“Because?” she prompted.
“Because I live in this realm. I want to know what my future looks like.”
That seemed to make sense to her because her eyes gleamed with pride. Her ego was stroked because Carrick implied she’d win, and she had no hesitation in admitting something he already knew. “I’m going to open the veil between here and the Underworld.”
Not a huge revelation, but the fact she so openly shared it with him confirmed her confidence was at an all-time high. It was either because her ego was over-inflated or—gods help them—she had some reason to be confident he couldn’t fathom.
“And what do you have to gain by doing that?” he asked.
“Everything,” she replied without hesitation.
Carrick played his part well, pretending to just catch on to her nefarious goals. “You intend to rule the Earth realm?”
Putting his elbow on the armrest and resting his chin in his palm, he said drolly, “It’s not an overly lofty goal, but just how would you accomplish it?”
Carrick wasn’t expecting her to spill her guts, but she apparently didn’t feel she had anything to hide. She pushed away from her reclined position and scooted to the edge of the couch, clearly excited to share. “It’s brilliant and nefarious. Once the veil is down, my most loyal followers will start to replace the world leaders.”
“Kill them and glamour,” Carrick murmured.
Kymaris took it as his appreciation for the art of murder and deception. “Exactly. And once those seats of power are secured, it will be easy to change over to my single authoritarian rule.”
“You and what army?” he asked, again… something he already had a good guess on.
“The number of demons waiting to explore this realm is staggering,” she replied confidently. “More than all the armies in the world.”
“That many, huh?” His voice was dry, slightly skeptical, but only to prompt her to continue talking.
“Not just demons,” she purred, once again settling back against the couch now that she’d revealed her nefarious goals. “I’ve got an entire river of tormented souls just ready to be released back into the world.”
Carrick’s stomach bottomed out. That was something he had not considered because it never occurred to him it could be done.
“I’ve spent an eternity in the Underworld creating my demons, and they’ll carry out my plans beautifully. But unleashing the evil souls into the masses will make it just a little bit easier to control them.”
Fuck. She was talking about the start of the end of the human race.
She wasn’t finished, though. “Those who retain their humanity will make fine pets.”
Carrick had seen more violence and evil in his lifetime than anyone should be forced to bear. He didn’t think much could sicken him, but the thought of innocent humans being turned into play toys for Kymaris and her legions was too much to even think about.
He shrugged casually, despite the fact he felt like a coiled snake ready to strike and end her. “It’s an ambitious plan.”
“You don’t think I can do it?” she snapped, a sure sign her ego might be huge, but it was fragile.
Carrick smoothed his voice into neutrality. “On the contrary, if you have the power you say you do, I think you could do it quite easily.”
Her chin pulled in a bit as she studied him, and Carrick could see she was considering something that might not have struck her before.
“You could rule by my side.”
This offer did not surprise Carrick, just as he knew she’d never elevate any being as her equal. Still, he managed to flare his eyes as if the idea had never occurred to him. “That’s unexpected.”
“It’s the best deal you’ll ever get offered,” she said haughtily.
“Let’s say I consider this deal.” Carrick shifted on his chair and leaned forward, pressing his elbows onto the tops of his knees in a faux gesture of interest. “I would like to know how you’re going to accomplish it. Would you need my help because I answer to the gods?”
His ruse worked… the prospect he was actually considering her offer. Kymaris ran at the mouth, revealing more than he ever thought she would. “I have a ritual I’ll perform that will open the veil. But I’m missing something I need to pull it off.”
“What’s that?” he inquired mildly, stunned she was going to open up to him.
Kymaris stood from the couch slowly, actually pulling her robe closed and belting it. Her expression hardened as she looked down on him. “Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m missing. If you think I’m stupid enough to tell you my secrets, you’re more of an idiot than I had originally assumed.”
Fuck it all.
He was being played the entire time.
Pushing up from the chair, he rose and towered above her. She tipped her head back, a smile of satisfaction on her face.
“Yes,” she hissed. “I know you have the Blood Stone.”