Page 41 of Clash of Kingdoms

“Yes,” I said. “But it’s complicated.”

“Complicated how?”

“I would know if you stopped interrupting me.”

Huntley’s eyes narrowed in anger, but he held his tongue.

I turned back to the snake. What does that mean? They’ve always been…always will be?

They’re like time. No beginning—and no end.

Bumps suddenly formed on my arms, and I wasn’t sure why. What are their abilities?

I don’t know…but all demonsss fear them.

Does that include Vine?

Vine isss one of the few who ssspeaksss to them directly. The only one they allow near the crystals.

So the Demon Lords are the ones in charge…and Vine is their first general. Everyone else was simply foot soldiers.

That isss incorrect.

My eyes focused on the snake once more. What do you mean?

The Demon Lords are not in charge.

Then who is?

They call him Velkum.

And who is Velkum?

I don’t know…no one hasss ever ssseen him.

How can someone maintain order and never show their face? I’d thought destroying the crystals was a straightforward plan, but now I realized this underworld was far more complicated than I’d realized. Can you still take us there? Just so we can see?

The snake stared at me for a while. Only from a dissstance.

What is your name?

Beassst.

It suits you.

I know.

I’m Aurelias. I turned back to Huntley.

Huntley moved to me, the impatience written across his face. “What’s the plan?”

“Beast says the crystals are guarded?—”

“Who’s Beast?”

Beast gave a quiet hiss that echoed all around.

Huntley gave a nod in understanding. “Nice to meet you.” He looked at me again. “How many guard the crystals?”

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