Page 20 of The Princess and the Demon

The markings over my chest begin to glow.

A blood sacrifice was being made.

The air is sucked out of the room, and I grit my teeth against the sensation of being pulled through space and time.

The air swirls and pools at my feet, creating a dark fog that envelops me.

For a moment the air is choked out of me, and as soon as it’s begun it’s over.

I look around me, recognizing the place instantly. I had been summoned to the crossroads of Delyra.

I look down, frowning at the small human female kneeling at my feet. Her lavender eyes are wide with fear, and she’s staring at me.

She’s tiny, with a head full of wild silver waves and pale peachy skin. Her lips are parted in shock, and I can’t help but notice how full they are.

I want to move, but quickly realize I can’t.

Looking around me, I also notice that my sigil is etched in the dirt.

The little female rises slowly, her eyes regarding me warily.

“What do you want, human?” I growl, searching the ground for any weakness in the circle.

The female looks to the ground, her eyes darting back and forth. I roll my eyes, bellowing at her.

“Why have you summoned me?!”

She recoils but does not step away.

After a moment, she stands a little taller, raising her chin in the air. Her face takes on a determined look.

“I have summoned you here to strike a bargain.”

I chuckle, the sound coming from low in my chest.

“Is that so, female?” I ask, lowering my head to look her in the eye. I bare my teeth and fangs at her.

“And what is so important that you felt the need to summon me? Do you realize I could kill you in mere seconds and you would be powerless to stop me?”

I reach out, slowly raking a claw across her cheek.

Her fear permeates the air around me and I revel in it.

She pauses, but holds my gaze, her brow etching into a slight frown.

It makes her nose crinkle.

She stands taller still, pulling her shoulders back.

“No, you can’t.”

The words are confident, and I smirk.

“My blood acts as a ward. You can do no harm to me.”

I throw my head back, bellowing laughter. Closing my eyes with mirth, I reach up, placing a hand against my chest before bowing to her in amusement.

Looking up at her with a fanged smile, I give her a flourish of my hand.

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