Page 20 of Kiss of Magic

“In what numbers? There are far fewer Elhinn than there used to be. If the demons get loose, we’re going to be annihilated.”

There was a general murmuring as people began to speak at once.

“How can we protect ourselves?”

“What are you going to do about this?

“How long do we have?”

Kam held up his hands.

“Look, I know this is a lot to take in. But we aren’t the same vulnerable people we were five thousand years ago. We have better defences, stronger magic. And our powers have grown. We know that demonicus spirits are vulnerable to heat and light. That makes the Vulcani extremely important in any defence strategy we come up with. People like you, Aelah. And you, Raya.”

Shade half stood.

“You do not mean to put my wife on the frontline?”

“If I have to.”

“I forbid it.” Shade’s voice was a dangerous growl. “I will not allow you to use Raya as a soldier.”

“I don’t want that to happen either, my friend.” Kam’s voice was steady. “But if the demons get free, it won’t be a request. It will be an order from your Emperor.”

Black smoke began to unfurl around Shade and his eyes blazed neon blue. Raya put a hand on his arm.

“Shade, sit.”

“I will not tolerate…”

“Please. We need to discuss practicalities. All of us. Together.” The jinn sat reluctantly and Raya looked to Kam. “Whatever you decide, you have my support, your Majesty.”

Kam felt a swell of gratitude.

“Thank you, my Lady.” He paused. “If the seal breaks, our priority is to keep the demons contained in Arjhan. To that end, every leader here will be expected to contribute soldiers for the primary offensive. Fae and jinn who wield elemental powers related to light and heat will be expected to volunteer. Let’s hope there’s no need for it but we have to be ready just in case.”

“This is absurd.” Salaq was on his feet, pale eyes almost silver with fury. “What of those of us who don’t have those strengths? Are we to cower behind you like cowards while the demons pick us off one by one?”

There was a murmur of agreement.

“Father, please. It’s not like that.” Ren looked at him imploringly. “If the demons get through our first line of defence, we’ll need to mount a secondary attack.”

Kam nodded.

“The Empress is right. We’re planning multiple offensives against the demons. If they break out of Arjhan, we’ll have to protect the rest of Nush’aldaam. There’ll be defence forces situated at multiple locations. I need commanders on the ground to take charge. Commanders like you and Shade.”

Salaq sat, partly mollified, but Shade snarled in anger.

“I will only fight by my wife’s side.”

“Your Ifrit powers are useless against demons,” Kam pointed out. “I have to put you where you’ll do most good.”

“And ‘most good’ will be airborne. Tell me, of all the assets you have, how many can fly? At the last count it was three, and all of us are in this room.”

It was a good point. Demonicus spirits would be easier to spot and neutralise from the air but very few beings in Nush’aldaam were powerful enough to manifest wings. Kam and Shade had both been born with the ability. More recently, Raya had learned how to harness her flames to defy gravity. But it was a rare skill.

Kam looked at Raya.

“Do you think there are other Vulcani strong enough to do what you can do?”

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