“Excuse me, real demons?” I jogged to catch up with his quick pace. “What does that mean? Real demons?”

“Did you think what you saw back there at the market was the real deal? Those are the day dwellers. They’re the nice demons, definitely not the ones you have to worry about in this place. It’s the ones who wait until the sun goes down so they can do their dirty deeds without being seen you have to worry about,” he explained. “I would prefer not to have to fight them off to keep you safe.”

“Shit,” I cursed.

“Yeah, so let’s get this done now.” He looked back at me. “Keep up, human.”

“Hilarious.”

The walk from the carriage to the cave wasn’t that far. I’d barely broken a sweat by the time we made it to the entrance. He looked at me once, and I nodded, confirming I was okay to continue. Then, we went inside.

And it was just a cave. Nothing magical happened when we walked through the entrance, though I hoped it would. I hoped the appearance was a façade, and once we entered, we would be inside a lavish mountain side resort with top amenities. We were not.

The cave was massive, dark, and smelled like onions. Metice took the lead down the short tunnel that led to the larger cavern. In the center of the space was a large pool of water that glowed and moved with circular ripples, though nothing visibly disturbed its surface. To the left of the pool were makeshift racks that held different jars and containers. Behind it was what looked like a doorway to another part of the cave we would never be able to see.

On the right, sitting in a massive clawfoot chair, was a woman. I want to say she was hideous, but I’d be a lying ass hater if I did. The woman was drop dead gorgeous. Her deep brown skin glowed with the same magic as the water. Her head slowly turned to us beneath the gilded head piece she wore and revealed eyes that glowed a soft shade of pink.

Welcoming us, she stood and towered even above Metice. Her curvy form walked over to us, breasts bouncing with each step beneath the sheer black fabric that hung draped across her body. Intricate tattoos covered every inch of her skin, some converting their form as she walked. A kitten became a tiger, and then it shifted to a lion taking up more space on her torso as the other inked depictions moved out of its way.

“Likosa,” Metice said her name.

“You actually came. I didn’t think you would.” She stopped in front of us. “Your reputation has taken some deadly hits. Rumors have it, the once great Metice is now something of a coward.”

“Just because I choose to stay out of the shitshow doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it.” He cleared up her misconception. “I gave my word. I’m here.”

“I was shocked that you reached out. Must be something really important to make you take such a risk.”

“It is,” he said simply. I expected him to look at me, but he didn’t. He remained focused on Likosa.

“I see.” She held her hand out palm up, glowing the same shade of pink as her eyes. “The bargain.”

He pulled a small bag from his pocket and handed it to her.

She opened it and took out a spider shaped herb. Likosa held the herb in front of her face, sniffed it, then licked it.

“Perfect.” She grinned. “I accept.”

“What are you going to do with that?” Metice asked as she tucked the herb back in the bag.

“I don’t believe your bargain included me answering any questions for you.” She dropped her head and glared at him through her long lashes. “Would you like to modify our terms?

“Not at all.” Metice shook his head. “So, are we good?”

“Yes.” She looked around him, finally acknowledging my presence. “This her?”

“Yes.” He stepped aside and gestured for me to move forward.

“Hmm.” She looked me up and down. “Cute.”

“How long is this going to take?” Metice asked abruptly. I pulled my eyes from the woman and looked at him. He looked almost jealous.

Is he into her? Does it bother him that she’s giving me attention?

“You in a rush?” She reached out and drew her finger across his cheek. “It’s been so long since I saw you. I’d think you want to stay awhile.”

Watching her touch him did something to me. I clenched my fists at my sides to keep from telling her to keep her hands off him. He said I had to keep my cool, and I tried, but Likosa caught it.

“Ooh.” Those pink eyes snapped to me. “Looks like your human doesn’t like when I touch you.”