Embrace of the Incubus

By Andrew P Weston

Devastated by the loss of Colleen and enraged by the treacherous cunning of the demon king, Augustus Thorn has decided that he’s suffered enough. Embracing the full might of his Cambion nature, he’s accepted his prophesied role as ‘Despoiler’. Taking the fight deep into the heart of demon territory, he wreaks terrible destruction on all that cross his path.
Driven by dark fury, Augustus courts death to ensure the reign of Samael is crushed and the breach between realms is sealed, once and for all. But other players still have a pivotal role in the game and things may not be as they first appear.
Will Augustus beat the odds and protect the world or is mankind doomed to a future of slavery?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
• Release date: May 15, 2015

Andrew P Weston

Andrew P Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, in the UK, and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston. He eventually attended Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boy’s where he was School Captain and Head Boy. He was an active sportsperson for the school, college and a variety of rugby, martial art, swimming and athletics teams throughout the city. Graduating in 1977 with qualifications in the Sciences, Mathematics and English, Andrew joined the Royal Marines and went on to fulfill a number of specialist roles both in the UK and abroad. In 1985 he became a police officer with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, and served in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008. Between joining the military and retiring from the police, Andrew wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called, “The Adventures of Willy Whiskers”, gained further qualifications in Law, Astronomy and Religious Studies, and became a member of Mensa. He also continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities. An unfortunate injury received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to a concept he had developed over his years in the military and police, which led to his first novel, Guardian Angels. When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, and being told what to do by his wife, Annette. He also works diligently in his local community saving veteran Kamikaze circus mice from a life of substance abuse, and has built up an impressive collection of comedy mustaches. Andrew now submits regular educational articles to Astronaut.com, and is contracted to several publishers for a growing number of novels and short stories. His preferred genres are science fiction and paranormal fantasy.

Book preview

Embrace of the Incubus

The Cambion Journals, Book 3

Andrew P Weston

_

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015, Andrew P. Weston

License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Pagan Writers Press

Houston, Texas

Edited by Elaine Roughton

Cover by Christie A.C. Gucker

http://paganwriterspress.com

Dedication

To the Demons within who continue to inspire me.

Cambion: The half-human offspring of the union between:

A human male and a Succubus.

An Incubus with a human female.

…For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens: a time for birth and a time to die…

(Ecclesiastes 3:1&2)

A final embrace,

As cold as the tomb,

In the arms of a brother,

Bringing destiny’s doom.

Cassandra: Poet to the Incubus Prince of Damascus–3822BC

Table of Contents

Previously in The Cambion Journals

Prologue

Chapter One — Message

Chapter Two — Up Close and Personal

Chapter Three — A Change of Plans

Chapter Four — Keeping It In the Family

Chapter Five — A Greater Clarity

Chapter Six — An Unexpected Party

Chapter Seven — Message in a Bottle

Chapter Eight — Taking Stock

Chapter Nine — Building Bridges

Chapter Ten — Bad Timing

Chapter Eleven — Becoming

Chapter Twelve — The Labyrinth

Chapter Thirteen — Prizes

Chapter Fourteen — Joining the Dots

Chapter Fifteen — Rapture

Chapter Sixteen — An Unwelcome Distraction

Chapter Seventeen — Forewarned

Chapter Eighteen — The Sons of Lilith

Chapter Nineteen — Changing Perspectives

Chapter Twenty — Blood

Chapter Twenty-One — The Beginning of the End

Chapter Twenty-Two — The Stuff of Nightmares

Chapter Twenty-Three — Despoiler

Chapter Twenty-Four — Revenge is a Dish

Chapter Twenty-Five — Ritual of Consecration

Epilogue

About the Author

Previously in The Cambion Journals

Having survived the double-cross planned by his own spawn-father and the demon king himself, Augustus is trying to come to terms with his lot in life.

Both Fanon and Agamemnon lay dead, but Augustus feels hopelessly lost! Besides his mother, he has only ever loved one woman in his long and lonely life. He has only ever lowered his guard…once…just once, and allowed someone to get close.

And now Colleen is gone. Driven away by the very real dangers his lifestyle embodies.

Alone again, feeling bitter and resentful, Augustus eventually forces himself out of his self-imposed hiatus to put the new knowledge he has learned to use.

