Page 83 of The Monster's Desire

I continue devouring Constantine. His shell looks like a withered husk by the time I step away.

“Well, that was dramatic,” Garth says, looking at Nadia. “Please remind them I’m on your team.”

Echo zips from the room, likely to clean up.

“It’s done.” I cross to my favorite witch.

“What do you think is going to happen when the town realizes we just offed their council?” she asks.

“Likely, there will be some push back from their loyal followers,” Echo says as he comes back into the room noticeably less bloody than when he left.

“You mean those of us they’ve bullied into complying for the last several hundred years?” Garth scoffs.

“Good point,” Echo mutters.

“I could, uh, get rid of those bodies for you?” Athos suggests.

“No one is making any wishes,” Knight grunts.

“Once I unfreeze time...” I glance at the audience at the back of the room.

“Allow me and Echo to handle them.” Ridge stands, placing Nadia on the mattress. “Garth will notify everyone at The Mirage that they’re now free of their debts.”

“Under the condition they keep their mouths shut about the council’s sudden departure from town,” Garth mutters, pushing himself up. “Those assholes are going to be the problem.” He gestures to the group at the back of the room.

Echo nods. “I agree, they’re the ones most loyal to the council. We could just make it a good old-fashioned bloodbath all around.”

“Wraith and I could dispose of them in a much less bloody manner, but I’d caution against wiping out so many monsters at one time. Five is pushing the limits of keeping things under wraps.” Knight scratches his jaw. “Even then, someone is eventually going to miss them. I suggest we get the fuck out of town before then.”

“Are you a blood witch?” Athos asks Nadia. She nods as her shadows swirl around her. “That’s perfect. Simply spin an illusion. Make them believe they saw a great show and are leaving completely satisfied by your performance.”

“I don’t know how to do that,” she says, shaking her head.

“I can help with that.”

“If you betray us...” Knight rolls to face Athos. “I don’t think I need to remind you of what will happen.”

“Always with the threats,” Athos mutters. “I’ll merely help her influence their minds. No threats or wishes necessary. Although, you fuckers forgot to feed me, and I am quite peckish.”

Nadia laughs. “I’m sure we can find you something.”

* * *

The spell Nadia spins takes less than fifteen minutes. It’s reaching the maximum of what I’m capable of holding while keeping the room in a bubble, but I am extremely full from gorging on so many souls at once.

The showgoers pop into our timeline, and none of them make a scene. It makes it clear her spell is a success. Athos stays partially formed with his bottom half a swirl of smoky shadows. Apparently, he didn’t fuck us over. At least not so far.

Ridge and Echo, along with Garth, carefully corral the guests out before leaving to secure meetings with River, the elven king, and several other leaders that live within the sanctuary ward.

“I’m beat,” Nadia says around a yawn.

“We’ll take you to where you’re staying,” Knight says, wiggling his eyebrows. “Tell me, is there room for the two of us?”

“Three,” Athos adds petulantly.

“Is there a reason you haven’t released him?” Nadia gestures to the djinn in question.

“We have no idea how, and he’s incapable of telling us.” Knight stretches his arms behind him.

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