Page 21 of Kiss of Magic

“Maybe. Aelah would know better than me. Mother?”

Aelah tapped her chin thoughtfully.

“I think I could do it. Loris too, maybe Kaemari. One or two of the others. We can certainly try, your Majesty.”

“Good. Shade, any Ifrit powerful enough?”

“Perhaps. I will look into it.”

Kam nodded.

“Then you and Raya are responsible for the airborne division. Salaq, you will take charge of the secondary defence forces on the ground. You will be given weapons that can destroy the demons.”

“What weapons?” Salaq said derisively. “There are no such weapons. We don’t have anything powerful enough.”

“That’s where Palissandra comes in. Count Lemar, if you would?”

The tall Vetali was lounging against the wall. He straightened as dozens of eyes turned to him. Most regarded him with suspicion; Palissandra was a kingdom of vampires and Darian knew his kind was viewed with mistrust.

He smiled lazily, allowing everyone present to get a good look at his white teeth.

“As you know, Palissandra has some of the most advanced technology in existence. It was borne out of necessity – because of our unique biology we’ve had to create innovative solutions to some difficult problems.”

“You mean, your intolerance to sunlight?” sneered Salaq. He disliked Vetali. Darian rested his gaze on him for a moment, well aware of the Marid’s animosity.

“You’re right. We cannot survive the sun’s rays. But we still require heat and light. The end result is that my people are now experts in creating artificial sources of both. Which are the two things you need right now if I’m not mistaken, Lord Salaq.”

An excited hum broke out and Salaq had the grace to nod stiffly in Darian’s direction. Kam raised his voice.

“Can your technology be weaponised?”

“Weaponised and made portable, your Majesty. Palissandra stands ready to aid Nush’aldaam in any way it can.”

Kam’s heart lifted. The promise of new weapons, weapons they didn’t have five millennia ago, could be a game-changer.

“Thank you, Count Lemar. Then you will join Lord Salaq and work out where best to deploy the hardware. I trust you can work together?”

Salaq’s lip curled and Ren quailed inwardly. She could imagine what Salaq was thinking.Co-operate with a bloodsucker?But maybe he recognised the gravity of the situation, or maybe he knew he’d have no choice. He inclined his head.

“Of course, your Majesty.”

Kam nodded.

“Then there is one more matter to discuss. Over the next few days we have to get the vulnerable out of Arjhan. Children, the sick, the elderly. They cannot stay here. If the seal breaks,this city will become ground zero. So may I count on you all to provide alternative shelter?”

Shade stood up immediately.

“Castle Elumina stands ready. We will take in as many as possible.”

Salaq rose.

“Valkar is also at your disposal, your Majesty.”

“As is the Fae Palace,” Aelah said, getting to her feet.

One by one, others joined them. Mansions, fortresses, bunkers, underground cellars, all were offered freely. Ren blinked back tears.

It wouldn’t be enough, of course. Not nearly enough. Arjhan was the biggest city in the realm, its population close to a million. They wouldn’t be able to accommodate them all. And if, gods forbid, the demons broke out of the city, there were millions of other families who would be in danger.

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