Page 2 of Dark Captivation

They checked the train of cars that lined up, waiting to pass through the exit. The guards looked mean and uncompromising, scowling nastily as they checked the driver’s papers.

Figuring that sweet talking those demon guards a less than brilliant plan, I decided to go with a more covert approach. I stayed low, utilizing the cover of rose bushes as much as possible.

Wiping the sweat from above my brows, I crept to the vehicle at the back of the line.

It was a white SUV with a wrinkled, gray-haired old man behind the steering wheel. Looking like he was one good screw from a heart attack, he’d be the least likely to trigger extra screening or scrutiny from the cars.

I shimmied under the vibrating SUV, the smell of motor oil and exhaust tickling my nose. Grabbing hold of the bolts that held the undercover in place, and grounding my sneakers on the back axle shafts for leverage, I securely fixed myself to the machinery.

It took all the muscles I had to stay in place as the SUV began rolling up the line.

The vehicle tugged along, braking every few seconds as the guards checked the cars ahead of us one by one.

We’d finally reached the front, and the driver spoke with someone. I didn’t hear much of the conversation with the guards, but after a few minutes, the SUV drove freely, picking up speed as it seemed to go down a road.

The wind howled like wolves as we moved further from the palace. For the first time in memory, I was no one’s prisoner and freedom tasted sweet.

I could hardly believe that I’d been able to penetrate the Demon God’s defenses undetected. Me, little old Livy. I’d gotten away. I’d bested an ancient, all-powerful deity and it wasn’t even lunch time.

The car halted in a place with a flurry of voices. I crawled out from under the SUV, patted myself off and mixed into a thick crowd of people or demons, rather.

Shops and buildings resided on both sides of the road. Most of the demons appeared totally normal, like shifters in human form, as they traversed the sidewalks of the bustling shopping district.

I studied the crowd, noticing that about a third of the demons didn’t appear in human form. These demons had rough, gray, leathery skin, sharp claws and fangs. Their facial features were out of proportion, with their eyes, noses and mouths all converging in the middle of their faces.

Though they appeared monstrous, these demons dressed in jeans, sundresses, T-shirts and shorts just like shifters did. I was fascinated watching them. I had no idea that demons came in such different forms, shapes and sizes.

Every demon I passed was cloaked in the faint scent of sulfur and smoke, confirming they were spawned in the flames of the underworld.

Demons at a roadside stall on my left bartered over laptop and cellphone prices. Past that stall was one that sold brightly colored hats that were on sale. The demonesses descended on the hat shop, happy for the chance to snag the best deal.

This had to be like a Black Friday street side bazaar, I’d never seen so many people in one place.

“Out of my way. I said move it! A palace sanctioned search is underway. Clear the sidewalk.” A voice barked out, sounding very irritated.

To my horror, six palace guards shoved their way through the scattered masses. Five more guards poked their heads above the crowd on the opposite side of the street, their eyes inspecting every face they passed.

Shit. They came after me faster than I thought. I was a fool to think Malek might just let me leave.

I ducked low, using the crowd as cover and sprinted further away from the guards.

The palace guards barked their orders louder and more aggressively. Intimidated, the shoppers started scattering, diminishing my cover.

I was in an enemy territory, one that was on the verge of waging war against all non-demonic life. What would happen if Malek’s guards captured me? Obviously, I’d be taken to the Demon God, but what then?

I made a deal with Malek to get revenge on the demi-gods but that didn’t mean I was safe. He didn’t need me in order to kill Chasten, Blake and Payton.

The fact that Malek took me could only mean he needs something from me. If I were captured, would I be questioned, tortured for shifter pack secrets that could help the Demon God gain an advantage in his war plans?

“10:15 to Notley! Hurry aboard, we leave in two minutes!” A middle-aged demon male, wearing a black cap and jeans jacket stood at the open door of a big black bus. The bus driver’s gut stretched halfway to Montana, and his eyes drooped like he hadn’t slept in years.

I ran to the driver as the guards fanned out in every direction. With no money, I could only pray the driver takes me at least a couple blocks before kicking me off the bus. But with so many people combing the street, leaving the area was my only hope.

Five demons stood ahead of me in line and the driver beckoned us onto the bus with an inward wave. I dipped my head, keeping close to the redhead in front of me.

The redhead cleared the doorway, but before I could join her, the driver’s arm went up like a gate.

“A new, pretty face.” He gave two sleepy eyed blinks; his mouth opened wide enough to catch flies. “Got a ticket, Miss?”

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