Page 40 of Ashes to Ashes

A mix of emotions rushed through Ashe - fear, excitement, curiosity, anger, confusion - all threatening to drown her like a rapid current towing her downstream.

It took a moment for the reminder Lily gave her to sink in.

You can be free.

“You are too unique for that world.” Leviathan said as if reading her thoughts. “Your place is by my side– the envy of all, including the lord of the realm.”

A rush of giddiness washed over her - the idea was intriguing. At home, she would be her stepmother’s daughter again. Here, it sounded as if she would be a princess.

Important.

Envied.

But I would not be home. With the sun and flowers—with my father if I ever found him.She stopped mid thought. He wasn’t her father and now she was stuck.

“Such a unique creature,” he whispered, so close to her that she could feel the heat from his breath in her ear. His voice was dark and seductive, like a melody that echoed through the caverns he called home. His hand slid up her hip, drawing circles on her bare skin, sending shivers down her spine. “You areworth so much more than mere humans can give.” His fingers danced over the curve of her waist as his eyes bore into hers with an intensity that made her heart race. “Allow me to show you.”

Ashe screamed as she was outside a second later, transported without her awareness or permission.

The realm of demons was alive with movement below them. She could somehow hear their envious whispers filling the air like a thick fog that surrounded them as Leviathan flew her over the realm she’d been trapped in.

She could feel the gazes burning into her skin like hot coals from where they stood beneath her, their envy directed so intensely at her that Ashe couldn’t ignore the warmth it brought her.

These creatures, demented as they were, paid her more mind than any would at home. She’d be a slave the way she’d been to Belial. But here?

The way their gazes followed where Leviathan carried her was intoxicating. All eyes were on her, on them.

Ashe found herself wanting to believe him that this was not merely a momentary response from the demons.

She could want this. To stay where she would be cherished, worshiped like no other. She could have everything she ever dreamed of here - power beyond measure and a life devoid of hardship or want. Yet, all she could think about was escaping back to her world, back to sunlight and freedom. She closed her eyes tightly against the temptation, feeling trapped within his web of seduction.

“Ashe,” he purred softly into her ear as they moved together back toward the ground, “stay with me.”

Each step they took matched perfectly even without looking at each other. Their bodies knew what the other needed before their minds did.

“You would want a half-breed by your side?”

His chuckle was deep. “A demon does not love by conventional human standards, but I am attracted to everything that makes you, you. This is not an offer of happily ever after as you humans call it. This is about sinful needs.”

The demon prince’s gaze was intense, burning into her soul with promises of unimaginable power and unparalleled luxury. He leaned in close to kiss her tenderly on the lips, shocking her with his words and actions.

Ashe knew she could leave this place anytime she wanted. She could be back in the human realm where life was unforgiving but free from this dangerous allurement. Yet here, she would never be just another face in the crowd like back home. She would shine brighter than any star, more radiant than any flame. An object of desire for demons and humans alike.

She could choose to stay and leave only if it proves to be more deadly than she could bear. Demon or not, she did not enjoy torture and the things it appeared demons thrived on.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she followed Leviathan, his strong presence guiding her through the twisting alleys and shadow-filled streets. The scent of sulfur and brimstone filled her nostrils, mixed with the wet heat of sweat and desire that hung thick in the air. Every glance from another demon was like a caress on her skin; their lust for her palpable, their envy directed so intensely at her that she couldn’t ignore the warmth it brought to her cheeks. These creatures, demented as they were, paid more mind to her than any would in her old life. She’d be a slave either way, but here, at least, she’d have the illusion of choice.

It shouldn’t be hard to decide, but her mind was torn with every step they took, another thought pulling her closer to this realm when she did not align with the darkness that dwelled within it.

Ashe couldn’t deny the allure this place held; she could have anything she desired: wealth beyond measure, servants at her fingertips, and influence over any demon who dared cross her path. But at what cost? To stay would mean abandoning her humanity—her very soul might be at stake—she knew it deep down. She tried to push away these thoughts as she allowed him to lead her closer to the gates of his castle where she could once again enter, could probably always have entered.

“Home is home,” she whispered at the gate.

“But does your home have a demon prince?”

She looked up at Leviathan, taking in his sharp features and the intensity in his piercing blue eyes. He was beautiful. And dangerous.

“I know what you offer here is tempting,” she began, her voice shaking just a bit. “But I can’t ignore the truth. My home has my family, friends, memories. Even if they’re not perfect, they’re still mine.”

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