“I call tell you are already destined for a very long life. You have been … changed somehow. Something inside you is different to other men.” The yellow eyes closed momentarily as if in ecstasy. “You will be, peeerfect.”

“Tell me something,” Alex asked.

“Of course.” Jabir ibn Hayyan sighed.

“I know who you are, but how are you, you? What are you?”

The ancient alchemist exhaled long and slow, and seemed to draw on favored memories. “I was like you – human, once. But through my studies I found that there were spells, recipes if you like, that could open doorways. There were things you could call to, and then partner with, that would keep your intellect robust, no, more than robust, magnificently expanded.” It sighed again. “But too late, I realized that while the mind was blossoming, the body was shriveling around it.”

The giant Eli moved forward a few more inches.

“There’s something inside you.” Alex tried to step back, but felt his legs rooted.

“Ye-eees.” The yellow eyes looked deep into Alex’s face. “It is what I will pass to you. The devil’s kiss, you might call it.”

Jabir ibn Hayyan was lifted higher, and Alex tugged again, then harder. He began to strain at the invisible bonds that now even encircled his arms. He felt no fear or revulsion, just a growing fury at the thing trying to overwhelm him. A storm was growing in Alex’s mind. As if sensing the conflict within him, Jabir ibn Hayyan was pulled back a few inches by the monstrous figure of Eli.

“Calm yourself, Alex Hunter, or I can have your friend here constrain you.”

“I wouldn’t try it.” Alex’s words hissed from between his teeth like steam. “You might not like the result.”

“Really? I don’t fear you, Arcadian.” It laughed cruelly. “Did you know that the Arcadians were made to fight by the Spartans? They were savages, brutes, who were treated like attack dogs by the warrior Spartans. Who do you fight and kill for now, Arcadian?” Eli lifted the yellow eyes even closer. “I have nothing to fear, as you have all been my puppets for centuries.”

“It’s not me … you need to … fear.” Alex strained even harder.

“But it is me you need to fear.” The huge figure shuffled forward, lifting Jabir ibn Hayyan higher, and then leaning him out toward Alex. The yellow eyes were glowing in their intensity, and Alex could smell the stink of breath that told of age-old corruption.

“Open your mouth, Alex Hunter.” Alex’s mind burned, not from the powers of the small being, but from the force of the Other One, caged in his mind, refusing to submit to the monster. He strained again, not against the invisible bonds that held him, but instead now trying to keep the Other at bay, long enough to give his team time to get out.