And not before time!

An insidious new threat has emerged. One that exposes humanity to a danger the likes of which they have never faced before! One that would see them reduced to the status of cattle in a worldwide meat-market.

However, it would appear fate is at last smiling upon Augustus.

On his very first undertaking back into his violent life, he stumbles upon a mysterious woman, Marissa. She is a true force to be reckoned with! Augustus watches, amazed, as she dispatches a number of demons with consummate ease. And no wonder! For Marissa appears to be the only other Cambion he has ever encountered!

Quickly joining forces, they set out to make Samael pay for his deviousness!

However, all is not as it first appears.

This so-called Cambion is, in fact, a genetically altered Incubus. An impostor dispatched by Samael to breach Augustus Thorne’s defenses and defeat him in a way no other can! Not by strength, but by guile!

Unaware of this, Augustus begins to sow the seeds of a new relationship, whilst delving into the latest secrets he has unearthed. He hopes this knowledge will help expose further details about his origins as well as assist him in neutralizing the emerging threat. However, the deeper Augustus digs, the more startling are the facts he uncovers.

It would appear Samael’s schemes were centuries in the making. When first proposed, those plans raised concerns as to the wisdom of his choices, and doubts as to his fitness to rule. A secret faction arose within Demondim to oppose him. Through that faction, the seeds were sown for a remarkable savior. A Despoiler, capable of utilizing the power of the three bloodlines to overthrow the fallen angel and his Paladin!

The deeper Augustus delves, the more a disquieting realization becomes apparent. He might be this foretold Despoiler, for circumstances indicate a great deal of planning and forethought went into the selection of all those involved in his spawning, both human and demonic!

Keeping this information to himself, Augustus seeks to unearth the specifics that will help him understand his place in things. But in doing so, he is maneuvered into a position whereby he must work ever more intimately with Marissa. It is only inevitable they draw closer.

This is exactly what Marissa craves, for behind the scenes, her accomplices have been searching for the descendants of a very particular bloodline. One from whom they hope to extract a rare poison to use in their machinations against Augustus.

Events progress in tandem.

A chance meeting unexpectedly rekindles the spark of love between Augustus and Colleen Wolfe. They are overjoyed by this reunion, and this spurs Augustus to learn more about his heritage and the incredible power this will grant him.

Sure enough, when his senses are enhanced even further, Augustus becomes aware of a third layer of reality in which additional revelations have been secreted away. Delving into them, he learns of the existence of ancient artifacts he will need to successfully fulfill prophecy. Amazingly, it is within this realm that Augustus also discovers the presence of the Ar-neter—Elemental Guardians—created at the dawn of time. They not only safeguard the fragile balance between the heavenly, demonic and human realms, but also exist to prepare the way for the Despoiler’s coming.

Marissa also makes headway in her endeavors. Managing to secure the extract she needs, she plans the perfect way of lowering the defenses of her target. Things appear to be progressing smoothly, until the newly returned Colleen Wolfe threatens to ruin her scheme. Unwittingly, Colleen has made herself a target!

Meanwhile, Augustus realizes his only chance of fully understanding his capabilities, and discovering the location of the artifacts he requires, lies within the halls of the greatest source of Demondim law and knowledge on the planet: the Great Library, housed at their second city, Damascus, a huge fortress-like edifice built beneath the mountains.

Wreaking havoc, he destroys that city’s defenses, lays waste to its defenders and obtains the information he desires. Full of the sense of victory, he returns home with his guard lowered.

Seizing the opportunity, Marissa manages to ambush Augustus and, using the poison, renders him helpless. Preparing to murder Augustus, she is thwarted at the last moment by Colleen Wolfe, who lays down her life to save him.

The story ended in bitterness and pain.

Interring Colleen beside his mother within the Tau-rus, the living force that binds all life together, Augustus vows revenge. His power is growing daily, and he teeters on the edge of fully realizing his potential. Woe betides any who fall into his clutches!

Samael walks the halls of his ravaged city. The death toll is alarming, as was the ease with which the defenses were overcome. Appalled, he is forced to raise his greatest paradox—the Paladin—from slumber. For while the Paladin represents a lethal threat to Samael’s schemes, this true Cambion is the only force in existence capable of standing against Augustus!

