Stathis checked herself in the mirror, fiddling with her shirt. It was the best she’d been able to manage, sneaking out on a shopping trip when Janaxia was otherwise engaged – it was well-made, but, just as importantly, affordable. And not too showy, although it did feel good against her skin.

She left her room, moving next door and knocking on Janaxia’s door then opening it without waiting for a response. Janaxia was posed to finish putting her jewellery on, although had probably been stood like that for quite some time, waiting for Stathis. She stood and turned, bestowing a smile upon Stathis. Her eyes were judgemental, taking in Stathis’ change of clothing. She nodded, apparently finding it acceptable. ‘Well, you have made some effort, at least.’ She reached out and tugged at Stathis’ collar, making some minute correction. ‘Now, shall we be off?’ Her arms were sheathed in elbow-length gloves, baring only her shoulders, although her dress was (of course) backless. Her tattoo had migrated onto the centre of her chest, swirl visible through a cut-out on the black silk, fleck of red in the black marks.

‘Yes, let’s go.’ Stathis raised her voice. ‘Semari, don’t follow us.’ A disappointed groan came from outside the window. ‘And don’t get Parth to track us, or Hakara to use divination spells.’

‘No fair! There’s money riding on this!’

‘I’m not going to ask on what. Go teach the novices not to play cards against random strangers, make some money that way.’

‘OK, fine, but I’m going to need to know what you two do at the end. I’ve got gold riding on…’

‘Something entirely too sordid to mention, I’m quite sure.’ Janaxia flicked her hand just as Semari’s head poked into view, a bolt of force striking her between the eyes, knocking her away. There was a soft thud as Semari fell to the ground, followed by a pained groan. ‘Now, with that dealt with, I do hope you have found somewhere suitable? I expect to be treated appropriately.’

‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it will be up to your standards. Or at least it should, it cost me enough!’ The bag of gold had been enough to buy several top-quality horses, it was ridiculous to pay so much for a single meal. ‘I couldn’t quite stretch to a carriage, but I’m sure you can stretch your legs a bit.’

Janaxia turned, showing off her legs, her “dress” simply a long strip of cloth at front and back, her legs entirely bare other than a frilled garter on each thigh. ‘It is a warm night, I daresay it will be quite pleasant.’ Her tattoo spiralled as Stathis watched, lines shifting and warping, a sense of pending judgement.

It was only a short walk, away from the crowded main streets. Stathis had to let Janaxia guide her through the pitch-black alleys between main streets, unable to see, Janaxia having no such concerns. They stopped outside an apartment building, Stathis having to tug on Janaxia to stop her from walking off.

‘It’s in here.’ Even in the low light, Stathis could see Janaxia’s doubt. ‘Don’t worry, it’s a proper place, just something of a secret.’ That seemed to pique her interest. Stathis approached a door, marked with a brass knocker of a fat man with a ladle. She struck it against the door in a tune, then waited.

The door opened to reveal a well-lit hallway, crimson walls lit by mage-lights. They walked forward, a magical barrier brushing again them, popping like a bubble. They advanced, Janaxia looking around curiously, Stathis steering her forward. From behind, the silk left her back bare to the bottom of her spine and draped across her backside in a most distracting fashion, Stathis almost walking into her when she suddenly stopped.

Part of the wall vanished, revealing a small booth with a single bench to sit on, a table sat for two, lit only by candlelight. A bottle of wine rested in a cooler, ice clinking gently.

‘I hope this meets with your expectations?’

Janaxia lifted up the wine, checking the label, nodding in approval. ‘Unexpectedly so. I was expecting something rather more… tavern-adjacent. This is not the sort of thing I would associate with you, it is rather modish.’

‘I asked Yeros. It’s some old magical place, it creates rooms as needed, it’s where the gods bring their favoured servants. Or when the priests need someone to have a private meal. And the staff are mostly spirits and stuff, so they enjoy the work and are very discreet. Can I have a drink please?’ A bottle of beer appeared just above her hand. ‘Please don’t go crazy though, it cost pretty much everything I had just for the food, I don’t think I can cover it if you start ordering vintage wines as well.’

