Page 37 of A Study of Blood and Ichor

“Then I will enjoy your company for however long that might take you.”

For as long as you will have me. His words from before echoed in my mind, and I shuddered at the memory.

“Yeah.” I scoffed. “Right.”

Vain exited the car and walked around to my door. When he opened it for me and extended his hand, I refused it and pulled myself out. That only made him grin wider.

Damn him and that smug fucking smile. Damn him for manipulating Rory’s features so well.

“Thank you, Alastair,” Vain said to the other demon before leading me toward an elevator in the middle of the garage.

“Anytime, sir.” Alastair nodded and then returned to the car.

I pressed myself into the far corner of the elevator, and the brandished gold handrail dug into my back as I avoided Vain’s gaze. He thumbed the topmost button and the elevator shot up at an alarming rate.

When the carriage stilled and the doors opened, Vain strode out without so much as a glance back at me. I stood there, frozen, my hands clamped on the cold metal bar behind me.

Once I crossed the threshold, there was no going back. This path I had chosen suddenly felt like it was more than I had originally bargained for.

“Reconsidering?” Vain called from within the next room.

I gritted my teeth and stepped into one of the most luxuriously styled penthouses I had ever seen. Nearly every surface was black, from the marble countertops flecked with gold, to the dark accent walls separating the rooms. Walking straight through the entryway led into an open concept living area decorated in opulent rugs, white couches, and modern light fixtures that hung from the high ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling windows spanned the length of the room, offering wide, unobstructed views of the city.

The city lights twinkled against the first hints of pink and indigo dawn that had started to paint the edges of the horizon in the distance. I couldn't help but to stand there in awe as I took it all in.

“You live here?”

“Were you expecting a dungeon?”

I frowned. “I don’t know what I expected.”

“This is just one of many homes I have. Though if you would prefer a dungeon, I believe my castle outside of Edinburgh might be better suited to your liking.”

“You’re insufferable,” I said.

“Glad I’m not the only one who thinks that.” A female voice sounded behind us from somewhere above.

My head snapped up toward the lofted space that overlooked the great room. Standing at the edge of the railing was a woman, around my age, shrouded in shadow.

“Who have you brought home this time?” she asked, tipping her chin at Vain.

“Play nice, Nesera,” Vain sung.

The female curled her lips and flared her nostrils. “She smells like a witch.” Nesera eased off the balcony then descended the stairs to greet us.

The closer she came, the more I could discern her features in the dim light. Her mousy brown hair brushed her shoulders, the color reminding me of Kalaei’s. But poking out from the top of her head were two small black horns. She was either a demon or a cambion, at the very least then.

Four thin white scars marred her face in contrast against her warm, golden complexion. They cut through her left brow and down across her nose. And when she set her mouth into a bemused smile, the chrome ball piercing above her cupid’s bow glinted back at me.

“You’re up early,” Vain said. “Were you worried about me?”

Nesera rolled her eyes. “The day I worry about you, is the day Gehenna freezes over.”

“Not even a little bit?”

“I knew you’d find a way to escape eventually. Even if it did take you longer than expected.” Nesera flicked her gaze to me. “I’m Nesera.”

“Ava,” I said. She didn’t offer to extend her hand in greeting, and I didn’t either. She came off a little wary, but not unkind.

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