Chapter Thirteen

 

I did exactly what Sassafras warned me not to do.

I hesitated.

But they sky was darkening and Meira and I had to go. This was terrible timing, the absolute worst. On purpose? Panic heated my insides and stirred my blood as I realized it was likely—not only that, I had to fight or I'd lose status. Why did I care? Not so much for me, not really. But Dad had to live here. And considering they would take part of my demon's power if I lost... in the heartbeat I had to think things through, my demon made it very clear to me losing even one smidge of her magic was unacceptable.

She took over. Probably was for the best, really, considering I couldn't get out of my own head long enough to take action. Good thing she did, too, because Mobicandron didn't wait to see if I accepted, but lashed out immediately.

My demon was fast, very fast, just fast enough as it turned out, to block the blow he'd sent my way and slash out at him in turn. For a moment, I felt a rush of confidence. I'd done this before, so no problem, right?

Only this was no Darin Mavore, no Jean Marc or Kristophe Dumont I was dealing with. The demon before me parried with precise skill and struck back almost before my demon had time to block.

Again with the almost. He was clearly practiced and had won many battles. I could feel his power, how it pulsed around him, the heat from his shields. All offense, all the time.

Defense on the other hand, wasn't getting me anywhere.

What are you doing? Sassy's voice was almost choked with fury. Attack his sorry ass and take him down!

He made it sound so easy. Meanwhile I was the one with my hands full.

I dodged sideways as a glowing ball of amber fire whizzed toward me, only then noticing as it impacted something surrounding us we'd been shielded from the rest of the family. Great. Trapped in a bubble of magic fighting a demon who was most likely my cousin and doing my best not to get killed.

Forget yourself, Sassy snarled. You have to take him out! Now!

He jabbed my demon with magic claws, making us both cry out. But at least the shout was full of anger. It stung so much my power flared. Mobicandron chose that exact unfortunate moment to smile at me.

Oh no, he did not.

My temper flared as my demon magic rose in a column before me, forming a giant fist I used to battering ram him backward until he impacted the shield. He gasped for air, collapsing beneath the crushing weight I held on him, fury still beating at the inside of my head.

Now, Sassy sent. Finish him!

I jerked some power free, enough to create thin ribbons of magic, using them like a lash to sever his wards into strips of worthless energy. Power oozed from him to hover just above the floor as his eyes rolled back in his head. I stood over him, humming with magic, my rage finally subsiding enough my demon reached out with a large measure of satisfaction and helped herself to his power.

Just a portion of it. I had no idea how she knew the amount to take, but the moment she did, the shields fell and I was free.

Mobicandron groaned as the support behind him collapsed, passing out on the stone. Two demons rushed forward and lifted him with more power, floating him away, though neither of them seemed very happy with their task.

I really didn't give a crap. Not when I was too busy feeling my demon swell like a goddess inside me. She roared her joy, the sound bursting from my own throat and mouth, echoing around the chamber. No one seemed surprised by my outburst so I assumed it was a natural reaction to suddenly having a brand-new flood of fresh magic to fill me up.

Syd. Sassy's mental voice broke through with a hint of panic. Hurry.

I glanced out the window, noticed the last of the light had faded. What? I had at least thirty minutes, was sure of it.

Time is different when you're fighting, he sent. We have to go.

Dad shoved Meira toward me as Sassy bounded to our feet. “Thank you for dinner,” I said directly to Grandmother as I reached for the veil, feeling Dad's power help me, though at the moment I was sure I didn't need him. “It was educational.”

She didn't move or say anything as I tore the veil open and headed home.

Tried to.

The thick rubbery membrane fought me, turned from sluggishly cold molasses to a wall of steel. I pounded against it with my power, felt Dad's magic fight beside me, but it was no use.

The legends were true.

Meira and I were trapped on Demonicon.

 

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