‘That is a minor disappointment, but I suppose I will have to savour this then.’ She poured herself some wine, twisting the glass before taking a sniff. ‘Most impressive.’ She sat, being sure to adjust her dress to show off her legs, staring at Stathis in challenge as she did so. ‘I imagine food will appear at an appropriate juncture?’

‘I think so, yeah. If we see the staff or anyone else, something’s gone wrong.’

‘Oh? An entirely private rendezvous then?’ She crossed her legs, the shifting of smooth, soft skin making Stathis swallow. ‘I daresay even Parth would have difficulty infiltrating such a place.’

‘That’s the plan, at least. It’s supposed to be proof against most divination spells.’

‘Well, why don’t you take a seat then?’ Janaxia patted the cushion next to herself. As soon as Stathis sat down, Janaxia leant against her. ‘You have outdone yourself, congratulations.’ She raised her wineglass, chinking it against Stathis’ beer bottle.

‘Thanks, I hope you enjoy it. And your legal work is appreciated, even if the whole thing was a bloody setup. Pretty handy you can read anything, we’d have been screwed otherwise.’

Janaxia twisted, making herself comfortable against Stathis, her bare back warm. ‘Well, I do try, and it is nice to make use of my unique talents. And to not be accused of being evil for once – you really should let go of such childish notions.’

Food appeared on the table, a large dish of hor d’oeuvres blinking into being. Stathis picked up some meat on a wooden skewer, Janaxia obediently opening her mouth, scarlet lips spread wide. As Stathis carefully moved it forward into her mouth, they closed over the food, tugging it off the skewer. She slowly chewed, clearly enjoying the flavour.

‘Exquisite. Just enough heat to be invigorating, but not overpowering.’

Stathis took a bite herself, chewing then swallowing. Heat overcame her, and she could feel her face reddening and sweating. ‘That’s more than just a little heat!’ She fanned herself with her hand.

Janaxia giggled, red glow of her lash fading to pink. ‘Are you perhaps not so experienced with hot food? Willing to stand against the forces of darkness, yet so easily undone by a few grains of spice?’

Stathis took another bite, feeling the heat building on her tongue. ‘That’s more than a few grains! Feels like my tongue’s on fire.’

‘How strangely adorable. Well, then I claim the meat for myself, as it doesn’t fit your tastes.’ She opened her mouth again, clearly expecting to be fed another morsel, Stathis complying. ‘Most satisfying. Although I suppose it does mean that one should be careful of where lips are placed, lest a certain amount of displeasure and discomfort be induced.’

Stathis choked on her beer, patting herself on the chest until the obstruction was passed. ‘Uh, I guess. So you can have the meat, if you want.’

A tiny parcel of pastry lifted into the air, supported by dark energy, moving towards Stathis’ mouth. She opened wide, allowing it to drop down, and she started chewing, then swallowed. ‘That’s much nicer. And less hot.’

‘I shall have to try and get you rather more used to such things. The little bursts of heat and spice do add a certain thrill, I feel.’

‘I just find it painful. Anyway, are you feeling OK? Your clothing has been very symmetrical and ordered recently – this place rubbing off on you?’ She reached out and ran her hand along Janaxia’s horns, running her thumbnail against the ridges. ‘Sorry, I just like the sound.’

Janaxia didn’t pull away. ‘It seems rather fitting for the area, does it not? Somewhat appropriate for where the gods of order laid down their laws to the mortal races. Although they could do with some revision, I feel, times have changed after all.’

‘So do you just pick up on, uh, the spiritual aura of the place or something? I guess at least you didn’t get possessed or go weird this time.’ She rubbed the horns again. ‘Or grow anything else. You could probably pull off a tail, but I think hooves might be pushing it.’

