Chapter 406: Attackers
I guess I should have expected it. But sadness clung to all three of us, slowing our steps, making us inattentive. Not like it mattered, really, but I would have liked to have known my life was in danger.
Normal state of affairs, so it served me right.
Twenty or so masked attackers appeared on the train, our car conveniently emptying of riders as the last of the suns went down and night took the city, bathed in the soft pink glow of many moons. I rose to my feet from the molded seat, so not in the mood to deal with these jackasses, not even a flicker of fear crossing my mind, unable as well, oddly, to muster my anger. Instead I faced them with irritation and annoyance, power crackling around me as I beckoned them closer.
"What are you waiting for?" The two lead masks didn't seem hesitant, but their pack of followers weren't so secure. I felt them wavering just from the focus of my attention, their magic quivering, made worse when Meira rose to stand beside me.
"Aw, what's the matter?" Meira winked while two balls of demon fire formed around her hands, bouncing like toys ready to be thrown. "Scaredy cats?"
Sassafras snorted.
I lashed out, my magic jerking the masks free, Cypherion and Tanasharia glaring at me now their identities were exposed.
Oh so obvious, cousins.
"Sad, right?" I spoke to Sassafras in my most bored tone. "A little originality would have been appreciated."
"Not from these two," he said, the King of Haughty, either recovered from his visit or hiding it in his best Sassafras fashion. "You're simply expecting too much."
"We warned you we were going to take care of you two," Tanasharia said, but she was all bluster and hot air, her power no match for mine.
"Cowards," I snapped. "You want to fight? Come fight. Otherwise, get lost."
I didn't wait to see what they'd choose. I was done waiting.
My power hit them both in the guts, bending them in half, leaving it to Meira to clean up the rest of the attackers, now a terrified mob running from our car to the next to escape her flashing balls of fire.
I'm not sure what they were thinking, or if they were prepared for how strong Meira and I now were, but before either of the cousins could escape or fight back, I had them wrapped up in so much magic it was a wonder they didn't suffocate.
Easy, Syd. Down, girl.
I turned to Meira with a grin. "Nice job," I said. "Proud of you."
"You too." She eyed the cousins critically. "Think his could be a little tighter, maybe?"
She was right. Cypherion was inching his way free, already reaching for the veil. Despite his higher status, I was surprised to feel his magic was weaker, less solid than what I had control over. The fact I was now stronger than the heir to the Second Seat wasn't lost on me as I snapped the shield tight again, hearing him moan with some satisfaction.
Okay, with a huge, honkin' dose of hell yeah. Happy?
"I think it's time to take this little party on the road." Sassafras thrashed his tail. "I'm sure your grandmother will be delighted to discover what her family has been up to."
I loved my demon cat. So. Much.
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