Page 24 of Ashes to Ashes

The stoic look jolted her, a reminder of the demon—not human—she’d just let fuck her. Ashe’s fingers traced over her lips, and it was only then that she realized he’d not once kissed her.

CHAPTER 13

Abellowing chime rang out, drawing Ashe’s gaze to the obsidian clock tower in the center of the realm—one that all could see no matter where they were in envy’s home.

Twelve chimes vibrated through Ashe where she lay on the cool balcony floor as the clock struck midnight. The witching hour when demons would be their most dangerous.

She knew she must get up, but the delicious soreness in her body kept her down on the ground. Even without the kiss, Ashe found it hard to worry about what would come next.

It was apparent the prince found great enjoyment in her demon facade, the kiss would come in time. Even though he did not speak, she could not unsee the darkening in his eyes from a moment ago.

“Your name,” Leviathan pushed himself up to his knees and leaned in close, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that could not be ignored. It was as if he believed the answer to his question held the key to the universe. His breath was hot on her skin, carrying a hint of peppermint and something else she couldn’t quite place. She could feel the weight of his anticipation as if he were waiting for a name that would change everything.

She leaned her head to respond to him, not even certain what name she would give when a silver gleam from just beyond the balcony’s entrance caught her eye.

Still blurry from pleasure, Ashe rubbed her eyes, trying to understand what she saw. When she opened them again, every detail was crystal clear.

Lily was there, just beyond the threshold.

Ashe’s heart stopped, her breath caught in her throat and she almost wished the floor of the balcony would open up and drop her down to her death. Guilt and fear gripped her like a vise as she locked eyes with Lily. Lily had come to free her, to take her back to the mortal realm, perhaps? But Ashe couldn’t go. She wanted to stay with Leviathan, no matter the cost.

She’d failed to do the one thing she came for, getting lost in the envious throbbing of the realm as it infiltrated her veins like a drug.

The angel, who was more like a fairy godmother, stepped forward. The silver of Lily’s wings shimmered silently as she moved towards them. The soft swish of fabric against stone echoed in Ashe’s ears like thunder, each step heavy with purpose. Her heart pounded in her chest as if trying to break free from its cage—racing wildly within her ribcage. The scent of jasmine filled the air as Lily stepped closer, mixing with the more earthy scent of the garden below.

Ashe whipped her head away as if to will the angel to disappear.

“Your name,” Leviathan repeated, his fingers finding their way under her chin to force her to look at him. “I will know the name of the female who got so completely under my skin and drove me wild with passion.”

Even without seeing the angel, Ashe knew she continued closer. She could hear Lily’s gentle footsteps drawing closer, feel the warmth emanating off of her as if she were a beacon ofhope in this dark world filled with sinister creatures. A flash of silver glinted off her robes as she neared them, the glow almost ethereal against the black stone walls and columns surrounding them.

What would Lily think of her now? How could she ever explain what she had become? Would the angel see it as a means to an end after Ashe also murdered Belial?

Her heart pounded in her chest as if trying to break free from its cage - racing wildly within her ribcage, and still the prince held her in his grasp.

A soft whimper escaped her lips as he held onto her so tightly, his grip like iron bands around her throat. She couldn’t breathe because she didn’t want this vulnerability exposed to anyone else. Ashe felt him tremble beneath her touch, his muscles tense beneath his leathery skin as he leaned down close enough that their foreheads almost touched. “Answer me,” he demanded through clenched teeth, his hot breath fanning across her cheek.

Ashe shut her eyes tightly for a moment before opening them again, looking straight ahead into nothingness—anywhere but at him or Lily who approached them unknowingly. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and she swallowed hard against a lump in her throat.

There was only one thing she could do.

Ashe tugged her face away from Leviathan’s grasp, and grabbed the torn dress, holding it against herself as if it covered any part of her in any real way.

Her legs still shook from her release, but she forced herself up and ran.

The echoing clang of silverware dropped onto fine China mixed with the soft melody of a string quartet played in the background, but Ashe barely registered it as she sprinted through the ballroom. Whispers and gasps from demons andhumans alike followed in her wake, the commotion causing a cacophony of sound that she drowned out. The scent of roasted meats and sweet desserts filled her nostrils, but she paid no mind to it as her focus remained solely on escape. Her quick footsteps echoed across the polished marble floors, a sharp contrast to the soft rustle of silk and taffeta from the ball gowns and suits of the attendees. Hands reached out for her, attempting to grab onto her torn dress, but she skillfully dodged them, her heart pounding in her chest, drowning out all other sounds.

Her feet pounded against the ground as she ran through the dark corridors of the castle, her heart racing and her mind spinning. She couldn’t believe what had just happened, even as her body still burned from his touch.

She’d come for a kiss and allowed herself to be seduced.

Tears streamed down Ashe’s face, each droplet reflecting a glimmer of moonlight as she ran through the castle corridors. The image of Lily’s gentle form approaching them was etched into her mind, haunting her with its innocence and purity. She couldn’t bear the thought of the angel seeing her like this—consumed by darkness and lust.

Ashe’s heart raced as she sprinted down the hallways, desperately trying to escape the overwhelming guilt and shame that threatened to suffocate her. But even as she ran, a nagging feeling tugged at her, telling her she was not alone. Every time she turned a corner or passed a doorway, a flicker of movement caught her eye. A shadowy figure that seemed to be following her. But when she looked closer, there was nothing there but empty halls.

The fear and paranoia only fueled Ashe’s determination to outrun whatever unseen presence was chasing her. She didn’t want to face anyone right now.

Not Leviathan, not Lily, not even herself.

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