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Chapter Eighteen

T o her dismay, it once again took them to Lore’s lair instead of straight to the new tale.

He was waiting for them, once again in his shadowy form.

He tutted with faux concern when Serena fell to the ground and offered a shadowy hand to her.

Pinning him with a baleful glare, she ignored it, along with Grim’s proffered hand, opting to stand up on her own.

The demon seemed to notice that exchange with no small amount of glee.

“Trouble in paradise?” he asked slyly.

“None of your business,” snapped Serena, too heartsick to be afraid of him. Grim stayed silent.

“I suppose you’re both wondering why I chose to greet you in person once again,” he said, tilting his head in an amused manner.

“The answer to that is that this tale is going to be a special one—different from the first two in a fundamental way. Because this tale is tailored for our very special friend Grim.”

Serena frowned, not sure what he was up to. Beside her, Grim looked equally blank. Lore chuckled at the look of bewilderment on their faces.

“Here’s a clue,” he said. “Today’s tale is the tale of a maiden…and a monster.”

That meant nothing to her, but beside her, Grim had tensed. She looked over at him askance and saw that his face was white. That was the first thing that alarmed her, for she had been through various life-threatening situations with Grim by now, and not once had she seen him afraid.

It scared her as well.

“Looking a bit pale there, Grim,” said Lore with a nasty smile. “Is something the matter?”

“Fuck you.”

“ Language,” said Lore tutting again. “There is a lady present. I truly fail to understand what you see in this boor, Serena.”

A shadow snaked toward her, coiling its clammy grip on her wrist. In a flash, Grim’s sword was unsheathed, cutting through the shadow, which disappeared with a tinny shriek.

“Don’t fucking touch her,” growled Grim.

The amusement fled from Lore’s expression then .

“I see you’re not in the mood for games. How about we get started then?”

He raised his arms, and then the world around her disappeared again.