Taken by Darkness

“We don’t,” he managed to mutter before a dark shape abruptly lunged from the shadows.

Even though she was prepared, a scream was wrenched from Juliet’s throat as the creature launched itself forward. Although it had taken the form of a human there was nothing reassuring about the beast. In fact, there was something highly unnerving about the delicately carved features and thick mane of golden blond hair that gave the Jinn its luminous beauty, when combined with the malignant lust for pain glowing in the large, lavender eyes.

Venomous beauty.

Clutching her mother’s amulet in her hand, Juliet futilely wracked her brain for a spell. Not that she possessed the power to actually harm the Jinn, but she might be able to distract him long enough—

There was an unholy roar and Victor launched forward, his fangs fully extended and his frigid power blasting through the air.

Juliet instinctively stumbled backward, wise enough to give the two ferocious predators plenty of space. It was a common tragedy for harmless humans or lesser demons to be crushed when caught between more powerful species. Besides, she needed room to draw her circle if she was struck by sudden inspiration.

A possibility that was increasingly unlikely as Victor and the Jinn collided with terrifying force.

In fascinated horror, she watched the massive battle, realizing that there was no means of casting a spell without risking Victor.

Her stomach clenched as the two warriors savagely fought, Victor’s fangs ripping deep gouges in the Jinn’s perfect skin as he shoved it against the wall. In return the Jinn filled the air with staccato jolts of energy that brought down showers of jagged stones smashing onto Victor’s head.

Juliet bit her lip as she caught the exotic scent of Victor’s blood. As a vampire he could not bleed to death, but the loss of blood would quickly drain his strength.

Victor again slammed the beast against the wall, his fangs striking over and over with sickening force. The Jinn, however, appeared indifferent to his vicious injuries. No, it was more than indifference.

The violet eyes sparkled with an unmistakable pleasure, as if the nasty creature relished the pain. Or perhaps he simply enjoyed the battle.

In either case, Juliet sensed that the Jinn was merely toying with Victor, and that when he wearied of the game, something very bad was going to occur.

For both of them.

On the edge of panic, Juliet absurdly found herself searching her pockets, as if she might discover a hidden weapon. It was hardly shocking that she found nothing more than a bit of lint and the small crystal from her father. She had come to the docks to rescue Levet, not to wage war against a mythical demon.

Juliet cursed in frustration, gripping the crystal tightly in her palm.

She needed—

She gave a jump of surprise as the crystal abruptly flared with heat, almost as if it were feeding off her terrified emotions.

With a frown she opened her hand, realizing that the soft glow that always surrounded the crystal when she held it was decidedly brighter, the pulsing center seeming to echo her heartbeat.

For years she had attempted to call on the gifts of her imp blood with little more to show for her efforts than minor hexes and lingering headaches. Now she could actually feel the tingles of power darting through her body.

She stilled in shock. Was it truly possible?

Before she could consider whether it was all nothing more than a fluke, she heard a low rumbling from the Jinn.

Good lord, was that…laughter?

A sickening horror filled her as a familiar sensation of prickling electricity swirled through the air. She had suspected that bad things would happen when the bastard grew tired of playing. Now her fears were about to be confirmed beyond her wildest nightmare.

Instinctively she charged forward, but it was already too late.

With a massive shove, the Jinn freed himself from Victor’s grasp and tossed the vampire against the far wall. Stunned by the brutal impact, Victor crumpled to the ground, his pale face marred with blood and his arm hanging at an odd angle. Without giving Victor the opportunity to recover, the Jinn raised his hand and a sizzling bolt of lightning erupted from the tip of his finger.

Juliet was blinded by the violent burst of light, her ears ringing as the solid rock wall shattered. She cried out as she dropped beside Victor’s unmoving form, leaning over to wrap her arms around him in a protective motion.

“Victor…” she breathed, cruel pain wrenching her heart as she held him close, planting frantic kisses over his pale, beautiful face. “Please…”

She tasted his blood on her lips and felt the dampness of her tears falling down her cheeks, but her thoughts were consumed by the sense of the Jinn moving ever closer.

Did he intend to kill them both with his undoubted command of the elements?

Or was he plotting something even more hideous?