"Even if it meant killing others?"
She shrugged. "Depends on whether or not they deserved it."
"You are not what I expected. Most humans would respond, 'I would never kill an innocent person,'."
"Most humans lie to themselves on a regular basis, I'm not that smart," Meryn said, wincing at another bright flash of blue light.
"You think more like a demon than a human," he complimented.
"Is that what you are?"
"Your Dark Prince will be able to tell you more," he answered. He eyed her closely. "You know. I was simply going to have you killed, but I may change my mind. You are amusing. I think we could have a lot of fun together."
"You know DeLaFontaine will be questioned by the council," she pointed out.
He gave a lazy shrug. "He has served his purpose."
"Whatever you're doing, if it hurts the people I care about. I will stop you."
"You can try, and I will enjoy watching you try." He smiled and held up a finger. "Wait for it."
Meryn shielded her eyes from another flash of light.
He laughed. "Your squire is losing his mind to get you back."
Now it was her turn to shrug. "I know."
He paused. "You knew that was your squire this entire time and you are ignoring him?"
"I told you. I ask questions, it's what I do."
He slowly approached her. She felt ice slide down her spine as his lips neared her ear. "And I kill people, it is what I do."
She turned so that their noses were nearly touching. "But you won't kill me." Of this she was sure.
He smiled and leaned back. "I may not have to."
"What do you mean?"
"Did I forget to mention? To speak to me, I had to stop your heart." His eyes were cold. "I did say that asking so many questions could affect your health."
Meryn's hand went to her belly. She raced to the glass and a door appeared traced in blue fire. She looked back. "This is your only warning. Don't piss me off."
He threw his head back roaring with laughter. When he looked back at her he smiled. "Ditto."
Meryn pushed on the glass until it gave way at the fiery seam. She tumbled forward into the blue light. She exhaled as warmth seeped into her body. She didn't realize how cold that room had been. In the distance she saw a hand reaching for her. She stretched as far as she could and let it pull her back.
*****
"I have her!" Ryuu's familiar voice shouted.
"Dude, loud," she complained.
An ear shattering roar echoed around her. She opened her eyes and looked toward the sound. Adriel, Gavriel, Colton, Declan and Rex had a huge creature pinned to the floor. She smiled. "It's Fuzzy Aiden, come here boy," she said, holding out her hands.
The men toppled off the bear creature as it lurched forward to lay its head on her chest. "Aiden your freaking head is heavy, shift back or you'll squish our jellybean."
Slowly Aiden shrank back down, his clothes were tattered rags hanging off of him. Behind her Ryuu held her close to his body, refusing to let go.