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“That’s what I’m talking about.” The guard’s voice dropped an octave, lust thick in his words. “It’s even better alive.”

I needed him closer to keep my magic from harming Iphi, but he made no move to touch me. Menelaus would not have forgiven such a trespass.

I turned back to him. “It feels even better than it looks,” I purred.

His horns seemed to extend farther out behind his head, matching the heavy shaft in his pants. Still he held back. I allowed myself to shiver in the cold. He looked to my hard nipples, already budded in the night air. When he raised his gaze back to my eyes, I licked my lips. That tipped him over the edge. He jumped on top of me and scrambled to free his erection. Iphi looked up and winked. Done.

The demon was charred before he even knew he was on fire. He rolled off the bed and hit the floor, sending up a plume of ash. The chains flowed away from my wrists in molten ropes.

Iphi had taken the other guard’s blade and shoved it deep in his heart. He looked so surprised, it was almost comical. I jumped from the bed and threw on the clothes piled on the floor as Iphi took the remaining weapons from her guard.

“What in Hades are you even doing here?” I asked as we went to the door and listened.

Iphi blew a red corkscrew of hair from her face. “Long story. But I can say it was fun while it lasted. I’m awash in ingots and men’s clothing from all my poker matches.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“What am I going to do with you?” A smile crept up on me. Gods, Iphi had always been too much.

“Well, I suggest we go kick some major demon ass and then toss back some margaritas? But, of course, I defer to your strategy and all.” Iphi made a decidedly male, lewd pumping motion with her hand.

I laughed. “Oh, Iphi, I’ve missed you, and your plan’s as good as any.”

We backed up and kicked down the double doors before rushing out into a hallway filled with guards.

Iphi cracked her knuckles. “Let’s have some fun.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Paris

I marveled at the sheer power the dragon possessed. It destroyed every demon outpost in the Desert of Thorns, raining fire on anything within its sights. Countless demons had already fallen, and we hadn’t even made it to Decanum yet.

The oasis sat just ahead, beckoning like a mirage in the dunes. Exotic trees rose around a magnificent palace. The array of domed roofs and gleaming marble walls was a wonder of Underworld architecture. I almost hated to destroy it.

Farnkelan continued the path of annihilation until we swooped down over the high domes. Legions upon legions of demons massed in the courtyards and along the high wall surrounding the palace. None of them would survive the dragon’s fury. It breathed fire along the ground, the demons falling like wheat before a scythe.

After charring the largest courtyard, Farnkelan settled to the ground in a fluid movement. Flames leaped in the palace, many of the ornate buildings already alight with dragon fire. I dropped to Farnkelan’s foreleg and then down to the ground. My men followed.

The spiders jumped, using their silk to rappel down the giant before skittering off into the dark night. Nearby soldiers screamed, but the sounds were cut short. The spiders worked fast. More fighters rushed us, and the vampire soldiers skirmished with them, holding them off.

I didn’t know where Helen was being kept, but I raised my eyes to the largest of the palace domes. Menelaus would no doubt claim the finest, largest tower for his chambers. I turned to Faren. “There.” I pointed to the top, where curtains billowed from open windows in the cool night air.

Faren commanded the soldiers in the ancient vampire language. They sprinted to the palace, slaying any demons who stood in their way. Farnkelan took to the skies again, its rage still not sated. Fire bloomed along the ramparts and inside the walls once more.

My soldiers rushed the stairs, and I led them up and up. We fought our way through. Demon soldiers poured through the doors at every landing, seeking to escape Farnkelan’s wrath more than anything. But they strayed into my path and paid with their lives. Nothing would keep me from Helen. My soldiers seemed to agree—they fought with renewed vigor. The terrified demons were no match for the prepared vampires. Blood coated my armor and sword, and I was still thirsty for more.

Higher and higher we climbed until we emerged in a verdant paradise. The garden was full of the same roses as Menelaus’s earthly palace, and I recognized the scents of the blooms in the air. The demon had recreated the same beautiful prison for Helen.