77

At the sound of the demon’s roar, most of the Venatori whirl to face it, firing a variety of spells at it to try to take it out. It’s big even for a pride demon, though, and clearly no less powerful than it is gargantuan. Some of the spells seem to have a bit of an effect; others glance off its thick, horned hide without so much as attracting its notice.

While the Venatori are distracted, you set about untying the knots binding Neve to the chair, starting with her hands so that she can defend herself when the cultists remember you exist. It’s possible the process takes a little longer than it normally would because you’re enjoying the way each swipe of the pride demon’s clawed hands takes out another mage or two who would otherwise be trying to kill you.

All good things must come to an end, and although the remaining Venatori aren’t able to kill the demon, they do at least succeed in freezing it solid. Just as they turn back to you, the last of Neve’s knots comes undone and you pull the strip of cloth free of her face.

“We’ve got to get out of here,” she tells you. “Right now.”

• Turn to page 78.