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Embers in the hearth burned red creating an orange glow throughout the room. Azazel removed himself from Lenore's embrace and climbed from the bed. His skin beaded with gooseflesh from the chill in the air. He stoked the fire and reached over to grab another log.
“Mmm, there's nothing sexier than a naked man,” Lenore commented.
Azazel tossed the log into the fire and glanced over his shoulder. “But I'm no man.”
“You're wearing one, though. A very nice one, at that.”
“Don't remind me,” he said and walked back to climb under the blankets. “This body may benefit you, dear Lenore, but it certainly limits me.”
“Then why are you possessing him? Get a body of your own. You are a demon, after all.”
“And how do you propose I do that? My true form exists on a different dimension remember?”
Lenore sat up and looked at him. “You mean you can't just fabricate a body? That's what shape-shifters do. They create their own corporeal forms.”
“Those shifters didn't come into existence until centuries after I chose to fall from grace with Lucifer. I don't possess that type of ability. We all have unique powers and that, unfortunately, isn't one of mine.” He sighed and stared at the flames.
“Then I suggest you make it one of yours,” she said and crawled over him, straddling him between her legs.
He watched in amusement while she licked his nipples and fondled him. “I think you may have some nymph in your bloodline, Lenore. You seem to be quite insatiable these days.”
She sat up straight. Twirling her red hair between her fingers, she gave him a hurt look. “No need for insults, Azazel.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Well then, let's stay on topic, shall we? You were speaking of giving me the ability to shape-shift. How?”
“There's a spell. It’s ancient magic. I heard my mentor speak of it years ago. You can steal powers, take them into you. But it can only be performed during the full-moon, and it won't work unless the being absorbing the ability is capable of handling that much power. I would suspect a demon would be.”
He narrowed his eyes, “You can do such a spell?”
She huffed and rolled off of him. “I'm the second most powerful witch alive. Of course I can do the spell. The question is, what will I get out of it? That kind of magic takes a toll. I'll need something in return, to make it worth my while.”
Witches. Insatiable beings. They always wanted something more. But not having to possess a human again might just be worth giving in this time.
Azazel reached over and pulled Lenore back over top of him. “How about gold? Jewels? I can get you all you need.”
Lenore shook her head. “No, that won't do me any good. I want power, Azazel.”
“Power?” He let his hands drop from her body.
“Yes, I want you to kill the Crone.”
“The Crone? You want me to take out your mentor?”
Lenore's eyes grew wide and she leaned up. “Yes. Yes, I do. Think of it, I would be the most powerful witch alive. And I would be serving you.”
“How ambitious of you. Sinfully so.” He grabbed her shoulders, flipped her over, and pinned her to the bed so quick that she gasped. “Don't try to play me, witch. You forget who I am.”
She shook her head fervently. “No, m'lord. I am your loyal servant. I'll... I'll take a blood oath to prove it. No witch can break a blood oath.”
He growled from deep within his chest. Fear swam through her pores and the scent filled him with excitement. His fingers dug harder into her shoulders bringing a cry of pain. Leaning close to her ear, he said, “I accept your offer.”
A knock on the door broke his attention away from her. He released the witch and moved off the bed. Before he could put his robe on, the knock sounded again. “Impatient imbecile,” he grumbled and swung the door open. “What do you want?”
A young servant girl stood at the threshold, wide-eyed and wringing her hands. She curtsied, and bowed her head. “I... I'm sorry to interrupt. But... But you're needed down... downstairs. Sir. M'Lord.”
Azazel sighed. “Fine. I'm on my way.”
The girl curtsied again and ran down the hall. He rolled his eyes. Humans were so paranoid. Every little thing scared the shit out of them.
He shut the door and turned back to Lenore. “Apparently I'm needed in the dungeon. What morons do you have working down there?”
Her brow furrowed. “I don't know, but I'll be sure to find out.”
The Unnamed - Prequel to the Haedyn Chronicles Page 2