The Nightshade Guild: Half-Blood Mage, page 9
“Will do. Be back in a second.” Shannon walked off to get their drinks, and Demi focused on giving Ameria one of her toys to play with. The princess touched Demi’s hand, and an image of Adrian appeared in her mind’s eye. Demi swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. “I miss him too.” Not a lie.
The diner itself smelled like grease, coffee, and someone wearing a ridiculous amount of Old Spice. Plates clinked, the grill sizzled, and the ring of the doorbell signaled more patrons.
Only after Ameria took the toy from Demi’s hand did Demi notice how the air had grown cold, the creeping smell of sulfur blotting out the other scents.
Looked like she wouldn’t even get two hours away from Adrian before time ran out. Her inability to block out her emotions over Adrian’s future didn’t help. Goosebumps rose on her arms, the hair on the back of neck standing on end, and momentarily, she couldn’t move.
“Sit anywhere, hun.” The common greeting from the diner waitress rang out.
Legion walked toward their booth, movements a little stilted, though confident in the stride. Their gaze swept over the restaurant, pulling in the feelings of the room no doubt. Myra’s body looked tired, bags under her eyes and her lips dry and cracked. If Demi had some way of punishing Legion, she’d do so immediately. Myra had been dragged into this mess to begin with because of Demi. She warred between guilt and despair, her hands in fists so tight her nails bit into the skin of her palms.
“We would like to have a seat… have a chat.” Legion’s use of Myra’s voice sent goosebumps across her arms and up her neck.
“Go ahead.”
Legion sat down, hands awkwardly positioned on the table as if trying to mimic human behavior. Shannon returned with the drinks.
“Here’s the coffee, didn’t know if you needed cream or sugar. Then I’ve got the apple juice. You might want to help her or she’ll make a mess, and we don’t have cups with lids. Does your friend…” Shannon’s voice trailed off as Legion made eye contact with her.
Demi had to ensure the situation evolved as she needed it to, not spin out of control. That could result in all these people in the diner dead and with her and Ameria at the mercy of a damn near unstoppable force.
Legion smiled, but the motion looked unnatural in Myra’s body.
“We’re good, thanks,” Demi said. “Can you place an order for a big breakfast special? The one with the most food.”
Shannon’s now empty hands shook, her gaze still locked on Legion. The gaze of demon, this one in particular, could rattle any human’s sense of self. Demi reached out and grabbed Shannon’s arm, giving it a little yank.
“Sure thing,” Shannon replied, her gaze snapping over to Demi.
“Do that, and when you bring the food, slide the plates on the table and leave. You’ll be okay.” Demi saw the dread in the other woman’s eyes, bright and contagious. Fear was what Legion lived for.
“Will do.”
Demi released her hold on Shannon as the woman turned and departed. She silently prayed that somehow Shannon could keep her mouth shut about whatever Legion showed her in her head.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Oh, but we did. Terror is what cements our power. Anger and lust are fine, but fear is the grand prize and fuels us for whatever battles we may encounter.”
Demi glanced at Ameria, who appeared to be still concentrating on her toy. Demi grabbed her coffee cup. “A fight, huh? You think that’s what this will come down to? I’m not big on battles.”
She took a long swallow of coffee, but the sting from the hot liquid barely registered. Her emotions had to remain as limited as possible in this conversation.
“We have heard the stories and the rumors from Asmodeus and others. You attack demons everywhere you find them. Kill your own kind without remorse.”
“They’re no kin to me,” she spat back. Shit. No emotion would be damn hard when this bastard would do anything to provoke her into a reaction. “Besides demons do the same to humans, makes no difference, really. Look at you, you’re a puppet controlled by a master. Not free to do as you wish.”
Legion frowned. “We were tricked as so many of our breed often are. You know what it’s like to be used.”
Of course, they would dial in on her past with her mother. “Wow, you’re really pulling out the stops here. Possessing my best friend, cornering me in a diner full of innocents, now bringing up my dead mother. Very nice, though playing the pity card doesn’t get me any closer to giving you Ameria.”
