Page 64 of The Princess and the Demon

Something had my mate.

This was no accident.

I had a feeling I knew exactly who was behind this.

My castle was warded to lesser save for the few in my employment.

There was only one way in, and one way out.

Balail.

I bare my teeth as the demonesses name enters my mind. I would find her, and then I would kill her…with pleasure.

“Amon…”

Elora’s voice enters my mind like a whisper, and I hold a hand to my head as dizziness assaults me.

“Help me.”

I reach out to seek purchase against the doorframe as I am briefly transported in my mind to her location.

It smells of Earth and rot. I can sense Elora’s fear, and I can sense the intention of the demon that has her. I’m granted a brief image of her curled in the corner of a room, and then it’s gone.

Stumbling slightly, I right myself before stalking out of the room and towards the gilded door in the North wing.

I stand in front of the door, the roses and vines moving in welcome to my presence. I wave a hand in front it, and the roses and vines recede.

Reaching out for the latch, I open it, walking through it smoothly.

As I pass the threshold, I grit my teeth as time tilts around me. I step through into another corridor, only this one isn’t in my home anymore.

I knew there was only one demon who had the ability to locate my mate.

I stalk down the corridor, my strides long, my hands clenched.

“Allocer!”

I bellow the name of my brother, heading in the direction of where I knew I’d find him.

“Allocer!”

I bellow again, rounding a corner into his library.

“I’m here.” Allocer responds. “No need to shout.” My brother lounges in a high-backed chair, his boots propped on an ottoman, book in hand.

He looks up as I enter, snapping the book shut. Setting it aside, he reaches up to push the frame of his rimless glasses onto this nose.

“I need your help.” I growl, pacing the floor.

Allocer tsks, standing to place his book back in its spot before leaning against the bookshelf casually.

He crosses his arms over his chest, regarding me with a smirk. “What is it this time? You know I can’t spare any men right now, so whatever you’re trying to-.”

I raise a hand to cut him off.

“This has nothing to do with your army. Something of mine has been taken and I need you to help me find her.”

I cringe when I realize my slip.

---