FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

“Failing! Failing!” Radix’s rasping voice tore out. “And you want to be immortal?” He sneered.

Worthington’s eyes widened as he nodded.

“Why have you not charmed her? What have you been doing all this time?” Rubbing the bridge of his nose Radix paced the room. “How can you be so spineless?”

“It’s not my fault.” Worthington leapt to his feet, gesturing wildly as his voice rose. Realizing the demon eyed him askance he calmed.

“I-I deserve to be like you. I’ve worked on her for two years. She’s a-”.

“With nothing to show!” Radix cut him off. Lip curling, his eyes turned molten orange. Jagged teeth gritted. Radix passed the fire heating the library and flames erupted in the room. Roaring against the walls to hover mid-air curling around the demon’s back and blowing his hair but leaving the room unharmed.

“There’s a man. He keeps getting in my way. He’s-” Worthington scrambled across the room in terror. Huddling against the far wall.

Stroking his long beard, Radix stood with the glowing fire rising at his back. “The Captain.” He grated venomously. Abruptly the flame doused. Hazing the room in gray smoked.

Worthington shivered uncontrollably, as much from greed as raw terror.

Lifting his gaze to the demon, Worthington met beady black eyes.

Radix’s alert gaze belied the wrinkles marring his parchment skin. Radix did an about-face as he paced, veering toward the window.

Deragan leapt from sight. Worried it was too late.

Deragan had set things into motion that required Radix not know his involvement. Careful plotting had ensured Nora moved directly into Deragan’s waiting hands. As long as nothing interferes in my plans.

Much as I’d like to jump through the window all fur and fangs...I have to wait. Be patient.

There’ll be another day for vengeance. He comforted himself. Last time I was rash in its name my Forever Knights suffered my sin. His eyes flitted to Chavias’ profile.

Turning to face Worthington, Radix yelled and watched the boy shuffling around the desk like a rat creeping from a hole.

He didn’t see me. Deragan realized his respite. Easing further around the line of shrubs, Deragan froze. Encountering the orange gaze of a Noni.

Similar to a rat in shape, it was larger and squatted like a toad with extra legs. Flipping a tail twice the length of its body. A flap of black skin unfolded from under its belly. Lifting to shield its face. Exposing a large fleshy gap which emitted a shriek that shattered the silence.

Deragan covered his ears, dropping to a crouch against the wash of pain pulsing in his head. If Radix didn’t know I was in Meadowbrook he certainly does now!

Glancing over his shoulder at the window, he saw Radix’s head shoot up.

The crow shrieked and flapped from Chavias’ shoulder to the high mantle, as Chavias launched into movement. He spun to the ready, sword drawn smoothly and clenched in his grip as he faced the window. Eyes scanning. Brows lifting in surprise, he met Deragan’s glare. They stared at each other down, motionless.

More than any of Radix’s minions, I don’t wish to fight him. Deragan shook his head. Because he’s one of my brethren, because I admired him, and because he’s a warrior.

Chavias fought at Deragan’s side once. He’s capable of decimating armies. Deragan knew.

It wasn’t Chavias who attacked.

Flames burst to life shielding the window in a blinding splash, before blowing it out. Glass surged over the lawn as the flames unfolded above the grass like tentacles.