Page 19 of Keeping Sarah

“I’m fine, but none of them made it. I’ll be back to burn their bodies, rest assured.”

The magician nodded. “I could see to it, if you would like. It would be no trouble—"

“I’ve got it but thank you. Much appreciated.”

Tolkabern sat back and eyed me curiously. “The portal the only reason you came?”

Rex smiled. “Never. Need blood?”

I blurted in my mind, “What?”, which Rex ignored.

Tolkabern leered at me. “It’s not often that I get to play with human blood, though I wouldn’t mind taking her for sex.”

Rex didn’t flinch at the idea. “Another time, perhaps. I’m too busy enjoying her for now.”

Disappointment flickered across the magician’s face. “Very well then. Blood for payment.”

“Of course,” Rex said, offering my left arm.

I shook my head and shouted in our minds, “What do you think you’re doing?”

But it was too late. The magician was too fast with the blade and sliced my forearm, catching my blood in a bowl. He watched it drip, while Rex held me still. As he studied the red puddle, Tolkabern’s smile widened to a frightening grimace.

“You always bring me the best specimens, Rex. What is she?”

“Special. Very special,” Rex replied. “Now, the portal, if you don’t mind. It has been a long night.”

“Anything you want. And if ever you tire of her, do bring her to me, would you?” Tolkabern said, making me shudder inside. “Don’t let those brutes in the fighting pits have her. They have not earned such a prize.”

“I will consider it.”

Tolkabern waved his arm, and it was as though a door opened beside him, which lead to a balcony. “But before you go, could I get a lock of her hair?”

Fuck, no!

“From her head or elsewhere?” Rex asked nonchalantly.

The magician’s strange eyes traipsed over me again, lingering at my crotch. “Her head will do for now.”

Rex nodded once, leaning closer to him. With my consent, Tolkabern used the knife to cut a small selection of hair.

He stared at it, smiling. “Thank you, Rex.”

“I am happy to oblige, Tolkabern. Until next time,” Rex said, walking past the other man and stepping through the doorway.

“Until then,” the magician responded, then the portal closed.

I immediately recognized the view. “We’re on your balcony? At your manor house?” I asked in shock.

“And it only cost you a little blood, sweat, and hair, instead of two days and countless beastly attacks,” he drawled sardonically. “You’re welcome.”

“You let him cut me!” I snapped angrily.

“A small price to pay, don’t you think?”

“What will he do with my blood?” I demanded.

Rex shrugged. “How should I know?”

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