Page 5 of Ancient Magic

Skye clenched her muscles as she prepared for another explosion. Instead, a cloud of smoke filled the air and she could hear demons choking from the hallway.

The potion had given them a brief opportunity to escape. If only they could find a way out of the building. Back in the mezzanine, Maya headed directly toward the windows. They would have to bust through the plywood, but—

“Stop!”

Skye’s thoughts were shattered as the male voice echoed from the other side of the mezzanine. Turning her head she watched the two fairies leap over the low wall and race toward them. Skye touched a charm on her bracelet and whispered a spell, but even as the magic pulsed in her blood, the closest fairy tossed a dagger. Skye dodged to the side, but the blade was enchanted. Curving with lethal precision, it headed straight for her heart. Skye released a hasty spell designed to create a bubble of protection. It deflected the knife far enough to avoid a killing blow, but the blade managed to slice through her upper arm.

Maya muttered in frustration, throwing another vial. It wasn’t aimed at the advancing males, but instead it hit at their feet, smashing against the warped floorboards. There was a loud sizzle before flames abruptly appeared, twirling like tiny tornadoes as they headed directly toward the advancing males. The fairies shouted in fear, diving back over the edge.

“Are you okay?” Maya rasped, turning to inspect the wound on Skye’s arm.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured her friend, trying to ignore the throbbing pain. “Let’s just get out of here.”

“Good plan.”

Maya turned back toward the windows, lifting her hand as she released a pulse of magic. It smacked against the plywood, splintering one in half. Not enough to allow them to squeeze through, but Skye was hoping that it weakened the wood enough that they should be able to physically wrench it off.

They rushed forward, Skye holding her hand over the wound that seeped blood down her arm. She would worry about healing the cut later. Right now nothing mattered but fleeing.

Unfortunately, there were still five demons determined to prevent them from accomplishing their goal.

On cue, the leader roared his way up the stairs, his aura flaring with a brilliant crimson as he barreled directly toward them. Maya whirled to face him, but even as she reached into her purse the male was swinging his meaty fist, catching Maya directly on the chin. The mage soared backward, slamming into plyboard that collapsed beneath the impact. With a low cry, Maya flew through the broken window and down to the street below.

Skye lunged forward, terrified her friend was seriously hurt. Mages were far more durable than humans, but they weren’t immortal.

She’d managed only a few steps when a massive hand grabbed her by her nape and lifted her off her feet. She struggled to glance over her shoulder to see the demon who was carrying her forward. The instinctive turn of her head saved her nose from being busted as he slammed her face first against the wall.

“Who are you?” the leader snarled, ignoring the white cloud of plaster that floated from the ceiling to layer them in a fine powder. “Why did you follow me?”

Skye ignored the pain that burst through her skull as it connected with the wall. She also ignored the male who continued to slam her into the wall as he asked the same question over and over.

Her ability to glimpse the future or to sense emotions wasn’t much help during a fight. And while she had a few spells, they weren’t potent enough to combat a full-grown goblin. Thankfully, she had one other skill. A skill she’d discovered by accident and rarely used.

Reaching up, she pressed her hand against the fingers that were currently digging into her neck. Her magic, including her visions, always worked best when she was touching someone. She assumed it had something to do with the sheer intimacy of her powers.

Now she closed her eyes, blocking out the demon who continued to shout at her for answers, the acrid stench of flames, the plaster dust floating in the air, the splintering pain in her head, and the fear that Maya might be injured. Then, focusing her thoughts on the feel of his fingers beneath her hand, she released a tendril of magic, directing it to crawl up his arm and along the broad width of his shoulder.

The demon stiffened as her magic reached his neck and arrowed upward. Did he feel her powers moving through his body? Or was he tired of smashing her into the wall? Nah. He couldn’t be tired. Not when he was obviously getting pleasure from her pain. Which meant he sensed the danger.

Realizing she had to hurry, Skye clenched her teeth and concentrated on the magic, urging it to surround his mind in a web of shimmering strands.

“What the fuck? Get out of my head.”

The male abruptly released her, allowing her to drop to the ground as he tried to shake off her lingering touch. It was too late. Skye had a firm grip on his mind, her magic tightening and tightening until the demon screamed in agony.

“Stop! You bitch. Stop...”

With a moan the demon fell to the floor, clutching his head in his hands. Skye could have destroyed him. Just another squeeze and his mind would have become mush. Instead, she broke the connection between them and leaped through the window.

---