Page 13 of Dark Captivation

Every polished inch of this library appeared fancy and regal. That door was partially rusted over and spangled with cobwebs, like it hadn’t been disturbed in a year. What secrets were hidden behind all that steel and cobwebs.

“Okay, and just how do we go about reading books in the restricted section?” I walked over to the door, trying the lock, and just like I thought, the lock alone weighed forty pounds. A behemoth couldn’t break it.

“I’d have to request the key from the king directly. Then there’s a short 10 week waiting period.” She tilted her head to the side, as she smiled in a way that said she was eager to help. “Would you like me to make the request?”

“Thanks, Senya, but maybe I’ll find something helpful somewhere else in the library.” I copied her smile.

Ten weeks? I couldn’t wait that long. Besides, I didn’t need Malek knowing I was trying to dig up dirt on him.

“Okay, well,” her eyes cantered back in the direction we came. “The history section has plenty of historical information on demon history, including carefully curated snippets about our king and his rise to glory. The history section and archives are just a few rows back the way we came, on the right.”

Her head dipped, and she bit her lip like she wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how to say it.

“I know you’ve only just arrived, and you may be nervous being the only wolf among demons. But enjoying the love of our king is a huge blessing. Before you came along, no one thought he would find a bride. Now that you’re here, I’ve never seen him so happy. He may seem scary to some and he may be a bit rough around the edges, but at his core he is a good demon. Maybe all he needs is your patience, then he will soften up a bit.”

“Soften? I’m not sure that’s possible. I watched him rip his own demons to pieces this morning. It was like something out of a horror movie.”

“There is more to my king than meets the eye, an entire history we are forbidden to discuss.” She shook her head, dark shadows roaming over her face.

“You mean you’re not allowed to even talk about your own king’s past?” I pried.

“Well sure. But nothing before the arrival of demons on earth,” she whispered, glancing left and right, making sure we’re still alone.

“Well, now you have to tell me!” My ears pricked up as I beamed with intrigue. “If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good mystery. What happened before Malek came to earth? What was his childhood like? Was he born in the same way shifters are?”

“If you’re interested in getting lost in a good mystery, I suggest you check our mystery shelf of the fiction section. I think you’ll find it quite satisfying.” Her voice shook like a saltshaker; and was that fear I saw in the tremble of her eyes. “But please, steer your curiosity away from our king’s past, at least if you don’t want to upset him.”

A minute ago she was so bubbly and carefree and now there were half a dozen lines wrinkling her forehead. What was she hiding and why did it make her look so scared?

“If that is all, Lady Sunny, I really have to get back to sorting the new arrivals. Please let me know if you need anything else.” She curtsied and turned away, hightailing it back the way we came.

Oh, this rabbit hole went way deeper than I thought. Any details of a Demon God before he came to earth was forbidden to talk about?

My eyes flew over to the restricted section. Behind those steel bars was the very history it was forbidden for anyone to discuss.

The greatest wolf packs in the world, and the Grand High Mage herself had been trying for years to throw a wrench in Malek’s plans, and so far, none had been able to slow him down.

Malek was hiding something. Something big, and I needed to figure out what. Uncovering Malek’s past was the key to stopping the war and saving millions of lives.

Good thing for the world, Livy the champion sleuth was on the case.

CHAPTER FIVE

MALEK

Isat in my study; in the same leather recliner I’d sat in over a thousand times. But, for the first time in a decade, I was home. This palace was now home, only because ‘she’ was here. Sunny.

“It’s too bright. Can you close the blinds?” Jeffrey squawked before flying over and perching on my knee.

“You’ve got it, Pal.” I scooped up my familiar in the cup of my hands. Leaving him on my arm rest, I got up and closed the blinds, blocking out the sun.

Jeffrey, a large black raven, was now harder to see in the dim study.

“You’d better get comfy, Jeff. It’s almost the 8am guard change. I’ll be synced in for longer this time.”

Picking Jeffrey up off the arm rest, I placed him on the wooden bird stand beside the recliner. He pecked my arm lightly, trying to get my attention.

“Do you have to do this today? I don’t like it when you go in there.” He gave three flightless flaps, ruffling his glossy feathers.

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