Page 17 of Blood and Hexes

The demon remained planted where he was for what could have been ten seconds or ten minutes, glaring at Mikar. Finally, he shrugged. "Gladly." He started to walk away, then looked over his shoulder. "By the way, you might like to know there's a hellwitch on the loose somewhere in this country. Pretty thing. Pink hair with black tips. I know you'll likely take pleasure in ignoring whatever I tell you, but heed this one piece of advice if you value your skin. You see her? Run in the opposite direction."

"A hellwitch?" Catching the word, Alexius tore his eyes off his sister. “Wait a moment. You mean to say there’s an actual hellwitch on the loose?” he asked Belial.

“What even is a hellwitch?” Mikar muttered. He didn’t want to deal with Belial any longer than necessary, but if Alexius was freaked, he should at least listen to the warning.

Diana was the first to answer.“There are tons of types of witches. Whether they use the magic of their ancestors, sacrificial sources, or dig their power out of nature, most of them are mortals, and come from mortal ancestors. But humans weren't designed to wield magic at all: if they can, it's often because one of their ancestors was blessed by a god—or slept with one."

Belial snorted. "More than likely, option two."

"Particularly when it comes to hellwitches," continued Diana. "Basically, witch blood is supposed to be diluted as the descendants of the original wielder breed with humans. That's why covens often try to stick to other witches—in order to maintain their power. Well, very occasionally, one of the descendants is born with a lot more power than anyone else in the family. Typically, it's because the soul attributed to them is one of an original witch’s. And as most witches are bound to the underworld, rather than paradise…we get a hellwitch."

Mikar blinked, not quite understanding. "So, it's like the reincarnation of a powerful witch? But in the body of a normal one, without much magic, right?"

Alexius shook his head. "That would be logical, but magic isn't that simple. Throw the soul of a middle-aged witch, probably hunted by vampires and wolves alike, hardened by a world where they were all despised, into a new body? It doesn't matter what their blood is like. They're all formidable. The White Clan frequently reincarnates their original twin witches, but they always mold them to ensure they become benevolent leaders." To Belial, he said, "Do you know where that witch is from? Why do you believe her to be a threat?"

Mikar knew the demon well enough to realize that he was done sharing. His face was entirely closed off. "That's not important. I warned you. Listen, or don't." He tilted his chin to Diana. "I still owe you a favor. Call when you need to collect."

On that note, blue and black flames hot enough for Mikar to feel them several feet away, surrounded Belial. Within seconds, he disappeared, leaving a scorched circle on the ground.

Alexius huffed. "And he called you dramatic?"

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