Page 32 of The Princess and the Demon

I risk a glance upwards, meeting his gaze and instantly regret it.

His eyes bore into mine, and my lips part slightly as something in me shifts. It looks as though his eyes darken, but they quickly return to their normal amber, and I wonder if I saw it at all.

“You’re free to come and go as you please. The castle is yours to explore. I have but two requests.”

I nod, my skin still tingling from his nearness.

“Don’t go outside at night,” Amon continues, “And don’t go near the North wing.”

His voice takes on a different edge and I can’t help my curiousness.

“What’s in the North wing?” I ask softly.

“I’ve forbidden you to go there, and that’s all you need to know.” His jaw ticks, but his gaze softens a moment later.

“Do you understand me, princess?”

I nod, worrying at my bottom lip. His eyes dip to them, and that simple action sends goosebumps breaking out along my flesh.

“Elora.” I finally say in a whisper.

Amon tilts his head to me questioningly, his eyes pulling away from my lips to meet mine again.

“Just call me Elora.” I finish.

Amon nods once and dips slightly.

“Elora.”

His voice deepens when he says my name, and it sends a shot of anticipation coiling through my belly.

“Then you may call me Amon.” He says, reaching for my hand.

I hesitate before placing my unwounded hand in his. He takes it, raising it to his lips. I watch entranced as he places a kiss against the back, his eyes never leaving mine.

He takes a step back and bows further.

“Have a wonderful night… Elora.”

All I can do is nod, not trusting myself to speak as he turns on his heel and leaves the room. His strides are long and purposeful, and once he’s out of sight I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

The back of my hand tingles, and I look down at it before fisting it into my skirt again. Turning to look at the door one more time, I decide to make my way back to my room.

I can explore in the morning.

10

ELORA

The castle was incredibly quiet save for a few bustling servants here and there. I never really saw them but caught sight of the end of a tail or an arm as they pass around corners and through doors.

Frowning, I continue my exploration, sconce in hand.

The castle walls are solid, and there are no windows except for the ones I saw in the great room and my room.

The entire place feels like a dungeon, and in a way, maybe that was what it was supposed to feel like.

I didn’t know exactly where we were, just that we weren’t on my plane anymore.

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