Sarvenaz raised one shapely eyebrow. He could feel her scrutiny as her eyes raked down from his sharp dorsal ridge to the tip of his tail, and then settled on his leathery red wings.
"I will make no demands upon you other than to raise your son to be respectful of Sata'anic law," Shay'tan added.
"It is Abaddon's daughter I carry," Sarvenaz jutted out her chin. "It was my husband's wish that she be born free, free from the expectations of either empire."
It was perhaps the most spirited rejection he had ever received. Although he'd expected it, he found himself curiously disappointed.
"Very well, Madam," Shay'tan said. "But if things don't turn out the way you wish, you are free to reconsider my offer."
"Thank you," Sarvenaz said. She made the Sata'anic prayer-gesture again, her finger
