Page 73 of Chained to the Devil's Daughter

Devil bristled. I stretched impassively and kicked one foot over the armrest.

"What you think you know of chairs proves your puny mind, you milk-dribbling sac stain.”

“Rather a puny mind than a puny dick,” I quipped.

I dared not lift my gaze from the little black flame I’d conjured in my palm. Didn’t flinch when Devil was suddenly in my face. I simply tilted back, brought my palm to my mouth, and blew.

The tiny black flame whipped its willowy fingers forth. Our black and white flames combined for a split moment, whipping and popping and snapping angrily. Then, the dumbfounded look on Devil’s face was alone, no flames in sight, as my void-gifted magic consumed his entirely.

It was a funny trick, the way I couldfeelthe void, hungry for the magic of my enemies. Devil stumbled one step back, then another.

Chuckling, I sat forward, elbows on my knees. “Well, look at that. I wasn’t sure it would work, what with your great, magnificent power and all.”

“You’re making a huge mistake, making an enemy of me, child!”

I stood and clasped my hands behind my back. “I’m not surprised you’re thinking about mistakes right now.” I stroked the mana-eating dagger at my hip. “Can you think of any other mistakes, Devil?”

“Your mother’s when she didn’t fucking swallow you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I clapped once and took another step down the dais, my ego raging triumphantly when Devil stepped backward.

“Don’t pout. It’s not gone forever.” My cheeks burned, my grin baring teeth like a werefire-wolf stalking their full moon’s prey. “I’ve awaited this day too long to let it slip by so quickly. Let’s savor it, old pal.”

Devil regained composure. A flicker of magic flitted between the bones of his elaborate crown, returning more quickly than it had for anyone I’d practiced with.

One step down, one to go. I closed the distance between us.

“Poor little stray.” Devil sneered down his nose at me, evil lurking in those dark, flameless pupils. “Still looking for a home.”

Another hilarious joke. Laughing, I stepped close and spoke directly into Devil’s ear. “Oh, my home was right where I left it. In your daughter’s bed.”

Devil roared. I dodged the weak flame that swung for my gut, my laughter echoing through the empty dining hall.

I held out my hand, conjuring a whip of black flames, no hilten necessary. Devil’s magic raced back to him, popping like kernels until he was shrouded once more.

“We are so much more alike than you think,” Devil cooed. “Perhaps another mistake was not recognizing your potential sooner.”

I snapped my whip, but Devil parried with double-wielded swords.

“You would have been a formidable heir. Had I known the power you’d possess, I would’ve left that fool girl right where I’d found her.”

“Do not speak of her,” I ground out. “And do not think everyone wants your rings-cursed throne.”

Throwing my whip to catch Devil’s ankle, I yanked him to the ground. Devil sent a flurry of fireballs and shot to his feet.

“You both have too soft of hearts to bear the work I do for this realm.”

“Hah!” Laughter tore from my throat, sore as though I’d been eating coals all morning. “What work is that, exactly? Abducting humans to work in your labor mines?”

Devil’s shoulder lifted. “There’s more to it than you’d think.”

I spat on the floor, the heat in my bloodstream causing my saliva to sizzle on impact.

“What flame-fucking game are you playing here, child?” Devil shouted. His power was growing with time. It was time to stop toying with my prey. “Where is that fool daughter of mine?”

“Good question.”

I sent my flame whip to the ceiling. Latching onto a chandelier, I swung from it like a vine, dropping down behind Devil’s back. My whip then coiled around Devil, smashing his hands against his sides and circling his neck.

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