Page 50 of Dark Captivation

“You think it’s them?” I asked and Sam slowly nodded.

“Good, I’d been waiting for them to rear their ugly heads again so I could chop them off.” I patted Sam in the small of his back and we headed out of the castle.

I didn’t think it would happen so quickly but I knew this day would come.

We went into the driveway where my jeep was parked. Sam begged me to be careful and I promised I would, I hopped into my jeep and left the palace grounds. It was kind of him to worry for me but I wasn’t the one who needed to be careful.

I picked up Paul, Logan, and Lucile, three of my most skilled warriors along the way. Once they were all inside the jeep, I briefed them on the situation and we set off for the northern territory forests.

We left the city, and trees sandwiched the narrow road. I rolled down the windows and let the scent of pine waft inside. My nose as my guide, I made a straight line for Canings Town, the only settlement up north and where the intruders were bound to be.

Their stink was hard to miss, it infected the air like a disease and drew me right to them. Their stink grew until it was almost stifling. I revved the engine as the jeep mounted a slight incline.

We were less than half a mile from the town when three enormous, black, furry beasts leapt across the road. I floored the brakes narrowly avoiding a collision that would have totaled my jeep.

The jeep screeched to a halt on the shoulder of the road, digging up dirt and stones.

My inner beast awoke, roaring with rage. Blood lust soaring his killer instincts to new heights. A furious growl broke free of me as my eyes beheld them. The three demi-gods. The men who dared hold my bride captive, dared bring her so much torment, dared call themselves her mates.

Mates. The mere utterance of that word sickened me.

Their eyes lit up a bright green as they watched me from the other side of the road. We fled the car and stared down the demi-gods.

My men rallied around me in front of the jeep, together we projected more than enough angry muscle and fury to let the demi-gods know we would fight to defend our borders, even if it meant all hell breaking loose.

“You three are not welcome here.” I grunted savagely. “You have broken the laws of my kingdom by entering without permission and murdering my men in the course of active duty.” Slicing the air with my arm, I inched closer to the beasts. “Due to the grievous nature of your crimes, you have forfeited your right to trial. As monarch and Chief Justice of Demon City, I sentence you three to death.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

LIVY

We passed a sign that read ‘Yellowbrick Community Center’, before driving down a long winding driveway. The white marble building reflected the stern sunlight, making my eyes squint as we pulled up in front of the center.

A nervous-looking demoness in a plaid skirt and black top stood by the door waiting to greet us. She was tall and slender with shoulder length brunette hair. She smiled so intensely I wondered how long before her rosy cheeks cracked.

“So s-so so good to finally meet you, Lady Sunny, Princess Ferina. I’m Margy.” She bowed her head and stammered like a broken pipe as Ferina and I exited the car.

“No need to be so nervous. We don’t bite, I assured her.” showing my palms.

“Speak for yourself. I bite plenty.” Ferina said, shooting me a playful wink.

“I’ll warn the fellas.” I whispered back at her.

“It’s always an honor to host such esteemed guests. The children in the homework room are just dying to meet you. Won’t you come with me please?” She turned, leading us past the double doors and into a chilly hallway.

“So, the idea for the homework rooms started when we saw that some of the city’s children needed help with their homework but their parents were too busy with work to help them. That’s where the community center comes in. The first room you’ll be visiting is mine, homework room number one. After that, you’ll be in homework room number two. Later in the afternoon, after they’ve had snack time, you’ll go to homework room number three.” Margy gestured for us to follow her up a staircase.

“What’s the difference between the rooms?” I asked as we climbed the floors.

“Great question.” She praised. “Well, room one is for children ages 5-6, room two is for ages 7-8 and room three has the 9-10 year olds. The homework rooms are on the third floor.”

“What’s on the first and second floors?” I asked.

“That’s right, this is your first time in the center. I should have started with a tour, but we’re already a bit behind schedule.” She laid both hands on her chest. “The first floor has a game room and administrative offices. The second floor has a sports room, lounges and free rooms people can use to book anything they like. Today we have a German class in room 14, an anxiety workshop in room 15 and a pottery class in room 12. And a few other classes and workshops spread out across all floors.”

“Oooh, pottery. Sign me up for the next one!” Ferina’s hand jumped up.

“We’re always pleased to host you, Princess.” She chirped.

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