“Are you sure you know where you're going?”

I glared over my shoulder at Samriel. “No, I've told you that. I have no idea where I'm going. I'm just...going South.”

“Okay, but why?”

“Why what?”

“Why are we going south?”

“I am going south because the Wise Woman told me I would find my answers in the mountains to the south. You are going south to drive me insane. I'm sure of it.”

“This trip wouldn't be nearly as interesting without me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Interesting is one way to put it.”

I gazed up at the mountains that loomed ahead of us. “Do you know anywhere in those mountains I should start looking?”

He shrugged with a small smirk. “Depends on what kind of answers you're looking for in those mountains. There's a lot of darkness within their stones.”

“I will face any darkness to get my answers.”

“So, what's the question you plan to ask whatever we meet there?”

“I need to know how to control my curse.” His frown confused me. “Why the look?”

“Those mountains aren't where I would advise someone like you to seek those kinds of answers. The Corruption is a way of life there. Unless you want to learn from a Demon. If that's the case, I know others who are less Corrupted.”

“Any that aren't Corrupted?” His raucous laughter answered my question.

“No Demon is free from Corruption. It's part of the kit. Fire powers, devilishly attractive, and Corruption are the basics handed out at creation.”

“I don't think being attractive is part of being a Demon.”

“Only if they got cheated by the Creator. They should get better Karma for the next life.”

“If arrogance is part of the so-called kit, then you might be a Demon.” He shrugged without answering me. I frowned at him. “You're not, are you?”

His smile faltered slightly. “Depends. You going to turn on me if I am?”

We stared at each other, standing in the middle of the path for several tense moments. I examined his features, trying to determine his true race. I took half a step back as his mask fell, melting away to reveal the set of horns that accented his features.

He slowly tilted his head. “You have more control than you let on. It isn't just anyone that can dispel a Demon Mask.”

I shook my head as I tried to keep my calm demeanor. “Why are you actually helping me, Samriel?”

“I'm just trying to get you to your destination alive. This path you walk is a dangerous one, Kindred.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Did you already know where I was going?”

He gave me a one-shouldered shrug. “I had a vague idea. Even vaguer than you, probably. I knew where to find you near the river and I knew you would need help. I am not here to stand in your way. I'm here to aim you in the correct direction.”

“And what direction is that? Who sent you?” I felt a burning sensation in my right-hand palm but ignored the early warning.

One.

He held up his clawed hands. “I suspect the same Wise Woman who sent you toward these mountains. Did she have indigo eyes?”

I felt my heart skip a beat. “How did you know that?”

“It was the same woman, then. There are few left who wield power over fate, but I think we may have been destined to meet.”

I shook my head. “I don't believe in destiny. I get to decide on my paths. Not some invisible force beyond my understanding.”

His smile was almost sad. “You may not believe, but you're outnumbered on that. Fate has a plan for all of us. By listening to the Wise Woman, you have already stepped onto the path the Fated Lady has set out for you. It was only a matter of time with your gift.”

I felt my arm begin to shake, the burning sensation slowly slithering up to my shoulder. I ignored the second warning sign.

Two.

“It isn't a gift. This is a curse. I'm an outcast wherever I go. No one will trust me and I cannot blame them. I can't control this. I would rather have my very Spark torn from me than have these Powers!”

He was silent as he studied my small frame. “You shouldn't say things like that. Someone might take you up on it. You cannot fight the plan that Fate has for you. No one can, Kindred. Whatever it is that you think you'll learn in those mountains is exactly what She has placed before you. We are all domino tiles lined up and waiting for the inevitable fall.”

“I am no one's tile. I decide what happens. I control the narrative!” The heat was rising up my chest and throat. I could feel my handle on the thing inside me slipping. A menacing rumble escaped me before I could stop it.

Three.

“Careful, Kindred. You may be gifted, but I have wielded this power my whole life. I do not wish to hurt you. My patron would be cross with me. The Flamed Fighter is not one to cross.”

“Is he who sent you to me?” The anger was turning to panic and the burning sensation was spreading throughout my entire body.

Last warning.

“I told you. I was sent by the Wise Woman. My patron has His eyes on you. It is unavoidable with the power that courses through you. You have likely been watched your entire existence. Don't fight this, Kindred. It will only make it harder. Just follow your path as it was laid before you.” He took a step toward me with an outreached hand.

I took an equal step back. My vision was beginning to blur. “Don't touch me.” My voice almost sounded foreign to me as I hissed at the Demon.

“I'm not going to harm you, Kindred. Just trust me. You need to trust me.” He grabbed my upper arm and everything went crimson.

You were warned.