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“I forgive you for Aidan’s Sorrow.” Aidan addressed the naked mage.

Couldn’t we get him some boxers at least?

“In fact, I’m here to ask for your help regarding it.”

Perplexed, the man blanched slightly. “You need my help with the magic you created?”

I did my best to swallow the snort of laughter and ended up coughing instead.

Aidan huffed, stabbing me in the heart then breaking my neck.

I came back to life mid-way through their conversation, arse planted on the gross carpet.

“Fuck!” I yelped, scrambling to my feet.

The mage stared at me, jaw on the floor.

I glowered at him. “You should really do something about this.” I stomped on the floor, nose twitching from the stink.

“Ignore him,” Aidan interjected. “You were saying?”

“He…he died and came back.”

My turn to roll my eyes.

“He did,” Aidan answered. “He does, I should say. He’s a cantankerous little shit.”

I stuffed my hands into my pockets, going quiet. If I let them talk it out, I might learn something to break him with later.

Yeah, keep it zipped.

Damn. I just wanted a cig and a beer.

After a few beats, the man got over his shock, continuing his discussion with the fuckiest fuck face in existence.

“There is no way I can bypass the constrictions,” the man said, his throat bobbing nervously.

Aidan didn’t like that. “Have you tried?”

“My uncle did. He’s dead now.”

“I see.” He tapped Hal’s left foot. “And to trigger this greedy side of my magic, there has to be a blood sacrifice?”

“Yes. Murder. Y-yes.” The guy cleared his throat.

Aidan gestured at his body. “I assume these scars are not from casting real spells?”

“Fake,” the man managed, sweat dripping down his face. “Permanent marker. I follow the glory of those before me.” He dragged his fingernails back and forth across his belly. “I wish I could’ve seen those days before the fall.”

Aidan crouched at the painted circle, skimming his fingers over the lines. “And this?”

“For you, glorious one. Always for you.”

“Good.” He stood up. “Now, to get away with a sacrifice.”

The man sniffed. “Far be it from me to question your greatness, but can’t you just do it?”

Slowly, Aidan approached and the man recoiled, almost shrinking into himself.