The Devils

Men who will not balk – if the rumours are to be believed – at employing forbidden magic, trafficking with devils, and worse.’ ‘Worse?’ muttered Alex. Cardinal Zizka might have had the bland office, drab furniture, and stained fingers of a junior clerk, but her eyes were those of a dragon. The bearded man came after her, his curse turning to a shocked yelp as he tripped over nothing and went sprawling on his face. He gave a great howl, clutched at her, dragged at her, scrabbling desperately to tear her off, and finally sank his fist into her side and made her gasp, jaws coming open, losing her grip.