Lucien closed his eyes against a wave of pain. His son stood to one side and slightly behind Lilith.
“Josiah,” Annie breathed beside him.
He nodded. “We can't worry about him now. We have a job to do.”
“I know,” Annie said, but her voice sounded unsteady.
“Don't go girly on me now, Assassin. Put Annie away a little longer.” Then he called to Josiah, “Son, you don't have to do this. She has no power over you. You can leave at any time. Walk away.”
“Son?” The demon laughed in her hissing, snake-like voice. “So, you're the one? Ah yes, you do look like my little darling.” She turned and ran one long black claw down the center of Josiah's cheek. The boy did not react in any way.
“You know something,” Lucien said, feigning bravado, “You are, without a doubt, the worst mother-in-law the wo
