Will and Robert turned and stared at Jaime.

As a priestess of Cassia, Tanitha Starshine had vowed to fight evil, no matter the cost to her. Now, her rage at this demon’s very presence caused mystic energy to flow off her like flames of quicksilver.

“You think you can beat me, little girl?!” Zeristal said, incredulous.

“I don’t intend to beat you, Zeristal,” she said, her voice gone so cold it was hardly recognizable. “I intend to destroy you!”

With a roar that shook the entire keep, its wing snapped out. It flew at Jaime, intent on a quick kill.

Once more, she called on her goddess. “Cassia, ligi!” The tendrils of energy streamed from her, bind Zeristal before it realized what had happened. It crashed to the floor, sliding to a stop at her feet.

She drew a fine dagger from her belt. “Mistress,” she said, her voice utterly calm. “Mother, Cassia, I condemn this foul beast to the blackest pit in your name.”

She plunged the dagger into its heart. With a scream, it flared with light, then was gone.