Spell Bound - Kelley Armstrong [67]
“As perfect as any mortal could be,” he said. “Such power. Such incredible power.”
Not anymore.
I didn’t say the words aloud, but his grip tightened and I looked up to see his eyes flash with an anger that should have terrified me, but I drank it in and I felt . . . pleased. Satisfied.
“Someone took your powers,” he said. “I had heard the rumor, but I didn’t believe it. I didn’t think anyone would dare.”
So it wasn’t you? Again, I only thought it, but his grip tightened and that anger flared once more.
“Never,” he said. “When I find out who did . . .”
A blast of heat sent every scrap of paper in the room whirling. Sierra yelped and fell back. To me, it felt like a sauna door opening, and I basked in the heat of the demon’s rage.
“Whoever did this will pay for his trespass,” he said. “Now that I have confirmation, I’ll set a legion of demi-demons on the task. You’ll get your powers back, Savannah.”
I shook my head. “I’m not making any bargains. I don’t care who you are—”
“No?” He tilted my face up. “I think you know who I am, and if you do, you know that I’d never try to bargain with you. I’ll give you what you need. Freely. That is your birthright.”
When I didn’t answer, he lowered his face to mine. “You do know, Savannah. I know you do. Who am I?”
“Balaam.”
“Yes.” He kissed my forehead and when he pulled back, I felt the burn like a brand on my skin. He crouched before me, his face level with mine. “I’m not here to make bargains, Savannah. But I am here to ask for something. I need your assistance in helping you achieve your birthright. The kind of life you deserve. Which is not a life spent hiding. All supernaturals are superior to mere humans. You know that.”
We have gifts. So do many humans—intelligence, wealth, strength. It’s what you do with them that counts.
“True,” Balaam said. “But what do you plan to do with your gift, Savannah? Hide it? One of the most powerful supernaturals in the world, working as a receptionist? How does that feel?” He leaned closer. “They’ve made you think it’s a worthy calling. But you know it isn’t. You know you should be more.”
And I will be. Someday. When I’ve earned it.
“They really have brainwashed you, haven’t they? You have earned it, Savannah. By your very birthright, you’ve earned it. Now it’s time to seize it. You understand what I’m talking about, don’t you?”
I spoke aloud now. “This supernatural liberation movement. You want me to join it.”
“In a way. You’ll join and you’ll let these people do the work. But you’ll rise in the ranks, with Sierra and Severin at your back, and when the time comes, with my help and theirs, you will push past these lesser supernaturals and reap the benefits.”
“Which I’ll share with you.”
He eased back on his haunches. “Yes, I would benefit by having my offspring leading the charge. But I have children other than your mother, Savannah. And a dozen grandchildren. You’re the one I chose. The only one.”
“Because I also have witch and sorcerer blood. And I’m very, very well connected.”
He smiled. “And very, very perceptive. Which I expect. As I do not expect you to leap at my offer now. Stay with your friends. Think on what I’ve said. When the time is right—” His head snapped up. “I believe we’re about to be interrupted.”
Sierra squawked something, but Balaam ignored her and touched my cheek again. “Think of what I’ve said. You deserve better, my child. And whatever your answer, I will make sure you get your spells back. I promise it.”
Sierra stepped forward. “You said someone’s—”
Severin’s body collapsed. He let out an oomph as he hit the floor, then groaned and lifted his head, blinking. “Okay, next time? Some warning would be appreciated.”
As he pushed to his feet, the door handle clicked.
Sierra spun on her brother. “I thought you locked—”
“I did.”
He jumped to grab the door, but it swung open.
“Huh, this doesn