Chapter 26

“Master Cyrus?” The voice was concerned, and the scent of bitter oil reached into Cyrus’ nose and ripped him back to consciousness. Brother Amida and his knight, Tasia, were at his side.

“Hold.” He held up a hand for silence. His head was pounding from the banishment spell he had cast earlier. It had drained him of energy, physically and spiritually. “May I have some water?”

“Here, Master.” Tasia handed him a glass of cool water, and he sipped it. The cool liquid felt wonderful going down his throat. “What happened with the succubus?”

Cyrus scowled, then let out a long sigh. “She escaped me, I’m afraid. Something was wrong with my sealing ward, and she was able to break free and knock me unconscious.”

Tasia and Amida exchanged a look.

“How is that even possible?” Amida asked.

“It shouldn’t be.” Cyrus grinned weakly. “And that’s exactly why I sent the two of you to dispatch her master. How did that go?”

They exchanged another look.

“Une