Page 60 of Kiss of Magic

“Stand down, Teros.”

The troll subsided with a grunt. Dani folded her arms defensively and traded stares with the older witch.

“So? What’s the deal?”

“Freedom from your destiny. Freedom to live.”

“Your warlock friends made the same offer. They wanted me to help control the demons. I said no. There’s no way I’m going from being one tool to another. That’s not freedom.”

Denara sighed.

“The sorcerers, like most men, failed to give you proper context my dear. Allow me to elaborate. If you join us, you will live like a queen. A life of unparalleled luxury. Whatever your heart desires, it’s yours.”

“Big promises from someone who’s got me locked in the cellar,” Dani sneered.

“This? This is temporary. Where do you want to be? Say the word and I’ll take you. You want to live here, in the human world, surrounded by beauty and wealth? I can give that to you. Or do you want to come back to Nush’aldaam and rule from the Gilded Palace as Empress? I can do that too.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“I assure you, it is a genuine offer. You would have power and riches beyond your wildest dreams.”

“And where do the demonicus demons fit in?”

“They will be our army. Once they learn we have the key on our side, that we control the means to incarcerate them once more, they will do our bidding. They will be our servants, our guardians and our protectors in the new world.”

Dani’s eyes narrowed.

“What new world?”

“The new world that will arise from the ashes of the old one.” Denara stepped closer, her lime eyes glowing. “We will wipe away the sanctimonious old guard, the ones who have sought to keep us down. In the new world, dark magic will have pride of place. Unfettered, unlimited, unstoppable. We will control time and space, thoughts and emotions. There will be no death, no disease. Dark magic can undo every flaw of life.”

“You really are totally cuckoo, aren’t you, love?” drawled Blake.

“Shut up, hunter,” said Dani. She couldn’t tear her gaze from Denara. “So the demons will clear the path for you?”

“Like a holy fire, cleansing the land of the unworthy.”

“You’re not actually listening to this bull, are you Blue?” Blake tried to get Dani’s attention. “It’s crap. You can’t have any kind of meaningful life without death. And messing about with time and emotions… that sounds like a recipe for one big shit show if you ask me.”

“No-one’s asking you,” said Denara sharply. “What is your answer, Dani? Live as a queen in a world where magic –truemagic – can flourish and grow? Or be dragged to slaughter like a sacrificial lamb for a world you’ve never seen?”

To be fair, it was a tempting offer. She looked down at the muting bangle on her wrist.

“What if I say no?”

“Then we’ll use you anyway, but you’ll be kept in a cell not unlike this one for the rest of your days. We only need the demons to know we have you. What kind of condition you’re in won’t matter.”

“Yeah, the first option sounds way better.”

“Blue, tell me you’re not thinking about this.” Blake spoke urgently, trying to get Dani to meet his eyes. “These people are nuts. Dark magic’s a drug, they’re clearly addicted. Whatever world they’re creating, it’s going to be full of junkies.”

“Human, I’m warning you for one last time.” Denara’s tone was vicious. “Speak again and I will inflict pain. Dani, please give me an answer. What do you say?”

Dani looked at Blake. He was tied up. Helpless. She had to do what was best for herself. She came to a decision.

“I say it’s the best offer I’ve had all week.”

Twenty Seven

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