Thus, the scene is set for the finale.

Will the Paladin succeed where all others have failed?

Will Samael secure his position as undisputed ruler for all eternity?

Will others embroiled in this nightmare see the culmination of their desires?

Or will Augustus succeed in achieving his destiny, and at last, end his relentless campaign of revenge and hate?

Only time will tell

Prologue

Hardly daring to breathe, King Samael backed slowly away from the entrance. The relentless pounding continued unabated, its furious resonance hurting his ears and setting his teeth on edge. He glanced toward his companions, noting the concern on their faces.

Everyone jumped as a particularly vicious blow wrung a shrieking complaint from the overstressed hinges. The relief of a hand suddenly appeared, marring the smooth metal surface of one of the panels with its outline.

A muffled roar sounded from the other side. Moments later, that indent was joined by another. Then another! Within seconds, the tempo had increased into one prolonged tympani as armored fists hammered a honeycombed pattern across both sides of the twelve-foot high gates.

Dust and fragments of rock pattered softly down from the stalactites above, a stark counterpoint to the demanding beat now mercilessly drumming against the failing integrity of their last line of defense.

That’s six-inch thick, armored steel! someone gasped from behind, Surely he must have broken his hands?

A huge boom was accompanied by a muffled bellow of rage. As cracks became visible within the stones of the surrounding archway, their protective glyphs began glowing deep red.

He’s coming through, Agrael hissed, The Cambion’s actually getting through! He’s weakening the integrity of the entire wall. I thought they were supposed to be warded against such attacks?

Like the doors! Someone else chipped in.

They are, snapped Samael, his face darkening, Well! They’re supposed to be. Obviously not enough to save us though!

We’re screwed! whined a voice from the far corner.

Drawing his blade, Samael turned to his cowering companions and shamed them with a withering glance. Fools! Cowards! Would you just give up?

Agrael moved to Samael’s side, instinctively flexing her fingers upon the pommel of her own sword. A dozen or so of the hardier demons fought down their obvious fear. Drawing their own weapons, they dropped into fighting crouches and fanned out around the entrance, preparing for the confrontation only moments away.

They didn’t have to wait long.

A low-pitched grating sound announced the moment both doors began to bow inwards. The moaning built into a shriek as the deformation became more pronounced. Chunks of masonry began cracking away from the framework around the hinges. An abrupt snap cracked through the air as both sides of the gate flew inward. Weighing in at over a ton, each door took out nearly half a dozen of the Incubi and Succubae unfortunate enough to be standing in the way. A choking plume of debris billowed upwards as they fell to the floor with a loud crash! No sooner had they landed, than a huge shape loomed out of the passageway. Eyes that burned like magma cast a pair of crimson searchlights into the gloom.

The gaze of the Cambion came to rest upon Agrael as she stepped in front of the king. The twin scarlet beams came together and intensified, rocking the Choir where she stood. Just in time she raised her shield, for a glittering sword scythed through the air only moments later.

Samael watched aghast, rooted to the spot, as one of the most powerful Succubae in existence was swatted aside like an insect. The sickening sound of rending metal and breaking bone was accompanied by an inevitable scream. Agrael smashed into the far wall and slumped to the floor, unconscious, amid a smattering of stone chips and shattered rock. Nobody dared move.

Looking casually around the chamber, the Cambion raised his other arm and clenched his fist.

A white-hot implosion seemed to ignite within his armored gauntlet, forming concentric waves of scintillating argent light. A split second later, he extended his fingers, punching forward as he did so. Lightning scorched the room, its explosive concussion throwing everyone to the floor.

Samael rolled with the blast, and only just managed to regain his feet. Before he could recover, his nemesis was upon him, sword raised. Leaping backwards and dropping to one knee, Samael screamed, Stam-adi! Stop!

The compulsion encompassed within the ancient demonic command was evident. Instantly, the seven-foot tall monstrosity before him paused.

Quickly, Samael drew himself erect and continued, Hokres mau, Paladre-nath! Chrulled-rel mas. Obey me, Paladin! Serve my will.

The sword was reluctantly lowered to one side, its tip cutting into the cold granite as if it were a negligible inconvenience. The Cambion’s posture was still hostile. Battle ardor made the Paladin’s chest heave in barely suppressed rage.

