Invocation by Aileen Erin

There are three things I know without question.

One: Demons are real.
Two: Humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think.
Three: I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help. Since I was little, I’ve been called names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting, since they keep throwing me into mental facilities my entire life.
But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.
Because there’s an endless war brewing all around us every minute of every day. I see the battle for souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side. He — Astaroth, Satan’s general— is why I can do this. He’s also why I can’t have friends, a life, or a boyfriend. I won’t drag someone into this fight. But I do have my mom. She’s my rock, my best friend, my partner. She helps me do what needs to be done, and she’s brave while it feels like I’m always afraid.
Because I hear my father whispering my name each night. He’s hunting me.
Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.
My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.