Succubus

Chapter 35: Overprotective

Paimon held Charles up above her head with one hand. Barb could tell that Paimon was about to use Charles like a human flail. Before the blow could land Paimon had to jump to the side. Erlik and Charles both landed on the floor and didn't get up.

Peter held the sword up. His slash had missed, but he didn't retreat even when the full brunt of Paimon's gaze fell on him. He was panting, and his hands were shaking.

"Your patron would put up a better fight," Paimon said. She looked around the gym and raised her voice. "If he shows himself I'll face him."

"My task is to guide, not to replace," a deep voice said. It seemed to come from each corner of the gym at once. "Peter shall stand against you."

Paimon's placid expression showed a hint of surprise. "Alone?" she asked.

"That's right," Peter replied.

"How honorable. I'll allow you to die last."

Paimon turned around to where Tara was lying. The girl hadn't been hit by the dodgeball, but having a demon ripped out of her was enough to put her on the ground. She shakily rose to her feet.

Paimon loomed over Tara, but her posture lacked hostility. "You did not know the extent of my daughter's situation when you accepted her deal. You have not tried to harm me since I arrived. If you wish, you may leave."

"What about everyone else?" Tara asked.

"The two boys and the girl have made it clear that they want a fight. I will deliver it."

"What would Pithius say?" Tara asked.

Paimon's calm expression changed to surprise. It looked unnatural on her face. She opened and closed her mouth a few times. "How do you-?"

"I managed to ask Vine a few questions while I was sleeping. I'm sure we're all curious how something as dangerous as you ended up with a love demon."

Paimon might have blushed. From afar it looked like her face was covered in blood. She took a short breath and the color left her face.

"I wanted a scion. My existence is based on destruction, so I wanted to see if it were possible for me to create something."

"So you picked the handsomest demon you could find."

Paimon scowled. "I am offering you mercy, do not spit on it."

"I mean no disrespect. Your husband's fame is what pushed Vine into a deal with me. Surely it has something to do with me?"

A crack appeared below Paimon's eye. It fractured along her cheek and reached down to her neck. Half her face was like a broken window that might collapse at any moment. From the cracks oily smoke began to spill out. Tara realized that something else was just below the surface. The white haired woman they were all seeing was just another shell, like June had been.

"My ire will not be taken lightly, and my decisions are not for mortals to comprehend."

The demon disappeared and suddenly Tara was in an arm bar. She'd been pinned, unharmed, but completely helpless.

Peter rushed forward through the puddle with his blade held low. As he ran he slashed out, a few feet from where Paimon was. The slash cut only the air, but drops of holy water sailed off the end of the blade from where they'd collected while Peter ran.

Paimon twisted herself and Tara so that Tara acted as a shield. Most of the water drops landed harmlessly on the girl, but a few sizzled where they hit the demon. Fresh cracks appeared wherever the drops landed.