Page 34 of Shadow & Stars
Roman laughed. “Well?—”
The door to the next level crashed open, flying over our heads. It just missed the lizard demon in the rear.
Instinctively, I put myself before Roman as a line of bodies filed into the space, led by Ismael, a cruel smile on his handsome face.
“Oh, shit,” Roman whispered.
Agreed.
11
ROMAN
Itook a step to the right to get a better view. Bless Xavier for being in bodyguard mode, but I wanted to take this shit in.
Ten monarchs lined up behind Ismael, the dickhead in question the center piece. Beside him, Past Xavier watched on with the coldest expression ever.
“That certainly was an interesting distraction your queen provided.” Ismael spoke in soft, creepily calm tones. “Under different circumstances, it would be interesting rather than an irritant.”
Ah, someone had their claws out today. I kept mine sharp yet retracted. The last thing I wanted to do was goad this prick into spearing my people.
Maybe later.
“Should we turn back?” I whispered, barely opening my mouth.
Xavier bristled, saying nothing.
Returning to the desert was just asking for me to be a pancake. That whole sandy nightmare remained off limits.Which left fighting our way through these demons the only option.
Cool. Bring it.
With one wish, I could clear the decks. If I focused on a demon while getting the wording right, I might take said demon out, keeping my companions safe.
Should I risk it?
“We cannot help right now,” Margarite and Lizard Guy said together.
Yeah. Thanks. Super helpful.
Ismael’s grin curdled my insides. “Did you really think you could escape me, Xavier? You know I always get what I want.”
Past Xavier practically turned green, jealous of himself.
Seriously? Ugh.
There were more demons beyond the door, many white eyes awaiting the next steps. Not all of them wore crowns.
“Got yourself some new additions?” I inquired.
Ismael cocked his head. “I do not understand how you have enraptured my Xavier so deeply. I cannot see the attraction.” He shrugged.
“A spell,” Past Xavier chimed in. “It has to be a spell.”
My Xavier put his good arm around my waist protectively. “No spell.”
The meaner Xavier growled. “You make me sick.”
I inspected the area quickly, trying to formulate some sort of plan. There were no other exits, nothing to use to fight these fuckers. Unless I managed to grab Ismael’s silver crown, using those pointy bits to get stabby.
