Fourteen

Sael again tried to consume whatever spell it was that was afflicting Lia via his Spell Eater ability. Not spending more time practicing with it suddenly became one of his ever growing regrets.  As in response to his efforts, Lia screamed louder and more of her flesh turned to glowing embers.  Abandoning that tactic he reached up and tried to pry the crown from her forehead only for the flimsy looking band to refuse to budge.  He felt panic creeping up, he had taken crowns by killing their owners first mostly.  Or being given them willingly as with the human crown, even if it was under duress.  "Lia, give me the crown!" He again tried to tug it off but she only screamed like a banshee in response.