“You think I don’t recognize sarcasm?” the demon sneered. “Make no mistake, Barbie, or Little Bob. Even trembling won’t save you from what comes next. Nothing will.”
Sy hissed. She never took well to anyone threatening me.
“I was trying to give you an easy way out,” I said, my voice dropping low. “But you chose the hard way. So be it.”
Attack!Sy commanded.
I hurled a wave of dark flame at the demons as they lunged. It washed over them harmlessly, and they laughed, a grating, fiery sound. Luckily, I’d already ducked on instinct, their claws swiping the air where my head had been.
Shit. Of course they were fire demons. This was their turf. My flames wouldn’t even singe them.
Better to let Sy handle them, but those three seconds of vulnerability during a full shift were too risky.
Don’t worry. I’ve been practicing,Sy cut in.
She pushed through in a half-shift, something we’d never tried before. I felt my face morph, jaw hardening, fangs pressing past my gums. I glanced down: my limbs had lengthened, hands now ending in razor-sharp claws.
The demons halted mid-step, staring.
“You’re even uglier than before,” the demoness spat. “What kind of freak are you?”
“You’re one to talk,” I replied, my voice a layered echo of both me and Sy.
“You’re an abomination!” the demon barked.
“Would you prefer to be beheaded or disemboweled,amigo?” Sy asked, her tone sickly sweet.
“What the fuck?” the demon snarled, crimson eyes blazing with hellfire.
They charged again, boxing us in, one from the front, the other from the side.
I twisted away, their claws grazing empty air. My own claws extended as I summoned Deathsong. A low, eerie giggle echoed before the evil blade materialized from the mist and snapped into my palm.
Mistress!Deathsong chimed.I’m thrilled you called! I’ve never been to Hell before. Heard it’s…different. So exciting! If I had hands, I’d be rubbing them together.
I’d given Deathsong to my friend Rock. Aniceperson wouldn’t ask for a gift back, but this was an emergency.
We’re not that kind of nice,Sy cut in.We’ll decide later if we’re giving the blade away again. Rock will understand. If not, we’ll kick him in the nuts.
“Where did you get that blade?” the demoness demanded, eyes widening. “It’s rare!”
I’m glad you recognize quality, unholy creatures,Deathsong purred, breaching their mental shields.
Both demons blinked at the evil blade’s voice in their heads.
I seized the opening before they shook off their shock, moving with supernatural speed. In one fluid motion, I drove Deathsong up through the demon’s chest just as his claws swept toward my neck. Black blood gushed, splattering the volcanic rock.
Sy jumped in triumph inside my mind.
I yanked the blade free and pivoted left, but I’d underestimated the demoness. She was faster than her partner. Her talons raked my shoulder before I could bring Deathsong around in a sweeping arc.
I leapt high, the blade following in a flash, and her head tumbled from her shoulders. Her massive body staggered two more steps before collapsing.
That was fast,Sy remarked.You should’ve led with that. Would’ve saved us the sweat.
“I was trying to save lives,” I said, breath tight. “Even if they were demons.”
Kick the head,she urged.
