Page 78 of The Mating Fire
The bolt of dark energy sent Jared backward, smashing into the stone wall. He shook his head, fighting off the agony and burn from the other’s fire. Knew Saqra was playing with him, seeking to drain his strength and leave him powerless. Then he would coax Harper out of the castle, convince her to join him and serve the Dark Lord.
I have no real power to stop him.
Suddenly Harper’s dulcet voice echoed in his head.
Love is the only weapon we have, Jared.
He rushed forward, swiping at the demon, and ripping at his arms. Saqra screeched, but retreated, throwing bolt after bolt of fire at Jared.
Drawing on an inner reserve of strength, he deflected the crackling energy. But each time Saqra threw fire at him, Jared weakened. Already he could feel his insides burning, his powers diminishing. No way in hell could he survive this attack.
I’m sorry Harper. I’m sorry I couldn’t be your champion.
He thought of Harper and love surged in his chest, loaning him strength. He would die today, but damnit, he’d die fighting.
“Xavier, if you’re watching, help Harper. Do it as a last favor to me, for your daughter’s sake,” he called out.
Jared kept tossing all his energy bolts at the other demon. Shockwaves of magick rippled through the air. The ruins bore witness to a battle that transcended the mortal realm.
As the crescendo of magical energy reached its peak, Jared summoned the remnants of his incubus powers.
Suddenly his peripheral vision caught sight of a new arrival – a misshapen shadow that siphoned out all the air, leaving behind a bitter cold that sank into his bones.
Oh damn. Not fully formed, but his presence still powerful.
The Dark Lord.
“Finish this Saqra. Mutilate the incubus and bring her to me,” the icy, grating voice demanded.
No way he could fight the leader of all darkness. It was like dousing a forest fire with a glass of water. Still he had to try, for Harper.
Jared tossed a dim bolt of energy at the gross shadow, which laughed and simply absorbed it.
“We came to throw you a lifeline,” a familiar voice said.
Xavier! Jared opened one bruised eyelid. Blinding light flooded the ruins. Not only Xavier, the Crystal Wizard, but Caderyn, the most powerful wizard of all.
“You have no power here,” the Dark Lord screamed.
“Fuck you, yes we do,” Caderyn said calmly, and threw a bolt of pure white light at the grotesque, misshapen form.
It fell back, shrieking and disappeared.
From his position on the ground, Jared laughed weakly. At least Caderyn solved one huge problem.
Saqra advanced toward him as Jared struggled to stand. One last attempt to get this bastard. The wizards watched, not doing anything, like spectators.
“Now, I shall finish you, Jared,” the demon snarled.
“I think not, you bastard.”
Harper!
She’d escaped the castle. Damnit! Saqra turned to her and stretched out a clawed hand.
“At last. Harper Ashley. You came to save your incubus lover. This puny male cannot fulfill your desires or dreams. Only the darkness can.”
He cackled, and suddenly his features became handsome, with flaxen hair and smooth flesh.
