Page 5 of Kiss of Magic

“I know it sounds lame. But it’s true. Her coven says she’s the only one who can stop what’s coming.”

“And what exactlyisthat, Blondie?”

Tala licked her lips. She was still trying to get her own head around the enormity of what faced her people.

“Demons. An invasion of demons who want to destroy Nush’aldaam and everyone in it.”

Blake opened his mouth to make a quip, but then he saw Tala’s expression. Her eyes held no hint of humour. She wasn’t kidding about this. He threw the photo back on the table.

“You’re going to have to run this by me again. What do you mean, demons?”

“Demonicus spirits. Destructive entities our ancestors managed to lock away five thousand years ago. We call it the Dark War. Nush’aldaam barely survived. But now the prison is breaking apart. If they get out…” Tala swallowed. “We’re finished.”

Blake frowned.

“I don’t get it.You’rea demon. Aren’t they your kind?”

“I’m a shaitun. A minor entity. They’re higher order. Malevolent, invulnerable. Like comparing kittens to lions.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call you a kitten, Blue-eyes.” Blake had met at least one other shaitun aside from Tala. Harmless, they most definitely were not.

“Then imagine how dangerous demonicus demons are. They can’t be reasoned with or appealed to. They’re invincible. Like the Terminator, Alien and Predator all rolled into one.”

“How the fuck did you beat them last time?”

“We had the help of angels.”

Blake’s eyebrows shot up.

“Oh, come on. Angels? Like Gabriel and Michael? Now you’re just yanking my chain.”

“Not angels from the bible, dick-head. They’re a species of extremely powerful jinn from another realm.”

“Anotherrealm? How many fucking realms are there?”

Tala shrugged.

“Who knows? More than just yours and mine. Anyway, the angels went home and now we’re on our own. Which is whereyoucome in.”

Blake sat back and looked at her thoughtfully.

“This all seems a little out of my league, Blondie. Angels? Demons? How the hell can a regular guy like me be of any help?”

“Because you’re the best tracker I know. Plus, this girl is going to be followed by a whole lot of nasties and I know you can handle yourself.”

“Who’s after her?”

“Bunch of dark magic practitioners who think they can control the demons. Use them for their own ends. You know. Morons.”

“Great. So she’s running from her own peopleanda load of misguided megalomaniacs. Any clue where I start looking?”

“She stole a credit card and used it to get as far as Grand Central Station. Trail’s gone dark. Best guess? Somewhere here in New York.”

“It’s a start.” He cocked his head inquisitively. “How comeyouaren’t tracking her?”

Tala flushed and looked away. She muttered something under her breath. Blake leaned forward.

“Say what? I didn’t hear that.”

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