Janaxia shook her head, brushing Stathis’ hand away. ‘A tail would necessitate some rather awkward structures about the waistband. Although furry and hooved legs would be rather less becoming, I agree. I doubt that I will undergo such a change though.’

‘Sorry if this is something of a personal question, but, uh, why do you think you have horns?’

Janaxia reached up to stroke them herself, golden chains tinkling. ‘When Galondwyn was defeated by the angel, her essence was shattered. Some part of it was drawn to myself, empowering me.’

That wasn’t entirely true, but this didn’t seem the time to tell Janaxia that. ‘Doesn’t that concern you? That you think you’ve absorbed part of a demon’s soul?’

‘It is not without precedent, and I have obviously managed to quash any semblance of her will that remained. And they are rather fetching, are they not?’ She presented her horns, Stathis running a nail along the ridges to make a bzzzt sound.

‘They suit you, but I think you’re lucky most people assume they’re ornamental. Watch out Carissia doesn’t find out, she has very negative reactions to anything that might be demonic. If she finds out they’re attached, it’s going to get messy.’

Janaxia used her powers to shift more food into her mouth. ‘I am sure she would be reasonable in such a situation.’

‘That’s not something I want to put to the test. Just watch out around her, OK? And don’t hog all the vegetable rolls!’ One diverted towards Stathis in mid-air, allowing her to chomp it from the air. ‘Thanks. So, have you felt anything else strange recently? You seem to have been better since we killed that thing at Verinal.’

‘Yes, that creature was somewhat malign. But no, although having to defend Semari was something of a trial, if you will pardon the pun, other than Udaipur and his associates, I do not believe any deeper evil to have been involved. It was most rude of you to interrupt my assignation, though, profitable though it may have been.’

Stathis tapped her on the choker, where bite marks were still visible. ‘I know you like being bitten, but they probably would have drained you dry. Well, at least after a while. You might have been able to fight them off, I guess?’

‘I’m sure the matter could have been settled amicably. Or, at the least, you could have waited an hour or so, as we had only just started. It is most disappointing to have one’s expectations aroused, but then to have to release. Although I don’t know quite what to think of your allegations about my predilections.’

‘Am I wrong? There was that medusa lady, then the vampires that time before we ended up in the underworld, and now this. Hey, I’m not judging, but you seem to enjoy being nibbled on. Maybe you taste good or something? I really don’t get it. Yeros seems to be the same, for some damn reason.’

‘If you would care to taste for yourself?’ She tugged at the top of her dress, offering up her neck. ‘Although I must say I have decidedly mixed feelings about being referred to in such a carnal fashion.’

‘No, I don’t think so. That’s fine, really.’ The starters now done, the plate vanished, to be replaced by the main course, some incredibly intricate-looking arrangement of meat and vegetables, lightly glazed with a sticky sauce. ‘Think I’ll stick with the dinner, at least for now. Uh, I don’t want to be a prick about this, but could you let me know if you think anything might happen, with your book or tattoo?’ It spun slightly on Janaxia’s chest, as her lash flickered to a pale crimson. ‘It’s just that you’ve gotten weird before, and I’d rather you don’t suddenly grow bat wings and start trying to conquer the world or raise a dread master from beyond the veil or something. I don’t want to be pushy, but if you want to talk about where it came from, it might be helpful.’

Janaxia tried to shift away, Stathis not letting her, keeping a grip on her horn. ‘You always seem so judgemental about such things, while keeping your own secrets. It scarcely seems fair to pressure me so.’

‘Well, Semari turned out to be a quasi-deity or something, and your tattoo moves. It’s looking at me right now!’ It spiralled, slightly faster now, lines narrowing.

‘Well, you don’t have to look quite so intently.’

‘You do dress to show it off. Not that that’s bad or anything.’ Stathis glanced down, where the tattoo was still spinning. Was it blacker than normal? It was certainly larger than it had been, more arcing whorls spiralling around, even though most of the pattern was hidden beneath silk. ‘It’s just a bit creepy when it shows up on your back. Can you control it at all?’

