Page 60 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"You should have listened." The words come out in a demonic growl as I release my hold on the bit of civility I have. Which, granted, isn't much. Power surges through me, making the very foundation of the building shake.

Valek's golden eyes widen. "You wouldn't dare-"

I rip every scrap of metal from the walls in a single violent burst. The pipes, nails, and fixtures swirl around us in a lethal storm. His guards, who had been looking for a way out, scramble away, but I'm focused solely on him.

His lips curl into that cultured sneer. "She's mine-"

The words cut off as I drive a nail through his hand, pinning him to the ground. His magic flares, trying to fight it, but he clearly doesn't know how to work with runes.

"Barbarian," he snarls, his eyes flashing red. "You think mere metal can-"

I silence him by wrapping wire around his throat. His braids chime as he struggles, those golden bells catching the light. "You're right. I am a barbarian. And you just made your last mistake."

His blood magic flares, trying to counter my control, but I've spent years mastering my craft. The metal responds to me like it's alive, constricting as I lift him off the ground.

"The great southern collector." I twist the metal, watching him gasp. "Always taking what isn't yours."

He tries to speak but I tighten my grip. The wire bites deep, drawing rivulets of red that stain his perfect clothes.

"This is what happens when you touch what's mine."

With a savage jerk of my hand, the metal tears through flesh and bone. His body drops to the floor as his head rolls away, those golden bells chiming one final time.

The silence that follows feels absolute. Blood pools around his corpse, seeping into the expensive carpet as his guards flee in terror.

26

MIRA

Ipress back against the wall, my heart still racing from everything that's happened. The crowd that had gathered disperses like scattered leaves, giving Karn a wide berth. His violet eyes lock onto mine, searching, assessing.

"Are you hurt?" His deep voice carries across the space between us.

I shake my head, tears welling up despite my best efforts to hold them back. "You came for me," I whisper, the words catching in my throat.

His expression softens, just slightly - the kind of subtle shift most would miss, but I've learned to read the tiny changes in his stoic face. "Of course I did." He closes the distance between us. "I'll always come for you, Mira. Always. I'd do anything for you."

The intensity in his voice makes my chest tight. Here is this powerful demon, who could snap a man in half, looking at me like I'm something precious. His rough fingers brush my cheek, surprisingly gentle for hands that bend metal daily.

"Want to go home?"

I nod, tears spilling over. The events of the day crash over me - the fear, the uncertainty, the relief. My legs feel weak.

Karn scoops me up against his chest before I can fall. One arm slides under my knees, the other supporting my back. I curl into him, breathing in the familiar scent of forge smoke and metal that clings to his clothes. His warmth seeps into my cold limbs.

He pauses only to snatch up the bag containing my things from where it had been left at the back of the auction house. The motion jostles me slightly, but his grip never falters.

I rest my head against his shoulder, finally feeling safe. The steady thrum of his heartbeat under my ear drowns out the lingering echoes of fear. He came for me. Despite everything, despite the danger, he came.

I cling to him as he skirts around the city, keeping my body covered and glaring at anyone that dares to look in my direction. I have so many questions for him, but right now, I just soak in his presence.

Karn carries me straight through the shop and up the stairs, his steps purposeful. The familiar surroundings of home wrap around me like a blanket, but I still can't stop shaking. He shoulders open the bathroom door and sets me on my feet, keeping one steadying hand on my waist.

"Let's get you cleaned up." His fingers brush the scratchy fabric of the dress they forced me into. "May I?"

I nod, unable to find my voice. The dress falls away and I wrap my arms around myself, feeling exposed in more ways than one. Karn presses a hand to the run that turns on the shower, steam filling the space between us.

"Talk to me." His voice is quiet but firm. "Why didn't you come to me instead of leaving?" His eyes track over me. "Did you know he was here, looking for you?"

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