Page 25 of Immortal Alliance

I reach out with the last ribbons of my power and latch onto her. The soul within her body fights me and, in my weakened state, I nearly lose the battle. One forceful push isn’t enough. Bracing my hand at the center of her chest, I finally push through. The woman gasps and grits her teeth, a contorted expression twisting her face. My hand squeezes her soul until it writhes in pain and submits to my will.

The further her soul submits, the more of my astral form seeps into her body. I test my control over her by wiggling her fingers, and when her body complies, I realize I’ve been successful. With my other hand, I punch her soul from her body completely, slotting myself into the vessel like dipping my feet into a warm bath. I feel myself adjust to the Seelie woman’s body as I watch her soul turn grey and seep into the Veil.

I feel renewed. Invigorated. Discorporation always puts a little spring in my step.

I walk through the halls of Variant’s castle in search of my pitiful lackey. The door to the throne room is open, and I step inside the space where so much history has been shaped. Being here in physical form is much different in a body that isn’t my own.

When I enter the room, Variant lifts his head from where it was resting against his palm. He rakes his gaze over my new body and stands up from his throne.

Even now, I find him desirable.

“Morrigan?” he whispers in disbelief. “How is it possible?”

“I used what magic I still had left,” I respond in a voice that isn’t my own.

“So, you’re a mortal, then?”

“Perhaps,” I retort dryly, not appreciating the comparison but I suppose it’s a fitting one.

“And you’ve come here why?”

“Because we need to begin,” I bark in response. His question is stupid. “The others are already plotting what they’ll do next.”

“The others?”

I nod. “They will not be defeated easily, Variant,” I say. “But, they aren’t our problem at the moment.”

“And what is?”

“I need the talisman, I need my magic restored to me or everything we’ve set in motion will be for naught.”

Variant nods and circles me like a vulture. “How long until your mortal vessel cracks?”

“Perhaps four months, if I don’t abuse the flesh.”

“Then we have time to have a bit of fun.” He chuckles suggestively.

“We don’t have time for fun.”

“I can see the desire in your eyes, Morrigan. I hunger for the same.”

“Is sex all you think about?” I demand as I step away from him, placing some distance between us. Though I’m the one who bespelled him, Variant seems to have a hold on me that I can’t quite escape. If not for the attraction between us, I would have suspected foul play or some form of magic. “We need to get the talisman and figure out what the others have planned,” I insist. “And that is the only subject on my mind.” I take a breath when he doesn’t respond. “The easiest way to kill the others is to isolate them individually and pick them off one by one. I trust you can do this?”

Variant approaches me and wraps his fingers around my throat. It’s not a threat of death or violence, but a promise of sexual fulfillment.

“What’s the rush, pet? Why not put this new form of yours to good use?” Then he glances down at my now corporeal form and nods, his gaze filling with undisguised lust. “You chose well, Morrigan. I like my women with fair hair, blue eyes and large busts.” He leans down to whisper in my ear. “Your body reminds me of the angel.” He traces his tongue along the curve of my jaw before biting my lower lip so hard, I can taste blood.

“Get away from me,” I start, angry that my form reminds him ofher.

He pulls away from me. “Guards!” he yells and immediately the doors to the throne room open and two guards appear. Variant takes a few steps away from me so he can fully face them.

“Take this woman to my bedchamber. I have plans for her.”

***

EILISH

Mercenary Stronghold

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