Page 13 of The Demigod

I was barely holding on.

I’d hardly ever used my powers before. They hadn’t even fully manifested until this “waking up,” to use the term the demon used.

But each time I wrapped the cloak of darkness around me, it sucked energy out of me. Putting someone into a deep sleep was worse.

And because I was so desperately searching for Nemesis, I didn’t have much time to rest and recharge.

I needed help.

“Sweetness?” he asked, that smooth voice rolling like cool water over my skin. A shiver even worked its way down my spine. “The key?” he prompted.

“Right,” I agreed, nodding. I took a few steps forward, feeling warmth emanating off of him. “Why are your teeth chattering?”

“I’m cold.”

“But you’re hot.”

To that, a boyish smile tugged at his lips. “Thanks, sweetness. Always good to hear how fuckable I am.”

My face felt hot.

Because while I didn’t mean that, he was. Hot. Fuckable.

“No, like… feverish,” I said. “I can see my breath, but you’re emanating heat.”

“Right. That’s a demon thing,” he explained. “But I’m freezing.”

“Oh,” I said, stepping forward toward his outstretched arm.

Up close, the scent of him beckoned me closer. It was woodsmoke and coal and conjured up thoughts of sitting around a campfire, warming my hands, enjoying the romantic ambiance.

“Think it’s unlocked, sweetness,” the demon said, making me realize I was just standing there after turning the key.

“Right,” I agreed, going to his other arm. “Do you, uh, have a name?” I asked, glancing up at him as I stuck the key in the lock.

“Daemon.”

“Daemon,” I repeated. “Daemon the demon?” I added, lips twitching as the key turned.

“Thank fuck,” Daemon groaned as his arms fell, the life likely coming back to the limbs. “Legs?” he asked.

“Right,” I agreed, dropping down to work one free. I cast a glance up at him between ankles.

“That’s… a good…” he started, but caught himself. Before he said, what? Whatever it was supposed to be had his eyes looking all heavy-lidded and warm.

I had to force my gaze away, finishing with the locks, then moving away.

“How long do you usually have before they come looking?” Daemon asked.

“They will party through the night. Sometimes for two days straight before resting. But, for obvious reasons, I prefer to move at night. Can you help me with him?” I asked, making my way over toward the man slumped down the opposite wall.

I tried to keep my gaze on the task of removing his chains. I couldn’t let myself look at his wounds. My stomach couldn’t handle it.

“Do you think he’s going to make it?” I asked when I noticed Daemon inspecting the man’s body as he reached to lift him.

He wasn’t a small man.

Carrying him should have been a strain. On the two of us. But Daemon didn’t even wince as he cradled the man.

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