Kris Starr used to be famous. Rock and roll. Sold-out shows. Literal magic. Empathic talents and screaming fans. But he has a problem or two. He's having a hard time writing new music. It’s Midwinter, which means he’s surrounded by depressing holiday cheer. And he's in love with Justin, his manager, who has a talent for rescuing almost- or once-famous bands ... and who’s hiding secrets of his own. Justin Moore, on the other hand, is very good at keeping those secrets -- he's had to be for years. One secret involves a demonic inheritance that would make him a target of suspicion. Another involves his past. And the third involves Justin’s feelings for Kris Starr, rock and roll icon and now his client ... and a powerful empath of his own.

A Demon for Midwinter

That particular topic had continued trending on social media. Slow news day. No breaking scandalous diversions. It’d stayed a lighthearted story, at least, despite playing into stereotypical assumptions; no further sightings, not mass frenzy but speculation: what did this demon want, from whomwas it feeding, who would you want a demon to feed from? Vote in this poll. Leave a comment. Kris sighed for humanity, and wanted to hug Justin, and not only because he wanted that sweetness back in his arms.


He knew perfectly well what the New York Demon wanted. Coffee, sing-alongs to terrible holiday animatedspecials, punk rock, and artichokes on pizza. Plus the rescue of babies.


In the shower he found himself with a tune in his head. Something about the rhythm of the thought. Give me punk rock, artichokes, we’re gonna save the world. Terrible, but the melody worked: faster and defiant and rebellious and brash and tenacious. The world might need a demon. For the saving of it.


Chapter 24