Well, the word count has risen to 22, 053 and I have more to type up, but the writing flow is going nicely so I’m not going to disrupt it any more than necessary.

New excerpt:
“Thanks. Uh, is that…” I pointed at the horned being taking shape.

“A daemon. Mid-level, I’d say.” he straightened his jacket and spoke into the air. “Illy, I need you. A careful arrival, please.”

A soft whisper of sound; the husky faded into view with a guilty expression and an empty meat package in his mouth.

Damian sighed. “What is it with you and the damn trash?”

The dog dropped his prize and sat on it, offering up a big, shit-eating grin.

“Uh, daemon?” I prompted, then gaped as Illy leaped to his paws, spinning around. The husky went from goofy and cuddly to a teeth baring, hackles raised danger. I was impressed.