Red Phoenix

worked out what you are, Michael,’ John said. ‘I’m not surprised he wanted you.’
    Michael gestured towards Leo. ‘Leo helped me. If it wasn’t for him, I think I’d be dead.’
    ‘You should have told me that was who you were running from,’ Leo said. ‘I would have brought you in a long time ago, son of the Tiger or not. You should hear what he has planned for me.’
    Michael glanced sharply at Leo. Leo smiled slightly and shook his head.
    ‘He has Charlie, Michael,’ I said very calmly.
    ‘Oh my God,’ Michael said.
    ‘He wants a one-on-one with Mr Chen, so that he can take his head and present it to his father. And become the second most senior demon in Hell.’
    ‘Holy shit,’ Michael said.
    ‘That’s what I said.’
    ‘If he takes your head, what will happen to you, my Lord?’ Michael asked. ‘Can he kill you? Can you even kill a Wind?’
    ‘No, you can’t,’ John said. ‘But I would revert to my True Form and be gone for a long time, leaving Simone and Emma without my protection. The demons wouldhave a chance to hold my two most loved people in the world, and through that gain control over me.’ He rubbed his hands over his face. ‘Now you see why Simone is my first human child, Emma. I always knew this could happen. You are my weakness. If they have you, then they have me, and without me to defend it all of humanity would be at their mercy.’
    ‘He will never take me alive,’ I said. ‘I’d fall on my own sword before I let that monster have me. Don’t worry about Simone; she can call a Master.’
    John dropped his head and spoke quietly to the table. ‘I want to be absolutely sure that she is able to defend herself.’
    ‘What will you do, my Lord?’ Leo said, full of despair. ‘If I were Charlie I know what I would want you to do. All of your Retainers understand the situation. We would rather die than put you or your loved ones at risk.’
    ‘And you all know that I would never leave you in a demon’s hands if I could do anything about it,’ John said. ‘You are my family. I love you all. I will fight to the end to protect you.’ He raised his head and looked me in the eyes. Suddenly it was just him and me. ‘Leo, Michael, go out. I need to speak to Lady Emma alone.’
    Leo didn’t move. ‘Don’t risk yourself. Don’t risk your loved ones. Charlie wouldn’t want this.’
    John didn’t look away from me. ‘Leo, go out and take Michael. That is an order.’
    ‘My Lord,’ Leo said hoarsely. He and Michael rose and went to the door.
    ‘Leo,’ I said.
    He stopped and turned back.
    ‘Please don’t tell Simone what’s happening. Until it’s all over. Guard her for us.’
    Leo nodded and he and Michael went out, closing the door quietly behind them.
    ‘Just go, John,’ I said. ‘I agree with your decision. We must get her back. It’s your duty as her Lord. Go.’
    ‘He wants to meet me on the top floor at Hennessy Road. I’ll have to let him in past the seals. His presence will blow every seal on the building.’
    ‘Clever. Two birds with one stone. You, and broken seals on Hennessy Road.’
    ‘And perhaps you as well if he wins, dear one.’
    ‘Never. I meant it. That thing will never get its hands on me.’ I knew what I had to do. ‘I’ll come with you, and bring Michael. Leo can stay here and guard Simone. Win or lose, we’ll have Charlie back, and Michael can escort her home.’ I tried to control my voice. ‘If you lose, I’ll end it there. You won’t have to worry about me. Charlie and Simone will be safe.’
    ‘No, Emma.’
    ‘There’s no other way. You won’t have to worry about them having me. If you lose, we can both die in peace. Simone will be safe, and that’s all that’s important.’
    He looked down at his hands and didn’t say anything for a long time.
    ‘It’s the only thing we can do, John.’
    He looked up at me and smiled. ‘No. I have a better idea.’
    I heard the quiet jingling of a wind chime and snapped open my eyes. The geometric carvings on the ceiling were picked out in gold. The fringes on the blue silk light fitting fluttered in the warm breeze.
    I sat up. There was barely room for me on the couch with all the cushions. The main colour around me was purple, with peacock blue and gold. Brilliantly blue late afternoon sky filled the large arched windows in the red stone walls. I appeared to be in some sort of Middle Eastern or Indian palace; what looked to be priceless Arabian rugs covered the