Janaxia’s hair wavered into warning red, good mood clearly gone. Stathis skewered some of the meat, moving it towards Janaxia’s mouth, and she obediently bit down.

‘Look, I don’t mind. I just worry about you, that’s all.’ She let go of the horn, Janaxia pulling back, but not very far.

‘I thank you for your concern. And, should it become an issue, I will be sure to let you know.’

‘Thanks.’ Stathis shifted backwards slightly, making sure to very obviously look at Janaxia. Her attitude changed from slight worry to obvious preening, twisting her legs to show them off. ‘That dress really does suit you, by the way. The garter especially.’

Janaxia shifted again, the garter appearing from beneath the silk, her hair lash fading back to pink. ‘Well, you could have started with that. You may, of course, praise and flatter me more. I do put rather a lot of effort into my appearance, after all.’ She moved again, resting herself against Stathis, a horn poking into her shoulder.

‘Yeah, you do always look good. I’d just rather know if something is up before having to lock you into a holy circle or whatever.’ The tattoo had moved up, appearing on Janaxia’s shoulder. Curious, Stathis placed her hand against it. As her hand brushed Janaxia’s bare flesh, sudden cold snapped at her, biting into her flesh. Her hand felt like it had been plunged into frozen water, razor-sharp ice cutting her skin. The darkness crept onto her hand, burning like acid, seeping into her flesh. Janaxia was staring at her, seemingly unaware, smiling faintly.

She jerked her hand back, shaking it in case the thing clung to her. As her vision cleared, blinking tears from her eyes, she looked at her hand – it seemed uninjured, and Janaxia’s tattoo continued to slowly shift, looking the same as normal.

‘Are you feeling alright, Stathis? You appear a touch overwhelmed.’ She reached out to touch the back of her hand against Stathis’ forehead, feeling her temperature. In contrast to the slashing, freezing cold, her head was soft and warm. ‘You seem a mite feverish. I do hope that you aren’t coming down with something.’ A piece of food conveyed itself through the air, heading for Stathis’ mouth. ‘You should eat, to preserve your strength.’ She squeezed one of Stathis’ arms. ‘After all, you do need to be able to protect me.’

Stathis accepted the food into her mouth. ‘Thanks. Uh, you sure you’ve not been having any strange visions, weird dreams, anything like that?’ The tattoo was looking somehow smug, lines tighter and darker now.

‘No, in fact the accommodation here is very comfortable. A far better place to rest than the road, I must say. The reaction of the novices is rather charming as well, it is nice to be noticed. Although you interfering with the help is rather unbecoming, especially when she appears quite taken with your master.’

‘I notice you plenty! It just doesn’t seem worth mentioning. Although I’m definitely not going to complain if you keep dressing like that. And that was all Aimodia, there was some magic going on down there. She’s got a thing going on with Yeros, or starting one at least.’ Stathis shifted awkwardly, trying to keep her distance from Janaxia’s bare flesh, keeping an eye on the tattoo in case it moved, or Janaxia were to move in such a way to make it touch her. ‘You do seem to attract every damn creature of darkness around though.’

‘I’m sure you will protect me.’ Janaxia’s emerald eyes seemed incredibly bright, Stathis narrowly avoiding losing an eye as Janaxia moved closer, horn-tips far too close to her face. ‘You are, after all, a Knight of the Sun. Not the best-regarded of the Orders, but you do have your honour, worn and ragged though it may sometimes be.’

‘I’m serious, Janaxia. I understand if you don’t want to tell me, but that book and tattoo of yours are something odd. I’d rather you not get grabbed by monsters in the night!’

She looked slightly irritated. ‘A certain amount of nocturnal activity can be thrilling.’