Stepping closer, Samael leveled the full force of his coercion at his puppet, Thogre maw na kartheste. Torren! Give me your obedience. Now! In Standard English, he added, This test of our defenses is over.

Slowly, the visor and faceguard of the Paladin’s obsidian armor peeled back.

No! blared Samael, as he recognized the face of his greatest adversary.

I told you there wasn’t anywhere you could hide from me, Augustus Thorne hissed. This is for Colleen! Then the terrible blade bit home…

Still screaming, Samael came awake with a start. Noooo!

Drenched with sweat, Samael threw himself from his bed and searched every corner of the sleeping chamber with both natural as well as astral sight. Clutching the tightness in his chest, he stilled his pounding heart and struggled to regain his composure.

I’m alone! It was just a dream…just a dream.

Samael cursed his weakness, thankful that Lilith was absent yet again. He’d been having this recurring nightmare for nearly two months now, ever since…

Mahlat-essa! Why couldn’t you control yourself until the job was done? You had to add an element of theater to your twisted little game didn’t you. You had to involve the human woman. You just HAD to make it personal. Oh, daughter! What have you done to us?

Samael mentally replayed the defining moment the call had resounded around the earth.

"…YOU WANT A WAR? YOU’VE GOT ONE! MY REVENGE WILL BE TERRIBLE AND BLOODY. THERE’S NOWHERE YOU CAN HIDE FROM ME NOW! NOWHERE…"

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Augustus Thorne had uttered a Blood-Vow that night. Declaring his intention to seek retribution so publicly, the Cambion had put the whole of Demondim on notice that there was only one of two ways the vendetta would end. And both would involve a great deal of bloodshed!

In the weeks since then, Augustus Thorne had demonstrated his resolve to live up to that promise with a clinical efficiency that was alarming.

Time I did something about that!

Chapter One — Message

There’s only one way this will end, you know! Lilith sighed, completing her review of the duplicated reports in front of her.

"There’s only one way it can end, Fanon responded, as dogmatic as ever, With our inevitable victory!"

What makes you so sure, my love?

Projecting a précis of recent events into the queen’s mind, Fanon replied, Just reading between the lines. His targets have been rather ambitious of late. And yet, he manages to overcome every obstacle with alarming ease. What does that suggest to you?

Lilith didn’t have to think too long. Acknowledging Fanon’s point, she replied, That he’s getting stronger. More refined! It’s almost as if…as if he’s…

Yes? Go on.

… Enhanced beyond what we’ve ever experienced before. I mean we know he’s powerful. He is a Cambion, after all, and the product of all our dreams. But there’s more to it than that.

Fanon stared intently into the eyes of his secret love for the last four thousand years, waiting for her to fathom the connection he himself had only managed to make earlier that day. Gently, he came to her aid, whispering, "And yet, for all the destruction he wreaks, our son leaves a surprising number alive in his wake. It’s almost as if his former tenets of total annihilation have been abandoned. Amended somehow. Adjusted to a higher cal…"

He’s evolved! Lilith interjected, eyes wide at the implications.

"Or he’s evolving at the very least, Fanon added, As is evidenced by the survivors."

Solemnly, he mentally displayed an example of those now afforded a degree of leniency by their once uncompromising offspring.

Rushing to Fanon’s side, Lilith grasped his hands and squeezed them to her breast. She gushed, And by leaving our gentler brothers and sisters alive, he also disguises the presence of the Peace Faction among the Forge! Brilliant!

Yes! A very intriguing development indeed, for it appears our son is at last fulfilling his potential. Growing beyond his selfish, petty endeavors and becoming the savior we planned for all those centuries ago.

Hope bloomed brighter within Lilith’s heart. We must make certain to aid him, my love. To ensure he fulfils his destiny. To become the Despoiler he was fashioned to be.

Fanon stepped away, suddenly mindful of what furnishing such assistance would entail. Somberly, he said, For that, he needs my specific help. Without it, he may yet fail before the last hurdle.

But he doesn’t know you yet live, Fanon! He may react instinctively. Aggressively. He has pursued you for centuries in the hope of revenge against his Earth-mother’s suffering.

