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“Because I know all about your little Orchestra of supernatural delights. And what I’m offering is far more enticing.”

Faris looked her up and down, then declared, “There is nothing enticing about you.”

The flash of evanescent lust in his eyes as they panned down Grace’s body said otherwise. Faris was intrigued by her. Of course, he hated her too. Just as the gods hated all demons. He probably hated himself even more for that brief, involuntary moment of desire, however short-lived that it was, when he looked upon her.

Grace brushed her long pale hair off her shoulders, then stepped toward him. “You’re gathering power, piece by piece, step by step, supernatural by supernatural, century by century.”

“So I may one day defeat the demons.” He threw the words in her face.

Wow, she must have really gotten under his skin. Faris was usually so composed.

“And dispose of the other gods,” Grace said with a smile.

Faris said nothing.

“Don’t be coy, Faris. And don’t be too proud to pass up a strategic alliance.”

“With you?” He laughed. “I’d rather set myself on fire.”

Grace licked her lips. “If that’s what it takes.” She lifted up her hand and flames burst out of her open palm.

He laughed with sardonic disbelief. “You really want to help me defeat the demons?”

She blew out the flames in her hand like it was a birthday candle. “And dispose of the other gods too.”

Faris’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Because they are all so bothersome. This immortal war bores me, Faris. Just as I know it bores you. It needs to be over.”

A sly smile twisted his lips. “Then convince the demons to surrender.”

“And put myself at your mercy?” She laughed out loud. “I think not. But the war can be over. We can end it together, Faris. And together we can destroy the other gods and demons, those petty fools who’ve allowed their egos to run the show for far too long—and in so doing, have thrown the universe into chaos. We need order. A new order.”

Faris stroked his chin thoughtfully. “And how do you suggest we take out all of the other gods and demons?”

“Not by collecting supernaturals one by one, century by century, that’s for sure.”

“I’m playing the long game,” Faris said defensively.

“Good for you. Do you want a medal?” She gave her eyes a long, slow roll. “Honestly, Faris, who do you think you’re talking to? We are all immortal. And we all play the long game. I’m offering you a chance to finally play the smart game.”

“Go on.” Faris was intrigued. He tried to hide it, but it was there, plain and obvious on his face.

“You’ve been concentrating entirely on collecting the individual members of your Orchestra, but if you want to win this game, you need to get one powerful conductor. One powerful weapon. Someone with all the magic of the gods and the demons,” Grace told him.

“The Immortals are long gone. There is no such person anymore.”

“No, there isn’t,” she agreed. “Which is why we can’t find this conductor. We have to make it.”

“How?”

Grace put her hands on her hips. “You’re pretty dense, aren’t you? If you want to make someone with the powers of a god and a demon, you need to make someone with the powers of a god and a demon.”

Faris blinked. “You wish to have sex with me.”

“No, I don’t. Not really. But, unfortunately for both of us, that’s how babies are made, Faris.”

Suspicion crinkled his brow. “Why come to me? Why not another god?”