EXCERPT FROM "(Re:) Possession"

The words were still ringing in Carl’s ears when all of the candles blew out, leaving him in darkness.

Fear of failure gripped him for a moment, making his stomach twist into a knot, and then ...‬

Breathing.

Breathing not his own. ‬‬‬‬‬

He’d expected the circles to glow green, like the candle, or perhaps red from the nature of the being he had captured.

Instead, the painted sigils and impossible shapes shimmered gently with a constantly shifting rainbow of colors, like oil moving over water.

A soft, beautiful radiance that threw the black paint on his skin into relief, and as his eyes adjusted, clearly illuminated the woman in the circle across from him.

Well.

If women had faintly glowing blue eyes, and dark hair that seemed to disappear into wisps of smoke.

“Name yourself,” Carl commanded as he stared at her, trying to ignore his body’s reaction to her generous breasts and the tantalizing wisps that covered her crotch.

His imagination was assaulted with images of her pressing to him, whimpering, moaning on the concrete floor ...‬‬‬

“Enough!” He pushed the fantasies away, glaring at her. “Give me your name!”

The demon tilted her head to the side, a mocking edge to her smile.

“Mehnat. And you really don’t have to keep doing that. I speak perfectly good English.”‬‬‬‬

“Mehnat ...” Carl rolled the name around on his tongue. Almost certainly not her true Name, but one with enough power to allow him to summon her again. In time, to bring her to him at will.

“You are mine now. You will serve me.”‬‬‬

Mehnat crossed her arms. “And what is it you desire, master?”‬

He decided he could accept some insolence as long as it came with obedience.

“Power. Money. Knowledge. I want you to help me gain all three, either through your wiles or your powers.”‬‬‬‬

“Liar.”‬

Carl’s eyes widened, and he took a step towards the edge of the circle before stopping himself.

“I suppose you think you’re clever for trying to provoke me? To make me leave this circle of protection?”‬‬‬‬

Mehnat laughed, and it sounded like a million gaps of ecstasy in his ears, yet felt like a knife being scraped over bone.

“Is that what you think it is?”‬‬‬

Carl felt his blood run cold again, but he forced himself to stay calm, to keep his voice firm. ‬

“I know it is.”‬

Mehnat’s grin widened. “Sorry, master, but no.” She walked almost to the border of her own circle, not quite touching the radiant border.

“You wished for knowledge,” Mehnat purred. “Shall I tell you what you’ve truly done?”‬

Carl swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. He tried to speak, but nothing would pass his lips.

“I’m in the binding circle,” she continued. “You are in the summoning circle.”‬‬‬‬