And tempting fate.
Because the words were barely out of my mouth when an odd glimmer caught my eye. It was little more than a wisp of silvery smoke that was quickly shredded as it passed under the glow of the streetlight, but my stomach nevertheless dropped.
Because it wasn't smoke.
The Ania were back.
Chapter 9
Ania were minor demons and were generally summoned to perform tasks such as harassment, assault, and murder. The last two times they'd come after me they'd done so under orders from the Raziq, and I had no doubt that was who had sent them this time.
The attack itself wasn't really surprising. If my father was aware that the sorcerer had the second key, then surely the Raziq would be. The only surprising thing was the fact they'd taken so long to get around to doing anything about it.
Another wisp of silver stirred to my left. There was more than one Ania here. But there had been the other times, too.
I rose, drew Amaya, then reached out for Azriel. Houston, we have a problem.
What? His reply was instant, concerned.
Ania.
I cannot transport from inside the Brindle. It will take me a few seconds —
No, I cut in, as a third flicker appeared. This one was closer than the others. I swung Amaya lightly from side to side, a warning of what would happen if they got close, and one I knew they would ignore.
What do you mean, no? Has insanity caught hold of you in the brief time I've been away?
More than likely. Despite the situation, amusement bubbled through me. But that's beside the point. You said it yourself – the Raziq can't hurt me.