Chapter 21

“So now that you’ve found me, what now?” Her tail appeared in slow motion, section by section, followed by her wings unfurling dramatically. She let her horns burst forward from her forehead with a loud crunch, hoping to scare the bastard. “Do we destroy this place trying to kill each other? I wouldn’t mind a good rumble.”

“Nothing like that, I’m afraid.” He leaned on his cane and took another step toward her. “I don’t have it in me for a physical encounter. In fact, I don’t really have it in me for a magical one either. It’s taking most of my energy just to hold these people in a trance.”

Lily scowled at the man. He was clearly trying to lure her into making a mistake, but she couldn’t figure out how. “So, where’s your backup? Shouldn’t your buddy with the sword make an appearance any minute now?”

“Oh, it’s just me these days. I was just wondering if we could have a little chat.” He moved a bit closer, and then leaned forward on his cane. “Honestly, I’m not sure w