“Asmodeus wants her for his coming war.”
War? A new one? “Who’s he decided to fight this time?”
“He plans to take over all of hell.”
Demi stifled a chuckle and drank deep from her coffee mug. “With Elven magic… that’s hilarious, foolish, and stupid. The magics aren’t compatible.”
“As you said, we are a puppet… so even if we might agree, the task must still be fulfilled.” Legion glanced to the princess.
Ameria looked in Legion’s direction. Demi would shield her eyes at the first hint of fear, but Ameria displayed none. Seemed she was either immune to the demon’s probing abilities or had seen so much that nothing would have an impact.
“Quit inspecting her and focus on me or this conversation is over.”
“We would prefer to fight, if you so wish. End this so we can finish what we started. The chase is becoming old. Our vessel already grows weak.”
Demi wrapped her hands around her mug, channeling calm even as alarm surged through her at the idea that Myra wouldn’t hang on much longer. “Well, if you took care of the vessel, you wouldn’t have this problem.”
“This woman, this best friend, means a lot to you. We will exchange. Give you the friend if you turn over the princess.”
“And let you possess the princess? I don’t think so.”
Legion shook its head, Myra’s curls bouncing with the movement. “No, the waitress can serve our purposes. We do not inhabit small vessels, not when a big distance must be covered.”
The waitress… figures. Demi couldn’t let that happen. “You’re not touching anyone in here.”
“We will if you don’t surrender. We shall raze the building and tear those inside limb from limb. We have yet to test the capabilities of this vessel.”
Over her dead body. The only thing they would be doing is leaving this diner with Myra free of Legion if Demi could help it. She placed a hand on Ameria’s shoulder, a gentle touch, and tried to send a psychic message. Though she herself had never communicated with someone like that, based on Adrian’s mention, Ameria could read and push thoughts to others.
The little girl glanced at her. “Ewwice?”
Demi smiled. “Sure, kid.”
She grabbed the glass of apple juice and carefully held it to Ameria’s lips for her to take a sip. Of course, while she was distracted was when Shannon arrived with the food.
She slid the plate onto the table. “One big breakfast for you, and…”
Demi took the glass away from Ameria and set it down. Legion placed a hand over Shannon’s forearm, and the woman shook in fear, attempting to step back but unable to. Shannon’s mouth opened to cry out, but nothing emerged.
Demi slapped the table, rattling everything on the flat surface. Juice splashed onto the laminated top, and silverware edged toward her lap. “Let her go.”
Heat rose within her, the demonic fire tracing her nerves and ready to ignite.
“As you ask, but only temporarily.” Legion let go of Shannon who ran off. “She is delectable to us, easily frightened and a believer in evil.”
Humans were the safest in their agnostic state, but those with a steady churchgoing presence found themselves perfect prey for the creatures of hell.
“Let’s get back to the negotiation. You were offering me my friend in exchange for the princess.” Demi cut into the egg on her plate and took a bite. The runny yolk was a reminder of how unstable her plan was—easily cracked with a center to spill out all over. She grabbed a piece of toast and started to sop up the gooey mess.
“Yes, we will do so. Though we can’t expect you to keep your promise.”
Demi nodded as she finished chewing. She took her time, drinking a good swallow of coffee. Shit, the cup was almost empty. Demi snagged another bite of food because the truth was who knew when she’d get to eat again? Once she spoke, things were either going to go her way or turn into a disaster.
“We grow impatient.” Legion finally said, looking at the princess again.
Demi passed Ameria a piece of toast as well, enough that the little girl could gnaw on it and not choke. “Yes, you’re pressed for time and all that. I say no deal.”
Legion spread out their hands on the table. Around the room, the condiments at each booth rattled. Bottles of ketchup, salt and pepper shakers, and even the little containers of sweetener packets clinked over and over, starting soft and picking up pace.
