"Then it's a good thing you guys escaped into Cajun country where we have hot sauce on every corner."
Xedrix flashed her a fanged grin. "Believe me, the beauty of that has not escaped our notice." His features sobering, he took them to the alley behind the club and raised his arm. "I really hope Apollymi's sleeping right now. . . ." He cut them a menacing stare. "Shield your eyes."
They did and an instant later a brilliant white light flooded the alley.
Aimee grimaced in pain. Even with her eyes shielded, it was excruciating and blinding. Finally, the light faded. She lowered her hand to see a circle of black hovering in the alley.
Xedrix smirked. "Welcome to bolt-hole hell. The only good thing is that we won't pop into the Daimon central hall at Stryker's feet. We Charonte have a separate entrance." He gave them a hard stare. "Listen to me and do what I tell you or it will seriously suck to be you. We're entering the Charonte domain and they are usually hungry."
Aimee nodded. "We're right behind you."
"Joy of my life," he said, his tone dripping in sarcasm.
Xedrix entered first, slowly. He led them into a dismal black hallway. Raising his arm, he manifested a torch as he continued past doors where they could hear the sound of demons talking. "What does this Daimon look like?"
Kyle answered before she had a chance to speak. "He's tall and blond."
Xedrix gave him a peeved glare. "Well, that narrows it down to every Daimon here except Stryker. What would that be? Several thousand of them? Could you be a bit more specific and if you tell me he was dressed in black, I'll kill you myself and spare me the agony of dying."
Aimee shook her head. "You're a crabby little demon."
"You should meet my master. She's a true gem." Then without warning, he put his hand on her head and closed his eyes.
Aimee scowled as images poured through her mind like he was scanning her memories by using a fast-forward button. It made her queasy and dizzy.
After a moment, he pulled back. "Cadmon . . . I know where that coward is."
Kyle looked impressed. "So you can like suck out thoughts?"
Xedrix grimaced. "I prefer to suck out guts, but thoughts have their advantages from time to time. Now I suggest you adhere to silence. I'm only one demon among many here and while I . . . well, I really don't care if you live or die but you do, and since we need Kyle to finish off the club . . . yeah, you have to live, so follow in silence."
Aimee stayed right behind him through the winding hallways and then alleyways of Kalosis. She paused at the sight of the huge palace on the far hill. It glistened like polished jet against the dark background and sky. Sinister and awe-inspiring, she had to admire the beauty of it. "Let me guess," she whispered. "Apollymi's abode?"
Xedrix nodded. Putting his finger to his lips, he jerked his chin toward a small building across the street from them.
"I can't be seen here by anyone," he whispered, "or Apollymi will demand my return and death. You two will have to go in and find him."
"How do you know he's in there?"
He put his hand on her and she saw a perfect image of Cadmon asleep in bed with a woman.
"Thanks."
He inclined his head to her. "Good luck."
Aimee hesitated. "Kyle, I want you to stay here with Xedrix."
"But-"
"No buts. You're still new to your powers and this is serious. Stay here and don't get seen."
He nodded.
Aimee slipped through the shadows, making sure to avoid anything that might expose her. Her nerves were completely raw and she did her best not to be afraid. She knew she was powerful and strong, but she'd never had to fight alone before. While she was confident, she wasn't arrogant. This was a dangerous place and she had no idea of the extent of Cadmon's powers.
Keep your thoughts on Fang. . . .
That helped. She cracked open the door, grateful it wasn't locked, and slipped inside the small house. It was so quiet that her mind filled the silence with the thrumming of her heart.