“Then you will all join me.” The thing leered at Sam, like a cross between a small monkey and a goblin. “Perhaps I will make another Zhayedan, this one just using all of you, sewn together. Won’t that be cozy? Friends bonded by war, become bonded by flesh, forever.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw Adira’s arm drop. He knew where she kept her throwing knives, and he edged in front of her.

“And if I agree, then you’ll let everyone else go.”

Excitement showed on its face. “Yes, yes.”

Alex could read the sense of excited anticipation in the tiny, gnarled features. But why did it need him to agree? If it was so all-powerful, why didn’t it just smash everyone in the room, and then simply take him? It must need his consent to be able transfer its mind, its essence, or whatever it planned to force into his head. It needed a willing offering.

He looked into the tiny decrepit thing’s eyes. Its face was like a shrunken head, as it hung in the hammock-like embrace of the monstrous being that had been Eli. There was something else that didn’t add up – if it was a true immortal, then why did it need them to drop their weapons?

Because it could be hurt, he realized. And if it could be hurt, it could be killed. He half turned.

“Everyone out.”

Sam shook his head. “Not a chance, boss, we can …”

“Now!” Alex’s roar filled the room. “Take your weapons and leave.” Alex felt the ancient creature about to object. “They’ll need to fight their way home.”

Jabir ibn Hayyan eased back, sneering. “Of course, I forget that mortals break so easily.”

Alex watched his group leave, each grumbling or casting deadly glances back at the deformed creature in the giant’s arms. Adira stopped at the heavy wooden doors.

“For what you have done to Eli, I promise you, you will finally know death.”

She immediately grimaced and held her head as blood gushed from her nostrils.

“Stop it!” Alex jumped in front of Adira, holding up both hands. “Please.” Adira fell to the ground, and Sam came back to help her to her feet.

“Get her out.” Alex looked hard at Sam. “Don’t worry, I’ll see you again.”

“But will it be you?” Sam almost growled. He lifted the Mossad agent as if she weighed nothing and left the room.

Alex turned back to Jabir ibn Hayyan. The Eli monstrosity had shuffled a few steps closer. It towered above Alex, standing mute as it gently raised the twisted little being higher until it was at Alex’s eye level.

It grinned, and a small putrid tongue licked blackened lips. “We will make a fine team, Alex Hunter.” It closed its eyes and inhaled, drawing in the very essence of Alex as if it was a delicious aroma. It eased back, looking pleased.