"It has nothing to do with worth, you insolent sow," he snapped. "But everything to do with finding something meaningful to do with your life. What is your meaning? I am weak, demon-infested even. These things I can accept without resentment because its the first step toward becoming something stronger. What about you--" His eyes became narrow and Maelzedek grinned.
His hand came up quickly, clasping around her neck. "Why don't I shove it up your ass!? I bet you'll love how that feels, you whore." Maelzedek sniffed her, breathing in the sand and dust and shot out a snake-like tongue that lathered across her face. It certainly wasn't Haelo's tongue. "Its so amusing, how you little ants think your so powerful with your little spells, and little incantations, and little itty bitty back talk that tries to make you seem tougher than you really are. But in the end, your flesh tears like dry leaves, and your screams are music to my ears. You make me deliciously sick, like that weak, two-faced pussy that swore to 'protect' you from me."
Maelzedek leaned in close to her ear. "I'm going to let you in on a little secret: He can't protect you from anything. If he couldn't even guard his own soul, what chance do you have, you impotent little meat bag? Now why don't you be a smart girl and take care of that necklace. And when I get out of this body, you'll be mine." His hand was no longer of the beautiful skin of the blond angel but was blackened with scales and claws that dug into Liadan's neck until they drew blood with their sharpness.
Haelo fought for control within and the struggle became evident on the demon's visage. he became panic stricken and forced to let go of his grip on her neck. Instead his hands went to his own neck trying to fight against the internal strangulation evident on a face that was belligerent for breath. Haelo took several steps back before falling to the ground and removing his hands away and the skin returning to normal.
