The Crowns of the Gods.

Power Unleashed Blair's Twenty-Fifth Birthday

Blair's birthday was in two days, and she was feeling restless. Her body felt like it was constantly on fire; she couldn't sit still for very long, and an underlying anger simmered within her. Each passing moment seemed to intensify the sensation, making her feel as if she might explode from the sheer energy coursing through her veins. She paced the length of her room, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls, each step a desperate attempt to find some relief from the turmoil inside her.

Darla watched her with concern, her brows furrowed and lips pressed into a tight line. According to Persephone, this was the change Blair had to go through to become a full succubus. Blair's power was multiplying, growing stronger with each passing hour, and her body was struggling to contain it. Unfortunately, it would not be able to. For Blair to fully transform, she would have to release all her power, an event that promised to be as dangerous as it was necessary.

The air around Blair seemed to crackle with energy, an almost visible aura of power that made the hair on Darla's arms stand on end. She could see the strain in Blair's eyes, the way her hands trembled slightly as she clenched and unclenched her fists. This transformation was unlike anything Darla had ever witnessed, and the thought of what Blair would become, and the potential destruction she might cause, filled her with dread.

Persephone had tried to reassure her, explaining that this was a natural part of the process, that Blair's body was merely adjusting to the immense power that came with being a succubus. But Darla found little comfort in those words. A succubus's power was unrestrained when they were new, raw and untamed. Her feedings would undoubtedly kill anyone she fed on, and Darla feared the chaos that would follow if Blair couldn't control her newfound strength.

Blair's room was a testament to her inner turmoil. The curtains fluttered as if moved by an invisible wind, objects on the shelves vibrated slightly, and the air felt thick with tension. Darla could sense the power radiating off Blair in waves, each surge more intense than the last.

Jinx suggested calling Siren. Even though Siren was not a succubus, she fed off chi, much like Blair. The biggest difference between Siren and Blair was the type of chi they fed on. While succubi fed off sexual chi, Siren, a nymph, fed off dark chi—the darkness within people, their thoughts, or their dreams. She had a unique ability to draw out the shadowy aspects of a person's psyche, absorbing their fears, anxieties, and hidden desires. This made her an ideal mentor to teach Blair how to control her feeds and manage her insatiable hunger.

Darla considered the idea carefully. Despite the differences in their nature, Siren's expertise could prove invaluable to Blair during this critical time. With a nod of agreement, Darla made her way to Blair's room, her mind racing with the possibilities and potential outcomes of this unorthodox solution.

Blair was pacing again, her agitation palpable. The energy radiating from her was almost tangible, like a static charge building in the air before a storm. When Darla entered, Blair turned, her eyes still glowing with that unnerving light.

"Blair, I've spoken with Jinx, and she had a suggestion that might help you," Darla began cautiously, not wanting to further upset Blair.

Blair's eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?" she asked, her voice tense.

"We're thinking of bringing in Siren. While she's not a succubus, she has experience in managing powerful, consuming energies," Darla explained.

Blair's expression darkened, a mix of skepticism and frustration crossing her features. "How is she supposed to help me? She doesn't understand what I'm going through," she snapped.

"She may not be a succubus, but she understands the nature of feeding off others' energy. She can teach you techniques to control your feeds and manage your hunger," Darla said gently, trying to convey the potential benefits without igniting Blair's temper further.