Page 27 of Burn of Obsidian
Cassiel smirked, finally breaking eye contact. “Daemons are not natural; it’s what makes them more powerful in magic than witches.”
Ivy scowled at him, but didn’t protest.
“More powerful than druids.”
Edwards glowered, lips pressed into a thin line.
“Even celestrials.” Cassiel bowed his head. “We are not too ignorant to believe Gideon, with magic far superior to ours, would simply be content with being an equal.”
“Chaos magic is the origin of all magic. It doesn’t follow the laws of balance,” Edwards added. “Which is why Gideon, and all Daemons must be destroyed.”
Jax’s head snapped up at the same time Riley growled. “No.”
Edwards blinked, surprise marking his features. “What do you mean, ‘no?’ Your literal creation is to destroy Daemons.”
“We won’t destroy all Daemons,” Riley said calmly. “Only ones that have given us no choice.”
Edwards stood, his throne falling to the dais, and then crashing to the floor behind him. “Daemons are abominations that shouldn’t even exist,” he said with a snarl. “They chose the ways of black magic. It was their own decisions that have corrupted them.”
“It’s ignorant to believe every Daemon made the decision to ascend – that they were given a choice,” Xander said, his tone sharp. “Black magic isn’t a death sentence. I’m sure Councilwoman Ivy would agree, considering she’s just passed legislation through the Magicka.”
Ivy let out a long breath. “Yes, we will no longer prosecute witches, or mages who show signs of black magic without providing the appropriate training first.”
Edwards fisted his hands. “You’ve clearly been tainted – ”
“This meeting wasn’t called about Daemons, it was called about Gideon,” Valentina interrupted, her tone sharp.
“And what about you?” Ivy asked, taking her time to look between all three of them. “I may be new to the Council, but I don’t understand your significance. Are you here with the druids?”
Riley widened his stance. “We’re independent of the Archdruid.”
“They’re traitors,” Edwards added with a grunt.
“Traitors, and yet you call to them for aid?” Ivy frowned.
Valentina’s head turned, such a precise movement it was unnerving. She may look like a child, but she was anything but. “Daemons have always been viewed as part of the druids, and will be dealt with by Councilman Edwards.”
Edwards’ skin flushed a deeper red.
“It seems we are all in agreement,” Valentina continued. “Gideon will not be welcomed amongst the Council, non?”
“I remember when you were all just as displeased when I wanted a voice,” Cassiel laughed. “However, Gideon’s a threat, one that needs to be dealt with. I agree with Councilwoman Valentina; he will not be given a seat amongst us.”
“We’re in agreement,” Lilianna said, placing her hands into her lap.
Ivy nodded, and Xavier simply grinned.
“We’re in agreement,” Edwards echoed, anger vibrating his words.
“Then this meeting is adjourned.” Valentina stood, Danton appearing from the shadows to stand beside her. “Gideon will not take a place amongst us, and will be met with resistance if he tries.”
“Resistance is not enough. He needs to be destroyed,” Edwards said, his shoulders rigid.
Ivy crossed her legs, glaring at the Councilman. “Then destroy him.”
With a sound of frustration, Edwards stepped down from his dais, storming out of the chamber.
‘Is there a reason Cassiel’s staring?’ Xander asked, even though Jax could feel the attention. It bristled against his skin, and as before, Cassiel didn’t look away once Jax met his gaze.