Page 15 of Dark Captivation

My eyes drew open to the sight of my disgruntled familiar pecking my check.

“Are you done yet? You, done?” Jeffrey flapped wildly.

“Yes, I’m done.” I seized him with both hands and returned him to his perch.

Swinging my legs over the side of the chair, I leaned forward, cupping my hands.

“How did it go?”

“I achieved my mission. Everything went perfectly except…” I rubbed my head.

“Except?” he flew onto my knee.

“Pretty sure David’s been arrested,” I replied.

This was my greatest power. Whenever someone had a wish they wanted granted, all they needed to do is ask me and it was theirs. But, in return, their soul was mine. That meant their body was mine to control if and when I needed it. Unless otherwise agreed, that was usually the deal.

“What did this ‘David’ wish for?” Jeffrey flew to my shoulder.

“Money.”

“Seriously?” Jeffrey’s claws dug into my shoulder as if he was angry I granted such a frivolous wish.

“Money is very important to shifters. It can fulfill anything their heart desires. He can have all the property he wants, travel anywhere he wants, and enjoy anything he wants.” I tilted my head to the side to meet his gaze.

“And how will he enjoy any of that money now that they’ve arrested him?”

“That’s the price you pay for dealing with demons. David is in his fifties. He should be wise enough to know Faustian bargains almost always come with a catch. He knew the risks, but his prize was worth it for him. If he is smart, he will use his wealth to get himself out of this jam.” I got up and went into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and splashing some water on my face.

A little bit of water got on Jeffrey, and he gave an annoyed squawk.

“That’s why I tried to get you to stay on your stand.” I playfully splashed him with a few more drops on purpose.

“Can you blame me for not wanting you out of my sight? If you keep making so many enemies, it won’t be long before someone sends their own spies here, or even their assassins!” Jeffrey nicked my ear and I growled at him.

Taking a towel from the rack, I left the sink and strolled back into the study.

“Your anxiety is getting out of hand again, Jeff. Have you been taking the Lexapram the doctors gave you?” I rubbed the soft towel over my face.

“I don’t need pills! I need you to be safe. Why is all out war even necessary? Why not just continue as you have been?” He squawked.

“The covert approach is messy. So far, all I’ve done is use my spies on the inside to take out alphas and their strongest betas. Then the leaderless packs would panic, running around like chickens with their heads cut off. At that point, they surrendered to me without a fight, coming under my flag. Because with no alpha they knew they had no chance. But this method is slow. I’ve only gained a couple of new packs this year. There are hundreds more. Not to mention the humans and mages,” I said.

“But you got four packs and three mage settlements last year ,” Jeffrey argued. “Is that not enough?”

“Don’t you see? I’m going too slowly.” I exclaimed. “I have to bring the fight to the shifters, mages, and even the humans head on, defeating their forces in battle. Only then will they all follow me.”

“What about the casualties? What about all the shifters and mages you’re pissing off?” He spread one wing out as far as it would go, a move he often did when agitated.

“Relax, Jeffrey.” I petted him trying to calm him. “The faster I am Supreme Emperor of all beings, the world will be a vastly safer place. There will be no more random acts of violence, senseless killings or unnecessary pain or hardship. My plans will lead to more saved lives in the long run.”

I sat him down on his perch and repeatedly petted him from his small round head to the tips of his wings. He squealed, flapping his wings violently and continued arguing.

I’d already played this out a million times in my head. The minute I had Sunny safely with me, I would initiate my war plans. I had to wait until she was safely with me to make sure she didn’t get hurt.

This world wasn’t safe. It isn’t good enough for someone as pure and good as my Sunny. She deserved to live in a utopia of a world and that was exactly what I’d give her.

I poked a claw into the blinds, pulling a few of them down and peered out into the sun-drenched garden. It was a beautiful day, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming. She had to be awake by now. I should go to her and show her all the flowers I planted for her.

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