Page 38 of Kiss of Light

Elven looked largely human except for a couple of major differences. One, they were insanely attractive. Of all the fae, the elven were the most stupefyingly alluring. They weren’t called ‘the beautiful folk’ for nothing. But it made it hard for them to blend in.

And two, they had obviously inhuman features. They could explain away their unnatural eye colour with contact lenses – though Seraefa’s were an acidic lime green, fuck knows why any normal person would choose that – but the pointed ears were harder to hide.

Teaming up with Blake had been a smart idea. Just not one they wanted to entertain for very long.

“We thought he’d walk out with the Vetali’s head clutched in his ape paws but instead thereyouwere with the target, still alive.” Seraefa smiled nastily. “To be honest, I prefer it this way.”

Without warning she slashed at Tala, her blade cutting through the air with a humming noise. Tala blocked it with her own, sparks flying as the two edges collided.

“Seriously, you need to chill the fuck out, Ser. Can’t we talk about… woah.”

The fae came at her with deadly precision, blades flashing left and right. It was all Tala could do to keep from getting disembowelled. She somersaulted backwards and Seraefa dived after her, ramming her against a wall and thrusting a knife towards her heart.

Tala shimmered away by the skin of her teeth. She reappeared in an instant and slashed at Seraefa’s face before vanishing again. The elven screamed in pain and frustration as a long gash opened on her cheek, the high-pitched shriek reverberating through the night.

In a fury, she spun round as Tala rematerialized behind her. Her blade caught the demon on the arm, opening a deep cut. Tala sucked in a breath as she felt the sting of magic react with her blood.

Seraefa had enchanted the blades.

Her mouth went dry. She shimmered away to a safe distance and rubbed at her throbbing arm.

“Trying to kill me, Ser? Not very sporting. What’s wrong? Tired of having some decent competition for once?”

“This has nothing to do with the bounty, demon. This is about Nush’aldaam’s throne.”

“Ah.” Understanding dawned. “You don’t care about the money. You’re trying to turn the Vetali against Lord Shadeed. You think if Lemar dies, Prince Vassago will blamehimand back Salaq for the throne.”

“And our beloved Fae King shall become his trusted advisor.”

“You’re an idiot. Surely evenyoucan see Aelfric is a nut job? Giving him more power is like giving an arsonist the keys to the fireworks shop.”

“How dare you! He is our king!”

Seraefa’s red hair swirled round her head like an autumn storm. She hurled a knife straight at Tala, so fast that the tip made the barest of contact before the demon shimmered.

She winced as she reappeared. There was a sharp sting just above her breastbone. When she looked down, she saw Seraefa’s blade had nicked her. Just a little, but the wound ached unnaturally.

She plastered on a cocky smile, disguising her uneasiness.

“Look, I can do this all day, sweetheart. You know you can’t beat me. And besides, I have the vamp all safe and sound. So why don’t you and your brother give it up? Where is Kaeron anyway?”

The fae’s acid green eyes glittered in the dim lighting.

“He’s around. But don’t worry,sweetheart. I made him promise not to interfere. You’re mine.”

Tala affected a yawn.

“Sorry, girlfriend. Flattered and all, but you’re not fast enough to catch a demon. Sooner or later, I’ll win.”

“I agree. Your demon skills make this an uneven contest.” Seraefa smiled viciously. She drew another blade from a seemingly inexhaustible supply. “But I came prepared. And I believe I’ve neutralised your advantage.”

Tala felt a prickle of fear.

“What do you mean?”

“My blades have cut you at least twice. I’m sure you can feel the magic on them. By now, it will be in your system. Go ahead. Try to shimmer.”

Tala made to move to the other side of the roof. Nothing happened. A second later, excruciating pain burst through her arm and breastbone where Seraefa’s blades had cut her.

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