The same can be said of you, sweet love. You are, after all, queen of our race and progenitor of all Succubae. Spouse to the very laughingstock now so eagerly pursued by our seemingly unstoppable progeny! Do not fool yourself to think he would spare you in the heat of the moment.

Lilith’s gaze hardened. Then it’s about time we sent a message and arranged for him to meet his true parents! Wouldn’t you say?

Oh, I agree. But as you so rightly surmise, Augustus would as soon kill me as look at me. He is neither aware of the role I played in the past, nor the sacrifices I made to ensure the success of his current venture. His view will still be tempered by the façade I adopted to draw attention away from the Faction and onto myself.

A role you played to the full and enjoyed nevertheless, Lilith thought. Aloud, she added, Then it falls to me to make the approach.

Fanon chewed his lip for a moment, deep in thought. You will obviously involve Jenna or Simeon?

Perhaps, Lilith replied, considering her options, "but only in a roundabout way. My spies tell me Augustus is hunting the identity of his spawn-mother as eagerly as the king is. We can use that to our advantage, especially if I’m in the right place at the right time to be saved by our stalwart Hammers?"

What? You intend to deliberately put yourself in harm’s way?

I can see no other alternative, Fanon. The king’s agents are everywhere. I must allow Augustus to get close enough to sense our bond under circumstances that will draw no suspicion to me or other members of the Faction. Augustus need only recognize that connection in the first instance. The rest will follow at a time and place more suitable.

In a moment of rare tenderness, Fanon cupped Lilith’s face within his hand and caressed her cheek with his thumb. Deep emotion stirred within the depths of his black eyes. Holding her close, he whispered, The risk will still be considerable! Take care as to how such a contrivance is executed. I…

Trust our son, Fanon! Lilith interjected, "If he is emerging as we suspect, I will be quite safe. The reality of my existence will temper his wrath. However, I can’t guarantee the same reaction to news of your survival! So, if you don’t mind, I will leave that for a later time."

Oh! You’ll get no arguments from me! Fanon barked, But I’d give anything to see his face when you tell him.

"Not, anything, my love! Surely? Lilith replied, That’s why I’m making the approach. It would be a shame for you to have survived thus far; only to lose your head to the very savior you were waiting for. Let’s give him the good news first. We can always sour it later."

They embraced, savoring a moment of deep satisfaction over long-term plans coming to fruition. After a while, a cruel fire ignited behind Fanon’s eyes and he began to laugh.

What is it? Lilith asked, intrigued by his rare display of humor.

When is Samael due to hold his next emergency meeting?

Two days from now, in Salamanca. We’re the nearest city to the latest sacking, so most of the refugees will no doubt end up with us. Why?

A surge of barely restrained excitement coursed through Fanon’s body and into Lilith’s hands. Almost to himself, he mumbled, So! That only leaves… Drawing Lilith closer, Fanon squeezed her tight and whispered into her ear, …My dear, I’ve just realized how we might orchestrate your first meeting! Talk about fortuitous!

* * *

Laura Luca shied away as the Cambion stomped by. Although Prefect of Tunapan—the Bolivian City of Congress—and a Succubae of the Second Tier of Demondim, her considerable strength and talent paled before that of the Paladin’s. She betrayed no embarrassment at showing her fear. Even though he was looked on as the king’s puppet, the Paladin was armed and well known for his sudden, violent outbursts. Indeed, during the three-day trial period earlier that week where they had tested Salamanca’s new defenses, he had accidentally slain seventeen of their number.

Laura knew better. Despite the safeguards and controls, this beast was an executioner. Relentless, brutal, and remorseless, he lived to kill and dominate, and his enforced periods of hibernation had only served to increase his instability. As evidenced by the savage glee displayed during the dismemberment of those accidents several days ago. The bloodlust had claimed him, of course, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that she, together with Samael, Agrael, and Leanne, had managed to combine mentally to subdue his berserker frenzy.

Laura had caught a glimpse into the bottomless pit of his mind during the process, a black well of malice and cruelty that seethed like a nest of snakes, itching for the opportunity to lash out and bite! So, she wasn’t going to take any chances around him. Backing slowly away, she went to stand with everyone else, crowded as they were in a knot around the king at the far end of the conference table.

