Page 25 of Witch Queen

Heat surged through her veins, the power she called forth from her cores thrumming across her bond with Brimstone. A red aura detonated around them on a violent tide that made glass tinkle and metal vibrate.

She startled.

Vlad and Roman’s eyes widened at the sight of the thick, black threads woven through the paleness of Ran Soyun’s magic and her own demonic energy.

Dread chilled Mae to the bone. She finally tasted a power that was at once alien and familiar.I was right. This is black magic!

Nikolai’s expression hardened. “So I didn’t imagine it before. That’s Vedran’s magic, isn’t it?!”

Mae opened and closed her mouth soundlessly. She could hardly deny the truth before their eyes.

Brimstone towered over her, his pupils ablaze. “You are wrong, sorcerer. It is my witch’s right to wieldallmagic. That power was never the Sorcerer King’s to begin with.”

Surprise jolted Mae at her familiar’s words.

He is correct, Na Ri said.Black magic is part of our heritage.Her first incarnation’s tone turned steely.Our enemy is almost here.

Mae’s gaze snapped to the portal. “We don’t have time for this!Get ready!”

The creatures that fell from the hellish doorway before it closed cracked the floor when they landed. Vlad swore.

“Mother of God,” Roman mumbled shakily.

Mae’s throat grew dry as her head tilted up and up. “Brim, what the heck are those?!”

The trio of monsters smashed the ceiling with their heads as they straightened, massive forms casting shadows over the room.

“They are giants!” the demon fox spat.

Mae’s hands itched for Hellreaver’s presence as the creatures lowered their gazes and fixed her with obsidian stares. It was moments like these when she and Brimstone felt his absence the most.

The giants’ attention shifted to Roman and Nikolai.

Na Ri gasped.Vedran is after their cores!

Mae’s heart lurched. The monsters blurred.

“CONTAIN!”

Crimson bloomed around Nikolai and Roman as they prepared to defend themselves, their movements sluggish compared to those of the giants. The monsters’ clubs smashed against the red globe in an explosion of black-magic-tinged sparks.

Containheld.

Mae swallowed.Damn! I can’t believe how fast they are considering their size!

The biggest monster dropped his weapon and slammed his hands palm down upon the barrier. A sour taste filled Mae’s mouth as Vedran’s dark powers bloomed on his fingertips and swarmed the surface of her demonic shield.

“Vlad! I’ll target their heads! You go for their legs!”

The incubus dipped his chin, his expression an ice-cold mask. Tarang released a deadly growl beside him.

“Let us out!” Roman yelled angrily from behindContain.

“Mae!” Nikolai shouted, his face contorted in frustration and fury.

“Those monsters were sent by Vedran to kill you and absorb your cores!” Mae scowled. “Stay put for now!”

Roman jerked back at her words. Nikolai clenched his jaw so tight she feared he would crack a tooth.

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