Hazel’s mother had once told her of the very beast she was standing in front of. The namesake of Phobus’ War, the man who had started two. Well, by the time the second rolled around Hazel had already left Belladonna, but she had heard the whispers through the realm. He had murdered a Sabertooth princess to start that one; he had sparked the first war by violating a Hawthorne princess on the night of her wedding. She, if she was any other young lady, should and would have run away screaming.
But some individuals are drawn to anger and power and force.
Hazel’s eyes opened wide as Phobus stood over her, involuntarily crouching. The girl’s excited breaths came fast and heavy. “I’ll repeat my earlier question, Hazel. What’s a lass like you doing in these caves at this time? Don’t you know dangerous things lurk in the dark?” She gathered up enough of her wits to hum a reply. “I’m . . . looking for the danger, you could say.” She met Phobus’ bright crimson gaze, her own eyes flashing with desire and anticipation. “I tend to seek the danger out, not hide from it like others do.” Hazel’s last couple words were bit out as Phobus lowered his head to her audit and she felt the brush of his breath. “I can imagine exactly what type I could get into,” she sassed back lightly.

“That’s the price you’re payin’ if you want my magic!”