“Hold your horses there. I’ve got another offer. What if I help you break free from my father’s control and you give me Myra back?”
“The princess?” Legion asked, still maintaining their sway over the booth accoutrements.
“She’s not part of this negotiation. You say you’re a puppet? Well, I’m willing to free you so you can be your own demon again. If you’ve heard stories, then you know what I’m capable of.”
Legion released the condiments from their thrall, everything settling back into place with loud clap. The other patrons seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. A few glances were cast their way, but overall, everyone went back to their business.
“You would release us… knowing our power.”
“Doesn’t seem fair to me that my father kept you locked up for years to do what he wanted. You had your own goals, I’m sure.” If the book told the story right, Legion was far more dangerous than Asmodeus. She used her full power of silver speak to try and weave this offer.
“Tell us your plan.”
“Then you’re aligned?”
Legion shook their head. “We agree to nothing… yet. We don’t want freedom alone—we want Asmodeus dead. How will you help us get that?”
Negotiating with demons was never this easy.
Chapter Twelve
Adrian startled awake and almost fell off the futon. He’d passed out some time after leaving Demi with Ameria. Guilt and fear had taken over, and he had no clue if he’d ever be able to regain Demi’s trust, but damnit, he would try. He’d always try. His arm seared in pain as he pushed to a standing position and headed for the room he’d left Demi and Amelia in.
Except, the room was empty. A search through the whole house revealed they’d gone and taken the van. He tapped against his chest, hoping the motions would clear away the panging ache that took residence there.
She ditched me. No surprise there.
After last night, she’d been aggravated with him and had every right. Except he couldn’t bear the idea of her and Ameria heading into this fight alone. After quickly washing, changing his clothes, and packing his bag, he dialed up an old friend.
“I honestly didn’t expect to hear from you anytime soon.” The grisly voice of fellow mercenary William reminded Adrian of how he’d left things.
“I imagine guild members aren’t too happy with me.” Those had been dark days after Demi left him, over twenty years of wandering until finally he’d received the call from the vampire queen. He’d alienated the people who cared about him efficiently and without remorse.
“You’d guess right. Then we found your aura and Demi’s on our safe house in Kansas. What’s happening?”
How much did he explain? How much could he?
“Demi and I got into a mess. We’re trying to patch things up and then demons—"
William chuckled. His voice sounded like rocks in a blender. “Figures you two couldn’t manage to repair things without attracting trouble.”
“Yeah…” They’d been known as the discord twins for years. Always getting involved in one demon problem after another because of Demi and her nature. It was like she stumbled upon them or vice versa, but that reputation helped now. “I pissed her off again though, Will. She left me stranded with no ride, and I’m not in condition for long distance flying. We’re at the Colorado Springs cabin.”
“Place is a shithole. The house isn’t as nice as other safe spots, but there’s a garage about five miles away. We keep a few spare vehicles there and a motorcycle. You’d know all of this if you hadn’t run off.”
“Thanks, Will.”
William let out a cough. “Don’t thank me yet. You’ll owe us… you and Demi both. You know that right? Nothing comes for free and especially not for those who broke mercenary guild rules and left.”
Another problem for another day. At this point, he might not be alive to pay anything back, though Demi would be held accountable then. Even more reason to find her. To help her.
“Understood. What’s the name of his garage?”
“Calvera y Huesos.”
Skull and bones, great.
“Appreciate the help.” Adrian hung up, even as William said something. He sensed Demi was already more than a hundred miles away at least, with vague images of a diner popping into his head. He’d have to book it to get to the motorcycle and make up for lost time. Hell… at this point he might end up constantly one pace behind them.
He slipped into his trench coat, hoisted his bag on one shoulder, and grabbed a couple of weapons.
The front door opened before he took another step.
