Page 13 of Grimoire Omens

My spine straightened. “I will not shut up. Nor am I going to let you kidnap me! I’m staying here. In my house.” I yanked my arm free and crossed both across my chest.

He glanced around, and I inwardly cringed as I noticed his expression. “You wish to die in this hovel?”

“It’s not that bad.”

“It is indefensible.”

“Been fine so far. Just ask the two dead demons. Oops, guess you can’t because they are gone.” I snapped my fingers.

“One of which I killed and both mere scouts. There are worse to come, and if they surround your home, there will be no escape,” his grim assessment.

“And what makes you think a gang of demons is on their way here? Wouldn’t the fact there’s two of them dead make them balk?”

Elf’s expression could have been carved in stone. He had a cold, flat tone as he said, “I know they’re coming for you because the prince commanding them will want the witch that can open a portal to my world.”

4

“A prince, you say?” I clapped my hands. “Is he handsome? Tall? Muscled? What color is his hair?”

The demon-killing elf frowned. “Why do his looks matter?”

“Because I was summoning my one true love, and given your ornery ass isn’t a contender, I’m thinking maybe this other elf might be.”

His brows lifted so high I worried they might join his hairline. “Gryvak is not here to become your husband.”

“Whoa. Slow down. Who said anything about marriage? I mean we’d have to date first, see if we’re compatible, and likely do something about his name because how the fuck do you spell Gree-vack. How’s his middle name?” I shook my head. “Doesn’t matter. I’m sure I can figure out a better nickname for him, but only once I determine if there’s chemistry. You know, run a few bases and, if all is good, enjoy a sweaty home run if you know what I mean.” I winked.

The dark elf didn’t crack a smile. “Gryvak is a threat to Earth, and you should not be taking his presence lightly. He might want you, but only so he can use you for nefarious purpose.”

“Says you.”

“Yes, says me,” the elf exclaimed, losing his cool composure. “I’ve been tracking him for months. My king tasked me with retrieving Gryvak and returning him to face justice.”

“Ooh, a bad boy. What did he do?” I asked while Flo and Cedric watched me and the elf trading barbs.

“Tried to assassinate the king and take over the Eastern Territory for starters.”

“So he’s a guy with motivation to improve himself.”

“He’s a menace,” spat the elf. “Who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.”

“If he wants your king’s job, then what’s he doing here?” I countered.

“Your portal opened just as I was closing in on his location. Seeing an opportunity, he passed through, along with the demons following his command. I had no choice but to follow.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why? To capture him of course,” he retorted.

“To do what? It’s not like you can return him to your king anymore, unless you’re like a magician who can open a doorway too.”

I thought I’d killed him he went so still. His mouth opened wide. It seemed like he wanted to speak but couldn’t. When he finally did manage to find his voice, it was to growl, “You dare insult me after I saved your life?”

“What insult? Magicians do magic. Or do you prefer the term wizard?”

“I am Prince Ulseere, a wielder of all the arcane elements, not some petty charlatan.”

“Well excuse me,” I drawled. “I didn’t know I was dealing with royalty, but I should have guessed given you’re an arrogant ass.”