Deal with a Devil

"Everyone has a price," the demon hissed, dripping sulfurous slaver from its jaws.  "The only difficulty is in meeting it."  It gestured at Sandy, its black eyes losing focus briefly.  "She would let the world burn to save her mewling lover."  It laughed.  "Pity he wouldn't return the favor."  The demon pointed to Charles.  "He would slit all of your throats if doing so would give him the artistic transcendence he craves."  It turned then to Howard.  "And this one..."  It trailed off, blinking.  "Five dollars?  Truly?"

Howard shrugged.  "That's a minimum.  If I get a counter-offer, we can talk negotiations."

Malleus Maleficarum

"You don't want to go in there," said Zaxik.

Greg paused, one hand on the men's room door. "I drank a forty-ounce coke during the movie. I think I kind of do."

"Well, be careful." The demon fluttered down to perch on Greg's shoulder. "Watch for witch-hunters."

"In public restrooms?"

"They hang out there."

Greg rolled his eyes and entered the empty bathroom. It wasn't until he zipped up and stepped back that he noticed anything odd.

"What gives? It's not flushing." Greg waved a hand. "The sensor lights up..."

Zaxik nodded. "The soul detector. Very risky for you, now."

Breaking With Tradition

The wrinkled man – he had the form of a man, at least – smiled hideously. "Come now, my Lord. We are not hagglers in a market. The terms of the bargain have remained unchanged since your most distant ancestor first encountered me, or someone like me. Holding out will not earn you more favorable terms. I knew your grandfather, and your grandfather's grandfather, and each of them signed in my little book. The temptation is in your blood, and your blood is old."

"That's as may be," said Sir Witherstone, "and yet I have other blood in my veins, as well."