Ian is staring at me as if I am some odd specimen to be dissected and studied. “I don’t really give a crap whether you believe me. You can’t deny the burning that has been eating away at your soul,” I say, jabbing Ian in the chest with my finger. “You also can’t deny that it eased up when we were together. So until we figure out exactly what is going on and if we can fix it, I am staying here.” With a glare in his direction, I plop down in the chair we had recently been using for other purposes and begin unlacing my mud-caked boots.
“I have more important things that require my attention. Like saving the entire American grid from extinction.” Ian jams his fingers through his hair, sending it shooting up in even more chaotic spikes. “How did you know about my heart condition?” Ian asks, accusation thick in his tone.
“Because I have the same damn one and it turns out it isn’t a heart condition. I guess we are soul mates. Romantic, isn’t it?”
“What the hell are you talking about? Oh shit, it’s you! I have heard rumors of the soul-sharing, but always took them as myth. My mother took me from the commune to get me away from all the mystical nonsense. Science is where I can prove things—such as that sharing a soul with a soulless monster doesn’t really happen.” Ian sinks into another chair and lets his head fall into his hands, a sigh of defeat escaping his lips.
“I will spare you the obvious and point out the multitude of para-folk that roam the land and the fact that a green man is the vice president. Just take a deep breath, have some whiskey and man up. Also, if it is any consolation, I can help you out with that powering-the-crystal situation.” Not waiting for an invitation I get up and walk over to a small wooden table housing a decanter of what looks like whiskey. Selecting two tumblers, I pour a generous amount in each, stealing a swallow from one. The delightful trail of fire running down to my belly warms me through. I hand one to Ian and raise my glass to him. He grudgingly responds.
“How can you help with repowering the crystal?” He seems less than convinced.
“Because, love, I am a half-succubus and my energy is renewed by sex. The greater the sex, the more energy I get. And I have heard a rumor that with you, oh soul mate of mine, I can achieve the level of power necessary to recharge the crystal.” The glass edge of the tumbler clinks against my teeth as I down another healthy swallow of whiskey.
“So you are implying that we must engage in sexual activity to power the crystal? Also that we must remain together or perish?” Ian looks less than pleased at the notion.
“That pretty much sums it up.” As I stand, every muscle in my body screams in protest. “Now you can either show me a place to sleep or I can find one myself.” Not waiting for Ian’s reply I stumble towards the immense mahogany staircase, “You are welcome to join me if you wish,” I throw over my shoulder as my foot lands on the first step.