacts and possibly having me as your patron down the line."

Danny leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "I know some stuff about deals with demons, but what's a patron?"

Stolas nodded. "Well, as you may know, in the realm of the occult, a pact is an agreement between a mortal and a demon. Contrastingly, I have read that there have been oaths with angelic entities. The demon becomes a patron, providing guidance, power, or knowledge in exchange for something from the mortal."

Danny nodded innocently. "So, like how you've been my teacher."

Stolas chuckled. "Well, that depends on what the agreed deal is. You and I already have a pact of sorts, but to be a true patron means to have a deeper connection with one another." He smiled. "How do you feel about having a share of my power?"

Danny frowned slightly. "Is this where I'm supposed to offer my soul or something?"

Stolas sighed, his eyes softening. "No. No. I won't be asking that from you. While other demons might ask for a soul for any of their power at all, I would like to think of it as a high-risk, high-reward sort of situation."

Danny listened intently, absorbing the information. "So, what kind of pacts have you made, Mr. Stolas?"

Stolas leaned back, recalling his many interactions. "Over the years, I have entered into numerous pacts. Some mortals sought knowledge, others power or protection. Unfortunately, desired too much and suffered the consequences of their desires."

Danny's brow furrowed. "Have any of them ever asked for something good? Like, to help someone else?"

The demon made a face. "There have been few about saving a loved one in danger. I honestly prefer those. Sadly, many mortals are driven by selfish desires." Stolas took a deep breath and began, "I've been around for a long time, Danny. I've made many pacts with mortals during that time, but I have rarely offered my magic."

Danny blinked. "Oh, well. I don't want to make you sad." He shrugged. "Magic tricks are cool and all, but I like us just hanging out."

Stolas chuckled and booped young Danny on the nose. "I shouldn't be surprised, but in some regard, I am happy." Stolas patted Danny on the back. "So long as you continue to be a good student of mine, I don't mind sharing some of my knowledge and power for small spells and cantrips. I don't expect you to comprehend the weight of the offer at your current age, but I would like you to keep the offer in mind. You'd be my little warlock in training."

Danny blinked with a smile. "That sounds cool... What does that mean? Are they like wizards?"

Stolas smiled. "Not quite. Warlocks are just the other side of the coin to their patron."

#

As the night drew to a close, Stolas stood by the door of Danny's room, ready to return to his realm. He observed Danny tidying up his notes, a satisfied smile on his face from a night of learning and wonder.

"Danny," Stolas began, his tone gentle yet filled with a hint of excitement, "you've behaved exceptionally well tonight. As promised, my daughter Octavia will be joining me on my next visit."

Danny's face lit up with a bright smile. "That's awesome! I can't wait to meet her."

"There's one thing I must ask of you," Stolas continued, his expression turning a bit more serious. "Please prepare some extra snacks for her. She can be a bit of a glutton, especially regarding treats."

Danny laughed, nodding eagerly. "Got it. I'll make sure we have plenty of snacks."

Stolas smiled warmly but then grew slightly solemn. "There's something else you should know. Octavia is quite shy, especially around new people. She's had some poor experiences with other noble children in Hell. They haven't always been kind to her."

Danny's expression softened with understanding. "I'll be patient with her, Mr. Stolas. She'll be my new friend."

Stolas felt a surge of gratitude for Danny's kind-hearted nature. "Thank you, Danny. Just be your wonderful self, and I'm sure she'll warm up to you."

Danny beamed. "I'll do my best. We'll have a blast!"

Stolas placed a hand on Danny's shoulder, reassuringly squeezing it. "I have no doubt you will. Now, get some rest."

"Goodnight, Mr. Stolas," Danny said, his voice filled with anticipation for the next Thursday.

"Goodnight, Danny," Stolas replied softly. "Sweet dreams."

With that, Stolas vanished into the shadows. As Danny drifted off to sleep, thinking of all sorts of stuff for him and Octavia to do.

#

A/N: Special thanks to Jebest4781, Charles, vividlearner744, and Seana!

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