Sometimes you can't afford to summon a horrible monster to guard your lair. You get what you pay for, whether it's in magical power or basic kindness.

Written as part of a story exchange project. I took an opening scene from writer Griseus (not the one by that name on FA) and wrote a story based on it. The opening scene you see here is my own substitute for that first part.

(Next? I'm split between a few projects but long-delayed Night Shift story "Getting the Band Together" is on the list.)