Page 11 of Lich's Mate

He doesn’t know much about personal space.

“How can I help you?” I growl, looking around the room for signs of support.

I should have expected that in New Solas, I wouldn’t find many demons. Usually, there’s one or two, but I realize that the only clientele today is xaphans, who are all oblivious to this confrontation.

“I think you should find another bar,” the xaphan says, his voice shrill and inexperienced. “You’ll find plenty that serve your kind. We really don’t want another incident.”

Inspecting my surroundings one more time, I notice that nobody else is paying attention, which might be fortuitous.

“Oh, really? And why the fuck is that?”

He brings himself in close, whispering. His breath is foul, his teeth rotting.

And they say we’re the wicked ones.

“Just a bit ago, one of your kind came in with two human slaves by his side,” he says, in a menacing tone. “We dealt with that right away. Didn’t even put up much of a fight. Are we going to have to deal with you too, or are you going to get the fuck out?”

I smile in response.

“See, I’m really glad you came to me with this…”

I look him up and down, making it clear that I’m waiting for him to interject.

“What did you say your name was?” I ask.

“None of your fucking business.”

I nod to myself, maintaining my smile.

“Right. Right.”

Watching his body movements carefully to make sure he doesn’t get close and escalate the situation, I again look around the bar.

“Now, I have a proposal for you, Mr. None,” I say, whispering through gritting teeth.

He eyes me. I notice him reaching for his waist, indicating that he might have a weapon of some kind.

“And what the fuck would that be?” he asks.

“I’ve been looking around this tavern, and I don’t see a single fucking soul standing with you. So I think you’re full of shit. And that you’re going to let me have a drink in peace.”

He grips something on his belt. I keep myself prepared, standing at the ready.

I focus on the shadows in this bar—the roaring fireplace, which casts darkness around the furniture—the brilliant golden light from outside that leaves this room in partial obscurity.

I can feel them move, obeying my command.

“I had a really boring trip here,” I say. “So I came into this bar looking for a little excitement. And fucking you up would be just the excitement I’m looking for.”

It’s a total lie. Although I had hoped to witness something eventful, and this place never disappoints, I didn’t want to be the victim of the altercation.

I intend to deter him by acting as unapproachable and menacing as possible, something that usually isn’t a problem for a demon.

But when he lunges at me with a knife, I know I’ve failed.

Let’s hope the other xaphan sees he’s the problem, not me.

Immediately, the shadows that I’ve brought to my attention obey me, swirling around the bar chaotically.

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