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to certain death. No.” Demise forestalled comment. “Dear boy, let me finish. It’s obvious you are the captain of the SpaceStalker , even had your Second not confirmed such from his feeble mind.”
    Angered though not surprised Demise had invaded the crew’s minds, Jace narrowed his eyes and asked, once more, “What is it you want from me? You know my crew fled a battle with the Meklens. We had no ulterior motive for landing here.”
    “True. But you possess a mind as deep and dark as our core. Tell me where you come from, what exactly you can do with your abilities. In return, I’ll order my soldiers to be easier on your companions.”
    Jace was aware that nothing he said fazed the demon lord. Whether he gave information or not, Demise would do as he wished. So how best to play his canny jailer?
    “Perhaps I could tell you a bit about Dark World,” Demise surprised him by offering. “Like for like, hmm? I’ve sensed your curiosity about our planet. I’m more than willing to share.”
    Jace gave a tentative nod.
    “You are currently on Lysst, the first moon of Dark World. This is where we harbor prisoners. I can see by your surprise that you thought you remained on the planet.” Demise shuddered—and that was something to see. “Nothing but parasites and predators live on Dark World proper. We higher beings occupy Dark World’s five moons.
    “What you’ve been most fortunate to encounter in your time here are we of the elevated fold. Demon existence. We are the members of Dark World who control the mental planes of existence. Had you been discovered by our distant brethren, the devels,” he sneered, “you would most likely be dead now.”
    “Devels?”
    “Those foul creatures maintain control over the physical realm. Whereas demons delve into the psyche, devels control the elements and baser poisons deep within our moon and planetary surface. Had Devel Keeper Krital found you, he would have frozen or burned you to a crisp before tearing you apart limb by limb.”
    Jace kept his face blank, his imagination soaring into overdrive. He should be thankful the demons had found them? Not likely. At least the devels would have provided a quick if not painless death.
    “I know what you’re thinking,” Demise said. “But the devels are a tiresome bunch. Trust me. My thirst demons you’ve met already. We have succubae, incubi, wraiths, and many more who straddle the physical and ethereal realms.” Demise paused. “I wonder, can your System possess any creatures like us at all?”
    “I’ve never met your like before.” Jace shook his head. “And hope never to meet it again.”
    Demise grinned, showcasing long, pointed white teeth that stood out prominently against his dark red lips. Though he possessed human features, his skin had a pale tint that likely never saw the light of day. The expansive black wings now tucked against his back confirmed his demonic background.
    Seeing Jace’s gaze on his wings, Demise flexed them and held up one hand. His nails lengthened into talons. “My body has a far more advanced protective system than that of any human offworlder.”
    Demise slid the long, black chitinous claws against each other, over and over again. Jace frowned, feeling something…off. But the sound kept him from thinking too hard about it. It was mesmerizing—too much so. Before Jace could add yet another layer of mental defense, Demise struck him a jarring psychic blow with the force of a whip.
    Jace did his best to resist while Demise worked to steadily chip away at his inner shields. Like tiny knives chiseling at his brain, Demise’s insidious curiosity beat at Jace’s head.
    Weakened from his time in captivity, it was no surprise Jace had faltered. Needing to stop the pain and prevent Demise from accessing his thoughts, Jace threw out a random image.
    Demise immediately stopped his assault. “The Cazeth? What do you know of them?”
    The vision of his hated enemy faded, and Jace settled