Page 24 of The Princess and the Demon

I take in his features, his strong jaw, his sharp nose…. his lips.

He ties off the bandage before sitting back to regard me silently for a moment.

I look at the ground sheepishly, holding my hand to my chest.

Standing, he pushes his chair to the table slowly before approaching me.

His nearness makes me shiver, and I shrink into myself as he leans down, his face mere inches from mine. He sneers at me, his fangs glinting in the firelight.

“Congratulations, Princess.”

7

ELORA

Irecoil from Amon, my nostrils flaring as the scent of him permeates my senses. I wasn’t really sure what I expected, but sandalwood and leather weren’t on the list.

I investigate the amber depths of his eyes, and his gaze falters.

He backs away from me before running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Now that I was able to, I took him in.

He was tall, incredibly tall. I had to crane my neck up just to look at him.

He was densely muscled, and swirling black markings and runes cover his chest and upper arms.

I wonder what they meant, and squinted my eyes, trying to make sense of them.

Large hands ended in clawed fingers that he clenched into a fist as he turned away from me, stalking towards the fireplace.

I watch the muscles play along his back as he reaches both hands to set them against the hearth. A deep sigh escapes him, and I shake myself from the trance I was just in.

I was ogling a demon.

I look down at the bandage wrapped around my hand. He had tended to me. So, he couldn’t be all that bad.

Fidgeting with the bandage, I clear my throat as I work up the courage to speak.

“So…. what now?” I ask quietly. I look up in his direction through my lashes.

He’s quiet for a moment, likely thinking about my fate. He slumps, letting out another sigh of resignation.

“Tonight, we sleep. Tomorrow I will find a place for you.”

I frown, looking up at him then.

“But aren’t I-.”

He spins on me then, his face twisted, his fangs bared.

“Would you rather I throw you in the fires then?”

I shake my head, eyes wide.

He turns away from me again, shoving clawed fingers through his hair.

I regard the room we’re in, noticing again the single bed. “Where am I going to sleep?” I ask softly.

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