Mona regained her composure quickly. She crossed her legs and leaned back, looking for all the world as relaxed as if she were on a summer vacation herself.  Nothing in her countenance betrayed the fact that she was ready to ask the King to help her destroy an entire race of beings.

“So, tell me, witch, what is your proposal?” Cypher asked with narrowed eyes.

Mona clucked her tongue at him. “Come now, King, let’s talk as old friends.”

“But we are not old friends, Desdemona. We aren’t any kind of friends, old or otherwise. You are here for a business transaction. Let us get to it and be done.”

Mona rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated breath. “Fine, all work and no play. You will age before your time.” She leaned forward, uncrossed her legs, and rested her elbows on her knees. “You know of the veil that the Fae cross between?”

“Yes, what of it?”

“You know that it is not the only veil that exists in this world, correct?” Mona raised a single brow, testing the honesty of the King.

Cypher answered slowly, cautiously. “I know of another veil.”

“I need that veil opened,” Mona said flatly.

Cypher sat up straighter as his eyes widened. “Why would you possibly want that veil opened? Do you understand the repercussions of such an action?”

Mona waved her hand as if to brush away his worry. “They can be controlled. I know you know this. You know how. Don’t you, wise King?”

“Flattery will not get you far with me, Desdemona.”

“Fine, no flattery, whatever. Do you know how to open the veil?” Her patience was wearing thin.

“Yes,” he answered shortly.

Mona waited for him to elaborate and when he didn’t she huffed, “Are you willing to do the trade?”

“A mate for the knowledge of how to open the veil to the underworld?” The skepticism in his voice made Mona think for a moment that he was ready to toss her out of his mountain.

“Yes,” she answered eagerly.

“Where is this mate? Who is she? What species?”

Mona chuckled. “Eager, are we? She is beautiful. Unfortunately, she is kind, so I apologize for that in advance. And I suppose I must also apologize for the fact that she is human. But I know that is not a problem for your species.”

“Human,” Cypher muttered.

He hadn’t even considered that the witch would bring a human into the mix. It was true, his species was compatible with humans, but it was a rare pairing.

“Does she know anything of the supernatural world?” he asked.

Mona knew she needed to tread carefully here, not wanting to reveal too much too soon.

“She is aware of our world,” she responded.  Mona didn’t mention the fact that the human had no clue that warlocks existed. But that was just a minordetail. No biggie.

“So she isn’t going fall apart when she meets me, right?”

“Warlock King, she will be apprehensive, but I’m sure you have charm enough to bend her to your will. Have faith in yourself, Cypher. Surely you can handle one little human.” Mona was growing tired of the conversation and wanted Cypher to hurry and accept. She would demand a blood oath from him. She wasn’t stupid; she would not simply take his word for it.

“I want the human before I open the veil,” he demanded.

Mona tapped her chin with her index finger as she thought about his request.

“Fine,” she answered briskly. “I will bring her to you in a few days. Now, of course, I require a blood oath.”

Cypher stood abruptly. Fury rolled off of him.

“You dare to ask ME, King of the warlocks, to share blood with you?” He spat out the last word as if it were dirt on his tongue.  If water had dripped on his skin in that moment it would have sizzled as the anger flushed his flesh.

Mona stood and, though she was not as tall as Cypher, nor as large in build, she refused to be intimidated.

“I am no fool, King. How am I to know that once you get the female you will follow through with your end of the bargain?”

“I do not break my word.” His words were a near growl.

“Well, forgive me if I don’t trust the word of a warlock King who’s consumed with darkness. One whose people are dwindling in number and whose magic is waning. Desperate people cannot be trusted, Cypher. And though it may loath you to think it, great King, you are desperate.” Mona’s words, though somewhat true, did not make the decision to perform a blood oath any easier.

Cypher knew all the consequences of a blood oath; if he broke the bargain, then Mona would not only have the right to punish him, she would also have the right to take two of his people and make them suffer in the In Between. That was a fate worse than death. Of course, there was a way to get out of the blood oath. If he took the witch's life he would not have to fulfill the bargain. He made his choice and before he could change his mind a knife materialized from thin air into his hand. He quickly drew a deep line across his palm. Mona smiled and it made his skin crawl. She too had a knife and cut her own palm. They grasped each other’s cut hand and Mona spoke as their blood mingled.

“On this day, I, Desdemona, last of the witches, hold you to a blood oath. The bargain is thus: I will provide a human female suitable for you to take as a mate. If it is possible to collect the stones without causing harm to myself, then I will assist you. In return for my services, you, Cypher, King of the warlocks, will open the veil to the underworld. You will give me the knowledge to control the hoard and then close the veil once they have served my purpose. Do we have a deal?”