Page 43 of Cry for Help

“And you were never given the option? You’re a fallen angel, aren’t you?”

“You have a lot of questions.” He sipped his champagne but didn’t answer my question. “Murmur can’t keep a secret, which is ironic because his magic inspires anyone to speak the truth in his presence.” Malphas looked down at my hands. “Though I’m not sure his magic would work onyou. Part of our deal with the human government is to report any sightings of higher-level demons.”

“And your deal with Asmodeus?”

The music switched from a fast-paced pop hit to a more familiar song. Something my mother had listened to growing up. My muscles locked as the familiar guitar riff tugged at my chest. I remembered my mom dragging me to the middle of the living room, lifting me to the ceiling as we danced.

I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling the uneven rhythm through the fabric of my t-shirt.

It hurt.

I wanted to scream. To cry.

Malphas sensed my need for silence as he stood by my side. I didn’t tell him why the song bothered me, but he didn’t speak until the final note faded into another catchy pop song.

I didn’t like being reminded that I was broken,especially when I was surrounded by shiny demons and bubbly champagne. I lifted my glass and drained the dregs.

Chapter Eleven

Caim wasn’t at the champagne fountain, seemingly evaporating into thin air as the party gained energy.

I spotted Aimee on the couch, surrounded by people who were as well-dressed as she was. They looked like television types, and I wouldn’t have had anything to add to the conversation, so I waved by steered clear.

If Malphas wanted to dance or find some demons to start a fire with, he hid it well.

I was about to make my excuses and ask Malphas if we could wait in the car when someone slammed into my back, and the shock of a cold liquid fell down my t-shirt, soaking me in an instant. My teeth locked to hold in any sound, and I whirled on my heel to find an unfamiliar face smirking down at me. A demon. Eyes murky swirling grey, and teeth tinted with black—but not with rot.

I stepped back immediately. Every alarm bell in my body screamed to leave as fast as possible. I backed into Malphas, but before I could even sign a word, Malphas placed his hands on my upper arms and physicallyliftedme out of the way.

“Who’s this, little Raven?” The demon crooned, his cocked to the side.

“Shouldn’t you know already, Gremory?” Malphas said through gritted teeth. “Where is your master? Didn’t he invite you tohisparty?”

The only other party I knew of was Behem’s—Gremory must have worked for him.

Gremory’s hair was as grey as his eyes, slicked away fromhis face. The demon blinked and tried to crane his neck to get a better look at me. “I see many things but don’t see all of them.”

Malphas rolled his eyes. “Go back to Gluttony, Gremory.”

“But none of the gluttons are any fun anymore, Malphas.” Gremory wrinkled his nose like a child. “They just slump around. Hopped up on Sugar. It’s all so tedious.”

Sugar?

Malphas must have missed the reference because a look of pure rage built on his face until he stepped forward, jabbing a finger toward the demon.

“You said that if Stolas went to the devil on bended knee, Lucifer would forgive us despite our dissent. You lied.” Malphas kept his voice low and evil. “And now you’re in Greed, without Behem’s protection.”

“Was I not right?” Gremory held out his hands like a king, marveling over his kingdom. “You’re not dead. You’re very much alive. That is as good as forgiveness, wouldn’t you say?”

Malphas narrowed his eyes.

Gremory stared at the ceiling for too long, making the atmosphere awkward. “Beware the Eater of Worlds. The Eater of the Aos Sí. Creator of nothing, devourer of all.”

A bead of sweat rolled down my spine.

Gremory stepped to the side, right into my personal space, with one swift movement. He looked down at me. “But I haven’t seenyoubefore,” Gremory added weight to the statement, though I had no idea why being seen was so important. I’d never met the demon before.

Malphas held out his arm in a piano string movement, sliding in to form a wall with his body. His dark eyes glared at Gremory with contempt, though the other demon seemed immune to his scorn.

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