Page 83 of A Deal in Darkness
The Seer shouldn't have left the safety of my dominion and even the short journey to the Oracle of Mammon is too far away from my control. He'll only have made the pilgrimage out of absolute necessity and whatever danger I'm facing is more deadly than I'd imagined.
The convergence between Heaven and Hell will be the ideal time for my enemy to strike. It'll heighten both our powers, but my adversary will need all he can summon if he hopes to defeat me. Mine might be ebbing away and I'll wager the motherfucker is draining it for himself, weakening me to use my power against me.
I needed the Seer's insight, and I've gained a different kind of knowledge. It's not as detailed, but it is useful. The Seer's visions are unclear because the future isn't determined, but now I know the timeline I can use that to my advantage.
“THE. ORGY. IS. OVER.”
Whimpers and hushed gasps echo around me as the fire demon stares up at me. It's the only demon to meet my gaze. It's frankly disappointing that my underlings lack ambition and have grown lazy through indulgence.
“My tastes are for a different pleasure. One born of pain and suffering. One drunk from the tears of innocents and the blood of the damned.”
My demons growl in agreement, left with little choice but to indulge the blood-thirst I'm inciting around me.
“Rise and reap, my flock. It's time to bathe in despair and enjoy the anguish of agony. Be gone and cause havoc. Return after you feed and have riches to add to my vaults.”
Howls and cries of battle sound around me as demons pick themselves up, rising from the bloodbath they're swimming in to create one of their own.
Wings rejoint themselves as limbs try to straighten and find their sockets. Some demons are already soaring into the air while others are scrambling to their feet, struggling to overcome the damage they've sustained earlier. They need to rise or I will finish them, culling the weak from the herd before they drag the rest down to their level.
A few more take off and the stragglers are left behind. They're frantically trying to escape, and I'm feeling merciful, deciding those that survive the crawl up the spire after they make it out the window can live.
My wings slice through the demons struggling on the floor. I sever limbs and devour them, enjoying the taste as my hunger begins to abate.
I'm efficient, ruthless, and oblivious to the mess I'm leaving behind me. The carnage is a fucking feast and I intend tofeed on it until I've had my fill, consuming anything too weak to deserve my pity.
I leave little, except for the aftermath of an annihilation.
The fire demon from earlier returns, risking my wrath as he kneels at my feet.
“I came to serve, Lord. Command and I'll obey. Anything, Lord.”
Its groveling is despicable, and I adore it.
“I donotrequire your help.”
Its scarlet eyes lift to meet mine and its ambition burns hotter, seeking release. “Perhaps I can give you something else, Lord? A moment of pleasure or respite from your burdens.”
Usually, I'd haul the fire demon's sorry ass over a chair or table and flog it for its insolence and then fuck it, using its blood as lube. The thought of licking the blood from its lashed back while my cock seeks release in its ass has a certain appeal, but it's minimal. Hardly worth entertaining.
The same cannot be said when I think about doing the same to Adriana.
My dick jerks, and the fire demon licks its lips, misunderstanding the reason for my arousal. It edges forward, reaching for my cock, and I whip my clawed hands round. The strike sounds out as its face is shredded and it whimpers in agony, uncertain what it's done to offend.
“You haven't earned it.”
It cowers and I wait, debating with myself whether I should put it out of its misery now or find a use for it. It shouldn’t be worth my time, but it occurs to me that something this patheticlikes to brag about its achievements—and I could manipulate it into spreading rumors that could work to my advantage.
“Get up before I haul your sorry ass into one of the fire pits.”
It staggers to its feet and blood drips from the claw marks, scaring its face. It was ugly to begin with, and now it's ghastly. Almost horrific. It'll do nicely as a warning to others.
“Perhaps I can find another use for you,” I sigh.
The malicious thing squirms in glee, desperate to win my approval and, with it, my reward.
“I came to collect a certain belonging and to search the archives. I don't want to be disturbed. Ensure it doesn't happen.”
I march to the upper rooms, certain that the fire demon will wait for my return. It'll make damn sure I'm not interrupted as I revisit the documents detailing Mordecai and his powers, and the quiet is welcome.
