Page 41 of The Demon's Fire
Dante’s stated goal was a lie intended to win Cerberus’s trust.
The Aeternal sipped his drink. “The portals will fall, re-uniting the realms. We will tread upon Earth again with your species. Since Gahya created us long before you, we will be your protectors, the bearers of peace and prosperity to a world made whole. Of course, as you say, it does not hurt if we grow richer.”
“The fire and your words warm me.” Dante turned his face away from his guest to hide a sneer. “With your age has come wisdom.”
“A wisdom I am happy to share.” Cerberus rose, setting his empty glass on the side table. “I will be attending a ball in honor of Skyler Maxwell.”
Dante escorted the Aeternal to the door. “Strange coincidence since she is the Alliance mage descendant you must test for any Blood Coven ancestry.”
“Yes. Interesting. I have arranged for her kidnapping while she is on Scath.”
Dante stood in the entry, a hand curled around the door’s edge, watching Cerberus descend the steps, climb into his auto, and drive toward the nearest portal. He rubbed his chin, muttering, shutting the door harder than necessary. “Friend, indeed.”
****
Kolewaited in Casa Purgatorio’s courtyard. The female was late. Dressed in the formal Scion Firebrand uniform, the upper right sleeve bearing an image of the fiery Phoenix, he paced beside the lake.
When Skyler cleared her throat, Kole pivoted, his breath hitching.
After a few silent moments, she waved a hand along a black gown, the color a stark contrast to her pale skin. “Organza. A halter top. Donna Karan.”
Creases lined Kole’s forehead. “You’re wearing another female’s clothes?”
Melodic laughter, which he hadn’t heard before, spilled from her lips. “No. She’s the designer.”
“Turn around.” A circling finger accompanied Kole’s command.
Skyler obliged by doing a slow rotation on her heel.
“There’s no back,” he said.
“It’s fashionable.”
“I like the … uh,” he gestured, “long skirt. And your hair…” He touched his head. “Up. With pieces falling out.”
“Oh, is it a mess?”
“No, I mean it looks soft. Natural.”
She had pulled her white-blonde hair into some twisty thing at her neck, from which feathery wisps had escaped, making her seem less frigid, less stick-up-the-ass. A simple diamond hung between her breasts with matching drop earrings shimmering in the courtyard lights.
Kole’s heart thrummed against his ribs. This Skyler was stunning. But shivering. “Here. Give me your coat.”
“I’m sorry I was late. It was important for me to look appropriate for this event.”
Kole assisted her into a long black coat he thought looked a little thin for the weather. He swallowed a hard rock in his throat. “Don’t worry. It was worth the wait.”
Skyler raised her eyebrows. “Almost a compliment, Commander?”
When he offered his arm, she glanced down at it and, smiling, tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. Sparks flew from Kole’s fingers. “Sorry. animus demon hazard.”
From her lodgings, they jumped to Covenkirk’s Aldkeep, a historical building which had once been a government house where lawgivers and the Temple of Justice met. With their offices in a newer facility, Aldkeep was reserved for large, formal events, such as tonight’s.
Skyler’s hand quivered on Kole’s arm. When he placed his palm over hers to warm it, to calm her, she released a long breath of air.
Kole’s gaze crawled over her body. “You have nothing to worry about. You look perfect.”
“What is the world coming to, Commander? Two compliments in one night.” Despite her flippant tone, her smile told him she was pleased.
