Page 283 of Halfblood Deceived

“Her corrupted soul remains trapped in this body,” Aroth said in lieu of a response, returning his attention to the witch. He tilted her head up from the floor, and she opened her black eyes.

Aylana gasped. “How the fuck?”

Aroth hummed, leaning his face closer to the witch and parting his lips, almost as if he were going to kiss her. A croaky sound came from the witch’s mouth along with black energy, which Aroth consumed through his mouth and nose.

Zeydan could do nothing but gawk. He knew about soul-stealing demons, of course, but he’d never seen one eat a soul before.

Black blood fell from the witch’s eyes and mouth. The energy flowing from her vanished.

Aroth let her drop to the ground, closing his eyes and exhaling with satisfaction.

Zeydan flicked a glance at Aylana.

She gulped, hazel eyes wide, but she was more unnerved than scared. Zeydan remembered then that Lizzy, one of Aylana’s moms, was a half-demon. So maybe this wasn’t her first time seeing something like this.

“Her name was Selma,” Aroth said abruptly, eyes closed and moving under his eyelids. “She was indeed Brittany’s accomplice, her master, to be accurate. Together, they intended to drain the life and power of the, and I quote, “demon and gargoyle lovers” and then use it to strengthen themselves and kill… Well, they were going to start with Diana and Aella, but Princess Kamilla, Prince Kerian, Duke Sebastian, and my sister were their next targets.” A muscle tightened in his jaw.

Zeydan cursed. “Can you see if Selma here was the only robed, vampire-eating lunatic in Darkwood?”

“I can, indeed.” Aroth opened his eyes, looking at both Aylana and Sebastian. “She was not.”

“Fucking Hells,” Aylana exhaled, placing a hand on her bloody forehead and grimacing.

Zeydan’s stomach flipped unpleasantly. “So, we have a coven of deranged witches who hate gargoyles, demons, and vampires and use demonic magic to drain the power of vampires and turn themselves into monsters?”

“It seems like we do,” Aroth confirmed. The amusement was completely gone from his black eyes.

“How is hating demons logical when they use demonic magic?” Zeydan couldn’t help but ask aloud.

Aylana sighed. “The same way Fane thinks werewolves are inferior animals, yet he got my mother pregnant. Because hate is often tied to envy and greed. Because people are fucking contrary assholes.”

Aroth hummed. “Agreed.” He stood and snapped his fingers. The witch’s body turned to ash in a matter of seconds. He tilted his head as he examined Aylana. “You look pale, Aylana. I’d offer you my blood, but I don’t think your soulmate would like that.”

Zeydan had the distinct feeling Aroth was challenging Aylana to accept his blood by implying she needed Sebastian’s permission.

She arched a brow at Aroth. “Thanks, but no thanks. I just need some sunlight and sleep. Also, I didn’t know your blood could heal. And wouldn’t it… change me?” She took an unsteady step toward the exit.

Zeydan offered her an arm, and she accepted it.

Aroth smiled, knocking the charred, half-melted metal doors to the ground with a push of his mind. “My blood can heal, indeed. And according to Kerian, it tastes quite nice too.” His smile widened a notch in obvious invitation. “And no, unless I wanted to cause any mutations, you’d be perfectly safe, Aylana.”

Aylana hummed thoughtfully. She took a deep, relieved breath when they stepped out of the charred building and went down the entrance steps. The day was still sunny and cool, and there was no one around. The fire department apparently hadn’t noticed Aylana incinerating a building with fey fire. Which was for the best, really.

Halfway to the car, the groan of metal, concrete, and wood drew their attention back to the building. It collapsed as though it had been imploded.

“Oops,” Aylana muttered, half sitting on the black sedan’s hood. She looked exhausted, covered in dust, blood, and demonic ichor. Seeming unperturbed by this, she tilted her head toward the sky.

Aroth neared her and reached out a hand.

Aylana’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t flinch away.

The demon let his hand hover near Aylana’s face as if in a caress, banishing the blood and grime off her entire person.

Aylana blinked at him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Aroth replied.

“And what about me?” Zeydan asked. “I’m also covered in stinky ichor.”

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