Page 12 of Demon's Dark Love

"I'm sorry," he says, stepping closer. "I didn't realize how much danger I'd put you in."

I shake my head. "It's not your fault. They are looking for an excuse."

"Still," he insists, "I should have been more careful."

I put down the rag, crossing my arms. "So what do we do now? Pretend we don't know each other?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "No. We just need to be more discreet. Keep our friendship hidden."

I nod, understanding the gravity of his words.

"I'll protect you," he suddenly says, his eyes fierce. "No matter what."

A shiver runs down my spine at the intensity of his gaze. "Thank you," I whisper, the words feeling inadequate.

He steps closer, his hand brushing mine.

I squeeze his hand briefly, drawing strength from the contact.

He nods, an amused look on his face. "This isn't exactly a good start to hiding our friendship," he says, looking down at our hands in wonder.

There's heat where we are touching. I wonder if my skin feels cool to him.

He abruptly turns and leaves. I watch him go, my heart a confusing mix of hope and fear. Then I pick up the rag and get back to work, the warmth of his touch still tingling on my skin.

The damp chill of the castle's lower levels clings to my skin as I pass through the narrow corridors to the kitchens, my thoughts churning.

Whispers about a magical artifact float around like smoke, and I can't shake the feeling that it's the key to everything. They say it grants immense power, that it's the source of Bethana's tight grip on the castle.

I overhear a couple of demons in the hallway.

"You think she keeps it in her chambers?"

"Maybe. But it’s heavily guarded, wherever it is. Only Bethana knows for sure."

The idea of finding this artifact and using it to free myself—and maybe even others—takes root in my mind. Enoch's face flashes before my eyes, and I realize he's become part of this fantasy.

Later, I stumble more than walk toward my chamber, exhausted, only to find Enoch sitting in a hidden corner of the castle, his back against the cold stone wall.

The dim light from a nearby torch casts shadows across his face, highlighting the tension in his features. He doesn't notice me at first, lost in thought. The sight of his handsome, dark face creates a flutter in my chest and I am no longer tired.

"Mind if I join you?" I ask, stepping into the alcove.

He looks up, startled, then relaxes. "Of course. I was just thinking."

I sit next to him, the stone cold against my skin. "About what?"

"Nothing." He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his movements.

I lean back, letting my shoulder brush against his. "Your face looks pretty serious for nothing."

He glances at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You think you know my face, then?"

"A human has to tune into these things," I tease, nudging him gently. "Otherwise, we'd be lost."

He laughs, a sound that warms me more than the torchlight. "You have a point."

Silence falls between us, but it's a comfortable one. I study his profile, the way his eyes flicker with thoughts he's not sharing. The castle seems to hum around us, an undercurrent of magic in the air. I feel a pull, a connection between us that’s growing stronger with each passing day.

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