‘Yeah, but not when they’re trying to eat you. And in a lethal way, not a fun way!’ Stathis sighed as Janaxia pushed against her, Stathis trying to avoid the ample amounts of bare skin in case the tattoo moved. ‘I just worry about you, that’s all. I’m not going to force you or anything, but if you do ever start having more weird dreams, or feel the urge to conquer and rule, then let me know first, please?’

Janaxia sighed. ‘I do think you are making this overly dramatic. As a powerful wizard, from a long bloodline of those attuned to the very weave of magic that underpins the material realm, it is only natural that I am more in tune with the essence and nature of places. And so when there is some great power or entity present, then it has an effect. Regrettable, to be sure, but simply a sign of breeding. I am sure that Hakara could probably emulate it, albeit poorly, with a spell, while I simply do it innately.’

‘If that’s what you say. Shall we talk about something else? How’s your family doing?’

Janaxia nodded. ‘Yes, perhaps that would be wise.’ She smiled. ‘Misutira is continuing apace with her tuition, although persists in training in Semari’s techniques as well. She is cultivating quite the circle of beau’s amongst those of the upper echelons of society as well – I do hope she won’t settle for someone unsuitable, but I believe she is capable of being quite strict with them, if needed. Kinnevar is doing well, he enquired after your health.’

‘Really? What did you tell him?’

‘That you continue to persist in your crude ways, of course.’ She stroked her choker. ‘Although show some signs of tempering and improvement. He has been reading up on recent history – he appears very interested in your mother’s ascension to power.’

‘Yeah, I guess they were similar in some ways. Although Mother has never had thousands of people killed to secure her power. And doesn’t regularly execute her ruling council.’

‘It helped discourage anyone from getting ideas above their station, admittedly in a rather permanent fashion. He did later moderate his views somewhat as well.’

‘He is certainly a lot more relaxed than I’d expect.’ More trays appeared, full of finger food, along with dipping sauces. Several items immediately lifted themselves up, dipping into the liquids, Janaxia not wanting to stain her gloves. Oner separated from the flock, drifting towards Stathis. She plucked it from the air with her mouth. It was a strange meal, Janaxia keeping her back turned, but pressing close towards Stathis, who was keeping a wary eye for the tattoo, flinching as it moved over a shoulder before darting away again. She didn’t have to feed herself, at least, Janaxia deciding that for her, keeping a flow of different food coming her way.

After the main course, sparkling glass dishes of lightly chilled sorbet appeared. ‘Let me do this. It might drip everywhere.’ She took the spoon, taking a large dollop. ‘You will have to turn around and face me.’

Janaxia was obedient, shifting around to face her, Stathis moving the spoon to her mouth, soft lips closing around the metal. ‘An impressively delicate flavour. Would you care to try some yourself?’

A spoon hovered through the air holding a large scoop of the stuff. Stathis had to duck towards it and eat it as it was starting to melt already, slopping over the edge of the spoon. It was fruit-flavoured, a light apple taste mixed with the ice. ‘Mm, that is good. So, did this meet your expectations?’

‘More than exceeded.’ Janaxia had drawn herself up, shoulders stiff and straight, as imperious as she could manage. ‘This really should be the standard to which you hold yourself, as a minimum.’

‘I wish! It’s nice and everything, but a bit pricy. I had to get Yeros to pull some strings for this.’ She twisted, knocking her shoulder against Janaxia’s. ‘And I suspect even you would get a little bored of it eventually. When everything is super fancy all the time, it starts to blur together, it needs to be an occasional treat to have any meaning.’

‘That is a hypothesis that would require such luxury to be rather more common to truly test.’ Green eyes glinted beneath dark hair and horns. ‘There should be more to life than the road and the dubious pleasures contained within. While the life of an adventurer does require some privation, there should be some limits! Perhaps a visit to your mother’s court is in order? It has been some time since you saw her, and you never seem to write. For both her daughters to be upon the road at once seems a touch cruel – should not one of you be aiding her with her rulership?’

