Wicked War of Mine (Overworld Chronicles Book 9) Read Online Free PDF Page A

with suspicion. "You're out of excuses for being my dad."
    "I know, sweetie." He squeezed her shoulder. "I know."
    "What does Kohvaniss mean?" I asked.
    Dad jerked his head toward me as if interrupted from his thoughts. "In Haedaemos, my father, Baal, is Kohvaniss."
    "Wait a minute." I felt my forehead pinch. "You just made me a king?"
    He waggled his hand in a so-so motion. "I guess that's a rough translation." A smirk stretched his lips. "A more accurate translation would be 'supreme devourer of all souls.'"
    I grimaced. "I don't devour souls."
    "That's how you get to be king in Haedaemos." Dad flourished a bow.
    "Be serious."
    "As you wish, Kohvaniss." He bowed again.
    I sighed. "What about the other Daemos houses?
    Dad put an arm around my shoulder. "I think it's time to meet the other Daemos leaders." He looked at Mom, Ivy, and Elyssa. "Ladies, if you'll excuse us for a few moments."
    Mom squeezed my hand. "Good luck, son."
    "Let me know if anyone needs their arm twisted," Elyssa said.
    I pecked her on the cheek. "Definitely."
    Dad guided me to the outskirts of the crowd. A beautiful blonde woman in a flowing blue dress appeared at our sides.
    "You have performed beyond all expectations, nephew," my aunt Vallaena said, her voice proud.
    Dad seemed to puff out his chest a little. "We need to soften up the other house leaders so they'll join the cause against Daelissa. Think you can give us a hand?"
    Vallaena nodded. "It will be difficult, but now is the time, while everyone is in one place."
    I felt my forehead wrinkle. "Difficult? House Assad and Slade just called me their king. Why wouldn't the other houses jump on the bandwagon?"
    "Some are cowardly. Others have grown slothful over the years."
    I stopped them. "Before we launch this expedition, I need advice."
    "I'd say flowers and a nice restaurant," Dad said. "You two haven't had a decent date in too long."
    I scratched my head. "What in the world are you talking about?"
    "I'm giving you advice about your love life." He shrugged. "A man's got to treat his woman every once in a while."
    "A female is not a possession," Vallaena said with a strict look. She turned to me. "He is, however, correct that flowers and an expensive restaurant will do much to make up for churlish male behavior."
    Dad laughed. "I didn't say anything about expensive—"
    I put up my hands. "Shush!" I gave them both a severe look. "My dating life is just dandy, thank you very much. I'm having issues with my demon side misbehaving."
    "Misbehaving?" Vallaena raised an eyebrow. "After my firm tutelage, you seemed very comfortable with it."
    "When I was channeling Seraphim magic to free myself from Aerianas's rock grip, it felt like I was about to lose control." I ran a hand through my hair. "I almost blasted her to ash."
    "What was the exact minute you felt that?" Dad asked.
    I thought back to my efforts. "When I blasted the scorp with Brilliance."
    "Destructive magic," Vallaena said. "Our demon sides revel in carnage. It is sometimes a war to maintain control."
    "The struggle is real." Just when I thought I'd mastered my strange heritage, something else popped up. "My demon identifies with Brilliance, the force of destruction. I almost want to say it gains strength from it."
    Vallaena touched my cheek in an almost fond gesture. "You will overcome this problem, nephew. You are my blood, my kin, and I expect no less."
    "Wow, don't get all gushy, sis." Dad gripped my shoulder. "If you manifest into demon form, you'll just have to be careful if you channel Brilliance. It sounds to me like your demon side gets a real head rush from it." He shrugged. "I wish I could tell you more, but you're kind of a weirdo."
    "He is unique." Vallaena offered me small smile.
    Guess I'm on my own trying to figure this one out. I put on a smile. "Let's get back to Daemos politics. What do I need to know?"
    "As you wish." My aunt looked around and nodded toward the female marriage ritual leader. The Daemas still seemed to be