Chapter 28

When Darwin first realized he had left the question open-ended, it dawned on him that there were two things to take away from the situation: Alicia was an evil creature. Despite her assurances, he suspected they would settle on a price, with which she would state her price and he would accept or reject. However, the fact that he had not yet received the copies meant that he might have the option to refuse if the tariff was too high.

As Alicia's slimy green veins began to seethe sensually, she said, "My price...is in keeping with the awesomeness of the scroll you're after. The Fated One, on the other hand, possessed considerable power, albeit in ways that were not immediately apparent. After all, life and death are complicated, as are their secrets...but the most important thing is that I require your souls, and you will be my slave for the rest of time." In the process, she unrolled long strands of glistening body as she began to circle Darwin like a ruler would walk an orbit