Frequent glances in the Paladin’s direction revealed their concerns too, and Laura realized their anxiety was only fueling the monster’s appetite. He sat there now, watching them like a cat fixated upon its prey. Gloating at their discomfort, he had unsheathed his sword, LifeEnder, and was spinning it around on its tip by the fingers of one hand. If a demon were unfortunate enough to make eye contact, the Cambion would catch their gaze and hold it until they looked away, enforcing his dominance. A surge of anger burned through her. She couldn’t help it! Here were gathered the surviving Deacons and Prefects of the Chapter, champions and stalwarts in their own right, people who had fought, tooth and nail, against the relentless advance of Augustus Thorne! And this swine of a Paladin dared to shame them in public. Unfortunately, the Paladin felt the heat of her emotions and the weight of his scrutiny fell on her like an avalanche.

Before she was forced to concede, King Samael came to her rescue. Using the pommel of his dagger as a gavel, he brought the meeting to order, Prefect Luca! Laura! As our most skilled tactician and senior Prefect in attendance today, can you discern any usable intelligence from the latest reports?

Everyone rushed to take a seat, leaving one vacant for her right next to the king.

Laura used the opportunity to break free of the Cambion’s mental grip. Composing herself, she looked to each of her companions for a moment, before addressing Samael. I believe I can, Sire. But before I do so, may I confirm a few relevant details? They will help to emphasize a valid point.

Indeed! Go ahead.

Spreading several documents out on the table before her, Laura began, Is it true that an offer to parley was extended toward Augustus Thorne, just under a year ago?

Yes it was, Samael replied, Why?

It’s just that I’m intrigued by his acceptance of that offer. Up until that time, his behavior was, if anything, atypical for a Cambion. He’d stayed out of the limelight, kept himself to himself, and not once had he ever sought dominion over others or drawn attention to our kind, yes?

Yes, Laura. That’s right.

In fact, if I remember the contents of a hefty number of other reports compiled by the Forge, he indirectly supported our tenets at one time. Although our assassins initially thought him to be a powerful Incubus, Thorne’s vendetta against his spawn-father over the centuries led to the elimination of hundreds of our…more unruly brethren, correct?

You are quite correct, Laura, Samael responded, intrigued as to what her line of questioning would reveal. "We had been aware of him for quite some time. His activities posed no threat to us, and, because the Forge thought him to be an Incubus, as you say, they suggested we allow him to continue his…work unhindered. In fact, he actually submitted to the direction of a Blood-Pack on one occasion. They’d all closed on a target he’d been pursuing at the same time. The Forge got the distinct impression he didn’t care who carried out the execution, just so long as the target died."

But everything changed after you made it personal.

It wasn’t a question. Several Prefects winced at the directness of the remark. However, Samael could see no offence was intended. Reflecting on the accuracy of the statement, he replied, Yes, I suppose it did. But I’m the king, and once I discovered he was a Cambion, I couldn’t allow such a threat to continue to exist.

And yet you allow such a threat to sit only scant yards from us!

All heads turned toward the Paladin.

The air had congealed around him somehow, turning darker and more menacing. Glowing scarlet eyes stared back, searing each of them with an obvious hatred that made their skin crawl.

Pointing directly at the monster, Laura continued, I think I can say without fear of contradiction, that were it not for the arcane restraints shackling his mind, that…animal would very quickly have your head on a pike and the rest of us groveling at his feet in subjection. And yet, for all his instability, you are quite content for him to be here! Highness, would it not have been wiser to court the good graces of a champion who has always been seen to act with honor and integrity? An advocate, who although Cambion, has never displayed the slightest inclination to claim the throne?

Samael had started to turn pale with rage. Nonetheless, Laura forged right on without stopping, Remember! Augustus Thorne was open to the notion of parley. To the idea of compromise! But now? I have a terrible feeling his vendetta has evolved beyond the purely personal.

What do you mean by that? Samael snapped.

Taking a deep breath, Laura held Samael’s gaze, and replied, "You sought to defeat him by deception, my King. Not once, but twice. To one such as Augustus Thorne—someone who we have seen holds to the highest principles of morality—this is simply unacceptable. An anathema to everything he holds precious. By resorting to subterfuge, you have inadvertently focused this Cambion’s capacity for hatred and revenge against you, and what your rule represents."

Directing everyone’s attention to one document in particular, Laura added, "In doing so, he has exposed your reign