Nibo arched one eyebrow at his acrimony. “That pretty much summarizes every adult I’ve ever met, too, and most of my family. As well as my relationship with them. And they’re not nearly as cute.”
By the expression on the warrior’s face, Valynda could tell he’d never thought of that. And Nibo was right. That had proven true in her case as well.
In particular, certain members of theSea Witchfit that category. Not so much the stabbing in the heart, but the drooling …
Well, she didn’t want to think about that, as most of them, including herself, had been known to do that whenever some of the men came around. Especially when they took their shirts off.
She cast a sheepish glance toward Xuri and felt heat scald her cheeks. It was probably best not to have those thoughts too close to Nibo, who would definitely be offended if he knew.
Squelching the sudden need to whistle innocently, she diverted her gaze.
Another demon came running for them. Nibo caught him with his crook and batted him away.
Valynda was impressed. “So, how are we going to get him out of here?”
Nibo sighed. “Well, a psychopomp led him in …”
“You should be able to lead him out.”
“That’s one theory.”
She didn’t like where this was heading, and a bad feeling went through her. “You didn’t think this through, did you?”
There it was … that adorable grin that came with bad, gut-wrenching timing. “You always said that was my weakness.”
Aye, she did. Valynda ground her teeth. “I swear, Xuri …” He got himself into more disasters by his failure to look ahead. “So, what was your plan, then?”
“Beg. Plead.” He winked at her. “Beat the shite out of whatever comes at us.”
“Thought you weren’t a warrior,” she teased. Because she knew better.
“There are times when we all surprise ourselves with what’s inside us. Today, I’m more akin to Sallie with me warrior’s soul in a bottle that’s been uncorked.” He slapped Agrios on the shoulder. “Come, good Greek, let’s see about getting you home, shall we?”
That made him pause. He appeared stunned, as if he’d heard a promise too good to be believed. “Home?”
Nibo nodded. “Your mother bid us to fetch you to her.”
“My mother? Circe?” He spit on the ground and cursed violently. “She’s the one who got me cursed here. Why ever would I want to rejoin her anywhere?”
Well there was something neither of them had foreseen. “I beg your pardon?” Valynda looked from Agrios to Nibo and back again.
“Beg all you want. It changes nothing. I don’t want to be anywhere near my mother. Ever. She can rot in all of Tartarus for all I care.”
“Fair enough.” Nibo whistled for the demons. “Here you go, kids.Bon appetit.”
Panicking, Agrios looked about and appeared as if he were about to climb someone’s leg. “What are you doing?”
“It’s us or them, mate. Choose your hell.”
Valynda gasped as she finally saw the demonic incarnation of Nibo. No wonder the damned screamed in terror. His skin held a translucent quality that let her see the sinew and muscles beneath. It was macabre and yet strangely beautiful. Monstrously intriguing.
An aura of lethal power permeated the air around him.
Agrios staggered back as the demons surged.
“Playtime!”
“I need to potty!”