‘She manages by herself, mostly. And there’s a whole lot of things I don’t really want to get involved with. Plus there’s always politics and far too many people trying to be nice to me.’

‘Rest assured that I would shield you from such things. You need not dirty your hands with such sordid things, and I am sure I can keep you clear of any grasping interlopers.’

‘Uh, thanks. I guess I should write, but it always turns into a whole thing when I’m there. And then some monster or demon attacks, and everything goes to hell. At least on the road, it’s mostly just bandits and stuff like that.’

Janaxia sniffed. ‘There’s no need to be critical! I was entirely justified in my actions.’

‘That wasn’t criticism! You didn’t do anything wrong against those bandits. A little excessive perhaps, but not wrong. Just maybe don’t get quite so enthusiastic about it? It’s a little off-putting when you start cackling.’

‘I was simply caught in the moment.’

‘It was a very long moment! But I don’t think any of the townsfolk will be tempted by banditry for a while, not while they remember that. So, are you happy to stick around?’

‘As long as I am treated with the deference and respect I deserve, then I suppose you shall have the privilege of my company for some time yet.’ She sighed. ‘I hear that there may be some family business I may have to deal with myself soon enough though. Some ancient ritual, all very tiresome. Although a family reunion may have some pleasures to be had, there are some personal matters I wish to resolve.’ She clicked her fingers, dark power flaring around her fingers. ‘Some long-standing grudges it will be pleasant to finish to my satisfaction.’

‘I don’t want to meddle, but I feel as though I should say that you shouldn’t kill your relatives without a good reason.’

Janaxia’s lash throbbed a deep, crimson red. ‘Oh, I wouldn’t kill them. That would be far too swift. No, just leave them in no doubt of who is the superior mage. Our time together has been most instructive in advancing my own powers, and it will be most satisfying to see them humbled.’

‘OK, is this family meeting anything to worry about? I’ve heard a few rumours about them hunting out ancient magic and stuff. Any idea what they’re up to?’

‘Simply the insecurities of age, I believe. Loath though I am to admit it, my family has fallen far from the heights of power it once enjoyed. So now we scrabble for power and attempt to reclaim old artefacts and suchlike – it scarcely seems the best use of resources to me, but it is not my decision to make.’

Stathis relaxed slightly. ‘So, just politics, nothing more?’ As long as they weren’t being too murderous, then they could probably be dealt with normally.

‘I don’t know the details – I believe my oldest brother is rather more engaged with some long-term project, but this scarcely seems the place to discuss such matters. Unless you wish to relate the doings of your own family?’

‘I think Carissia’s off on the islands somewhere? Something about the sunken temple of Qarn rising again. And Mother is increasing her power again, although I don’t really follow the details.’

‘Hmm. Well, as long as you aren’t simply using me as a spy, to acquire information about my family.’

Janaxia seemed to have chilled now, leaning slightly away, which was probably for the best, as her tattoo was now moving faster, stray lines and whorls peeking out at random, the full pattern never showing itself. Remembering the assault of chill and slashing ice from earlier, it was probably for the best not to touch Janaxia, no matter how tempting it might be.

‘So, if we’re done, then shall we leave?’ The bowl of sorbet hovered off the table then vanished. ‘I think that was it for the food, and I can’t afford another bottle of wine for you, I’m afraid.’

Janaxia made a show of getting every drop of liquid out of the bottle, running a finger along the rim of the bottle and licking it. ‘Well, I suppose all things must end. But you have surpassed yourself this time – perhaps a little more like this, and rather less rickety taverns?’ She extended a glove hand, Stathis hoping the material was enough to shield her as she pulled Janaxia to her feet.

Before she could step away, Janaxia had wound her arm around Stathis’. She tried to pull away, to stay out of contact with any of the flesh on display as they made their exit, Janaxia now all smiles and breezy conversation, looking up at Stathis, horns sharp and dangerously close.