Page 209 of Sins of the Heart

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discs. He insists we use the terminology. It’s easy

enough to pacify him.”

That got Roxy’s attention. If Xaphan’s concubines

could wander around Topworld, that told her two

things. First off, they weren’t as powerful as all that.

The most powerful Underworlders had to stay put.

They couldn’t come to the mortal realm at all. They

could only travel to each other’s realms if specific invitations were issued and protocols followed.

Except for soul reapers, of course. They didn’t seem

to obey any laws but their own.

Second, it meant that the fire genies were able to alter

their appearance to look more human. They couldn’t

exactly walk into Wal-Mart looking like demons from

hell.

Dagan shook his head. “I don’t care what

Xaphan’s interested in. On any level. Tell him

anything you want about Sutekh’s son stepping over

imaginary lines. I’m not the one who’s shoving my

nose in someone else’s concern.” His tone hardened.

“And tell him the girl is mine.”

His assertion got Roxy’s back up. She wasn’t a girl,

and she belonged to no one but herself. Still, she didn’t

think this was the time to argue. They weren’t paying

a shred of attention to her. So she ducked her head,

wrapped her arms tight and somersaulted out of the

burning circle. She came up gasping as her weight

pressed on her burned ankle, singed leather rubbing

blistered, oozing flesh. A slap here and there put out

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