Page 44 of Magic and Mayhem

I bend my knees and prop my elbow on my knees before laying my head in my hand. “I’ve accepted my fate. It’s okay, Eryx. I release you from our deal. And I hope you find a way to beat Lucifer at his game.”

His grip tightens on my hand before he pulls me into his lap, and I reach out to trail a finger over the silver horns of his that I adore so much.

“You do not get to lie down and give up, Ev.” His fingers pinch my jaw, forcing me to look into his eyes. “You are the mate of a demon, the Daughter of Flames, and the strongest woman I know. We have a deal, and you cannot release me unlessIallow it. You cannot die unlessIallow it. My ether can reach you and will heal you, but you will fight, my love, becauseIcommand it.”

I swallow, tears burning in my eyes because I want this moment to be real so badly. And in a way, I can believe it is. Eryx has never doubted me, never called me ignorant, or said I was less than just because I’m human.

He inspired me to be more than my small mind told me I could be, and he worked tirelessly to remove the chains of doubt Master wound around me so tightly I couldn’t remember what it was like to take a full breath. But I remember now, and as I inhale, I become stronger and thepain in my limbs fades away.

Eryx flashes me his fangs and his eyes burn brighter than the sun.

“Show them who you really are, Love.”

The passion in his words makes me stare up at him. The might with which he believes in me is so great, I can feel myself gain strength because of it.

I know I can’t win against my master, but Icanfight and make him regret ever choosing me.

“Okay. I’ll fight.”

Eryx sighs with relief, hugging me close to him.

“I must go, but I will be there soon. Just hold on for me.”

“I’ll hold on forme, but you can have me as a prize when you get here.”

I sit up and press my lips to his, taking advantage of this dream and what is likely my last moment with a demon I think I could love.

Our lips part, and he holds my head close to his chest, allowing me to hear his heartbeat.

“I’ll see you soon.”

The dream fades, and I blink a few times to clear my vision. My body no longer hurts and when I examine my injuries, I find that they’re no longer there.

Was that dream real?

Pulling up my sleeve, I swear the mark on my arm is darker, as if it’s set into my skin deeper.

The door bangs open above me, but this time, I don’t flinch. I stand in the center of the room, staring at Master.

He seems confused as he approaches, but I hold my ground. So many times I have wanted to fight back and now that I can, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.

“Tomorrow night your fate will be sealed and I will rise.”

I can’t help the laugh that tumbles out of me, the power of it making my shoulders shake.

“You will never be worth anything. Power is not for little boys like you to play with. It is a mighty beast that must be won, and you’re tooweakto even hold the trophy.”

His lip curls up in disdain, but I bring forward all of the anger and hatred I’ve felt for him, so that it lines my skin as he smacks me across the face.

No pain registers, but his eyes widen as if for once, he was the one afraid. Then, he turns his back to me and throws a dress down the stairs.

“Tomorrow you will wear that and be ready when I come to get you or I will drag you through the town by your hair. I only need the blood of a virgin. The spell says nothing about you being in one piece.”

I stare at him in shock as he leaves, a few words registering for me at the last second—those final pieces falling into place.

Master thinks I’m still a virgin and Eryx…Eryx said I was his mate and the Daughter of Flames.

Heat builds in my palm, but I examine it to find nothing there. Maybe the term was rhetorical. Or maybe what Eryx said is true. I’m stronger than I’ve been led to believe.

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