Page 119 of Spit

None of the seven harbored any resentment for what Camio had done, but it seemed that didn’t ring true for the Steward of Gluttony.

Camio grinned, showing every single stained tooth. His bald head and dark circles were new. It seemed that since he had purposefully inhibited the bond, the effects of Gluttony had taken their toll on him.

“Brother?” Legion stepped forward, his fingers knitted together as he tried to project patience. “I believe you have been trying to get our attention?”

Camio snickered. “Come. Let’s talk in my office.” His eyes traveled slowly as he took in the four demons in the entranceway, pausing when they reached Arlo.

Legion could have sworn that pain twisted his jovial mask, only for a second, before a benign and welcoming grin replaced it.

Legion felt Arlo’s anger like a slow simmer. The wrath demon clenched his teeth and fists and was the first to step forward, following their betraying brother.

One by one, they allowed Camio to lead them further into the building. Legion studied everything he could, taking in the signs and the number of floors on the elevator.

Legion knew he could win if it came down to a fight, though it would be close. Camio fought dirty, and Legion was often hindered by his need to rise above and adhere to unspoken etiquette.

Legion memorized everything. He knew that one of the others could pluck the images from his head if he got left behind.

He knew that Camio intended to kill him.

When they finally reached Camio’s office on the tower's top floor, Legion noted that the Gluttony demon had named himself CEO—though the building was thoroughly abandoned.

Camio leaned on his desk, his chin in his hands as he studied his brothers like a swooning schoolgirl. He smiled before coming back to himself.

“I began to despair that you would never find me,” Camio said, pleased as punch.

“You didn’t make it easy.” Sev studied his nails. “You could have sent a note.”

Camio clicked his fingers, pointing at Sev. “You know, that’s what your little witch said. Except I think she called me a ‘fuckwad’ too.”

Trey snorted, covering his mouth.

Legion had difficulty biting back a smile as Trey’s amusement traveled down the bond.

“I am here for Alexis, Mars, and Quinn.” Legion declared.

Camio waved a hand dismissively. “I’m having them brought up shortly. After all, they were just the carrot. It was you I’m after, Legion.”

Legion's eyes flicked down to the band on his wrist; the skin on Camio’s arm had turned black. “You want to kill me,” Legion stated.

“Of course.” Camio chuckled. “The others can go free once you’re dead.” The Gluttony demon was met with four very stony glares. He sighed. “You must have known this was coming, Legion. After all, you must have felt my anger. Myhungerfor revenge.”

Legion said nothing.

Arlo stepped forward, the slight man’s chin jutted as he faced Camio and stared him down through the rims of his round glasses. “Ididn’t know,” Arlo said pointedly.

Camio’s face went blank.

“When you told me you loved me. When you held me. When you promised me eternity, I didn’t know that it came with a caveat. You would forsake our history as soon as you saw a way to kill our brother. Our lives. Our purpose… my love.” Arlo’s voice broke.

“It had to be done,” Camio said, his voice growing cold.

“It didn’t!” Arlo roared back. His skin rippled, showing how close to the edge he truly was. “You have been playing a game, making up the rules as you go along. Trying to justify that you don’t even know what you want anymore. We fell from heaven before the first man took his steps. It was so long ago that I can’t remember what Ambrosia tasted like.Death and Darkness, Camio. You have always jumped without looking, but I never expected you to be so stupid as to manufacture such a scheme.”

Camio pushed his chair back, standing. “How fucking dare you!”

“What is this about?” Arlo barked back, “Because if you wanted to kill Legion, you could have just done it.”

Camio waved his hand, brandishing his silver band. “I didn’t have this before.” He declared. “If I’d killed him before, the bond would have recoiled.Youwould have died.” He told Arlo. “If Legion wears this when he dies, you all might survive.”

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