I smiled. “One doesn’t need to be a seer to see your death, witch. I can smell it on you.”
To her credit, she merely raised one eyebrow. “What of it?”
“Your coven can’t keep you alive?”
She ran one wrinkled hand over the arm of her chair. “I do not wish for any further life-extending magic.”
A choice I would never understand. The witch angled her head as if reading my mind. “Where is the meaning in living for eternity?”
“You exaggerate, witch. You haven’t even lived for a century yet. Although,” I mused, taking in her wrinkled skin, hunched form, and deep scowl, “I am walking perfection. I can understand whyyouwould prefer not to continue in your current condition.”
It would take centuries before the first rays of time began to touch Danica’s face. Before the skin around her eyes began to gently wrinkle. I found myself looking forward to pressing kisses to every one.
Beady eyes narrowed once more. “Did you come here solely to point out the shortness of my lifespan?”
“No. I came to give you a chance to be part of history. Rally the Durham covens beneath your flag and help us take back my throne.”
She gave a rough chortle. “You truly believe we care about demon infighting?”
“What do you think Lucifer will do once he has Danica’s power and he can leave the underworld? Do you think he’ll be content to stay in his own realm? Or do you think he will try to take my tower and turn this city into his own personal hellscape? Do you believe he will allow your covens to enjoy their freedom?” I gave her a cold smile. “Lucifer enjoys black witches for what they can do for him. Even the occasional gray witch may survive. Butwhitewitches?” I tutted as I shook my head. “He won’t even think twice about killing you all. Will that be your legacy to your coven, witch?”
Gemma slowly got to her feet. “You created the mess—you and the rest of those hellspawn. And you expect us to help you clean it up? Get out of my house.”
“Do not ask for our help when his people come for yours,” I purred. “I will make it clear to every single demon I call my own. Even if I fall, no demons are to help the white witches. Your decision will have consequences, and never shall your people be protected by my own.”
I turned and walked toward the door, keeping my steps measured.
I warned them, little witch. As you asked me to.
Another elderly witch sat near the door. In her hands, she held a photo of Caroline—the witch who had been responsible for the murders of the coven just months ago. She seemed lost in thought as she stroked the photo, but she glanced up as I approached.
“The city will burn,” Gail croaked out.
“Yes.” I opened the door and strode out into the sun.
* * *
DANICA
The next night, I crept down to the dungeons once more. Keigan’s eyes widened as I appeared in front of him, wiping my ring on my shirt before slipping it back onto my finger.
“How is she?” I asked.
Keigan shook his head, taking the bread and cheese I slipped between his bars. “She howls. All night. Sometimes she slams her body into the bars. I think she’s gone, Danica.”
I refused to believe it. I opened my mouth, and Keigan’s eyes widened as he focused on something behind me. He fell away from the bars, landing on his ass as he scrambled toward the back wall of his cell.
I turned, striking out with my fist, but it was too late.
“Treachery,” Lucifer hissed in my ear.
My lungs locked up, my knees went weak, and the world spun drunkenly around me.
Lucifer’s hand twisted in my hair, pulling until my eyes burned. I dug my nails into his hand in an effort to make him release me. He ignored me, pushing me to my knees.
“How long have you had your memories, granddaughter? How long have you played me for a fool?”
I stayed silent, unable to speak as terror clawed into me, my vision dimming at the edges. He could kill me right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