There stood Asmodeus. He looked a little like Demi with long white hair, yellow eyes, and smoke pouring off his shoulders like a rolling fog. The barrier from the runes held but only for a few moments as Asmodeus’s imps and harpies pressed their power against a concentrated spot until the barrier gave in. The smoke stank like sulfur, and tendrils reached for Adrian as the fog seeped into the space. Imps with wings and razor-sharp teeth gathered around him along with the hairy, winged harpies.
No way could he last against this many creatures alone, but he’d do his best if it meant keeping them from Demi.
“Where’s my daughter, vampire?”
“Nowhere you can reach her.” Adrian dropped his bag, tossing one blade into his now free hand. He’d fight to the death if need be.
“Imps, subdue him.” They swarmed like an army.
The sound of their wings flapping and teeth gnashing kept Adrian moving, swiping at them with the rune-marked blades. As Adrian cut through one, then two of the bastards, their little screams rent the air, and he grew confident. This wasn’t an impossible fight. Maybe he could survive this.
Then the smoke arrived, effectively cutting down his visibility and destroying his focus. His eyes stung, and his throat closed. Oxygen didn’t sustain him, but that didn’t mean this shell of a body wouldn’t be tricked by human constructs or limited by the environment around him. He tried to move, but the smoke seemed to burden his limbs.
The imps weighed a million pounds as they landed on his back, his shoulders. His grip on the blade loosened. Heavy steps echoed around him as the entryway was marred in smoky fog. Terror infused his bones, the inability to fight against this demon like losing the woman he loved.
“Give in, vampire. Submit to my minions. Where has Demi gone?”
“I’ll never tell.” He howled as the imps bit into his arms, shoulders, and neck. Their jagged teeth pierced through cloth and flesh sharper than any vampire fang or blade. A million cuts broke his skin. He feared their poison, feared weakening again.
The connection to Demi had already faded as the inflicted wounds bled. He fell flat against the floor, eyelids fluttering as sleep called to him. He couldn’t give in, give up… she needed him.
I love her.
#
A field, a sunset, Demi twirling in a gray and black dress, her shoulders bare to him. She laughed, her arms outstretched, and beckoned him closer. Adrian went, a fool for whatever scraps she’d give him.
“I’m sorry,” he called out.
She only continued her same movements, waving him toward her. Wanting him near. Was this a place he’d been before? A dream?
“Adrian, be with me. Give me what I crave.” Demi smiled then, revealing a pair of fangs. This wasn’t the woman he loved.
He’d never turn her. Nor would she allow him to.
Adrian backed away, pivoted in the opposite direction, and started to run.
“Come back and submit… bow to your queen.”
Adrian kept moving as the sky around him grew dark, the trees and grassy ground beneath him falling away to black and nothing. A giant hand with thin fingers and claws reached for him. Fuck.
Cold water splashed his face, and his eyelids fluttered as he awoke to reality. White mixed with black marble walls. Floors with a variety of rugs. Tapestries hanging from the ceiling. A harpy sat in front of him with an empty bucket at her feet. Her wings closed as she eyed him up and down and licked her beak-shaped mouth.
He tried to move his arms but realized he was tied up prone, body spread eagle on some sort of upright altar. Just great.
“Ah, you’re awake. Now maybe you care to share what you know about my daughter and the princess she travels with.” Asmodeus approached slowly from the side of the room. He wore a white button-down shirt, a red vest, and matching slacks, like he was channeling his best version of Vegas mobster. His hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, and those yellow eyes like Demi’s danced with mischief.
“I don’t know anything. You took me out of range. I can’t even sense Demi, let alone tell you where she is.”
Asmodeus shook his head disapprovingly. “I’m afraid I can’t accept your poor excuses. We need answers to get results.”
He approached, revealing a curved knife marked with symbols. “I’ve seen the blood bind, and I know of these things. I’ve heard of the power they possess. Who’s inflicted you with one?”
Adrian clamped his mouth shut. He refused to say, but then the pain started. Fifty times worse than anything he’d felt since the start of the bind, a pulsating fire in his arm. The queen wanted something from him and refused to let him die in peace.
