Page 33 of Demonic Division

I starethrough the bars of my cell, the glow of my eye casting a gentle red light onto the planes of my cheeks. Watching Dagny leave was unbearable—for reasons I still have yet to understand. It’s more than the bond with Cyprien pulling me to her. It’s a deep need. And unquenchable want. A ravenous desire.

It grows stronger by the moment and festers each second I’m forced to sit here in the damp and the dark, playing out scenarios with the little human that would have her quaking in fear. Ones that would turn to shudders of ecstasy once she gave in to that part of her that lives in the darkest parts of her soul.

I’veseenher move beneath me—have heard the cries that pour from her mouth when I claim her for the first time. But it’s not enough. I need the real thing. I need to devour my sweet little thing, piece by excruciating piece.

I reach forward, running my fingers lightly down the bars, savoring the places my sweet Dagny had touched. It’s still warm from her palms, her scent clinging to the oils ofher skin she left behind. My tongue lashes out, dragging across the cool metal as a purr builds in my chest.

So sweet. Just like I knew she’d be.

A manic laugh pierces the silence of the dungeon, and I step back from the bars as the taste of Dagny floods my senses. The thing in my chest tugs violently, begging me to break free from this prison and go to her.

As if in agreement, Nya releases a demanding mewl, drawing my attention to the little black cat in the corner of my cell. Nya hates the smell of the other demons on her, and she’s growing restless.

“I know what you want, girl. I do, too.”

Nya hisses, the hair between her shoulders sticking straight into the air like needles. I roll my eyes, banging the back of my fist against the bars. “You see this? We have to wait.”

The familiar growls low in her throat, her hornlike ears lengthening as her eyes glow bright red. I roll my eyes, retreating to the corner and taking a seat on the stone next to Nya. She allows me to run my hand over her back, though her claws rake the stone in anger.

“Soon, girl,” I promise. “Now, off you go. You know what you have to do next.”

Nya mewls, the tip of her tail flicking the air with frustration, but she still turns and slips through the bars of the cell. As she slinks off toward the stairwell, I close my eyes and rest my head back against the stone, convincing myself to be patient, that this will all be worth it in the end.

In my mind, I imagine Dagny’s eyes glowing bright like twin fog lights in the darkness, calling me home. I pretend she’s here with me now. That she wants me just as much as the monster inside me craves her, needs her.

Imagining is the only thing that eases the vicious tugging in my chest. And even then, it doesn’t do much.

Soon. Very soon.

17

Dagny

The pitchblack of the night flips to silver, casting a rectangular square of light across the stone floor. My eyes are raw and crusted, and my head throbs. I’ve been fading in and out of sleep every few minutes, and this time, I startle awake to a gentle pressure on my chest.

A large black nose inches toward my face, the thick hair around its snout twitching as the creature scents the air. Hair so dark it's practically blue covers the entirety of its body, shining beautifully in the light spilling through the window. The creature opens its mouth, showcasing a row of blunted white canines, and my scream gets caught somewhere down my throat.

Rounded ears pin flat against its skull as it leans in closer, big brown eyes wide and searching. And then I realize—it’s not a demon.It’s a fucking bear cub.

The cub whines low in its throat, pressing its cold nose against my cheek. In a haze, I reach up to its shoulders, running my fingers through the coarse fur.Am I dreaming?

The cub closes its eyes in bliss. It nuzzles its snout onthe side of my face, giving me a gentle lick. I breathe a laugh, wrapping my arms around its stocky frame and squeezing. A chuffing noise fills the air, and the bear leans down, dragging his tongue over my shoulder.

Laughter pours from my open mouth as the cub flops forward onto my chest, giving me the full weight of its tiny body. Fuzzy arms wrap around my neck—like it's giving me a hug—and my heart flutters with warmth.

All at once, an intense burning flares at the base of my shoulder, one that builds and builds until I have to bite down on my lip to hold in my cry of pain. Blood coats my mouth as I lie there for several long moments, unable to move or speak or call out for help as the fire burrows past flesh and bone and settles into my marrow.

Just as quick as it starts, it ends.

I lay my head against the furs, my forehead beaded with sweat and a deep throbbing in my core. No matter how many times I fill my lungs, I can’t catch my breath. My blood is boiling, aching for some indescribable thing, needing it more than oxygen. And all the while, the bear cub just lays there, staring at me. Focusing on the fresh brand mark glowing with its own eerie blue light.

Suddenly, the door to my room bursts open, and Lir’s voice flows into the room, caressing my skin with its velvety touch.

“Dagny…?”

My heart stutters as I whip my head toward Lir. The cub follows my line of sight, letting out a pleased chuff before it crawls into the far corner of the room, disguising itself in the shadows.

Lir takes a step into the room, blue eyes glossing over with a faraway look. “Honey? What’s wrong?” He rubs apalm across his eyes, then attempts to blink away the haze. Nostrils flare as he scents the air, and he snaps fully upright, every muscle in his body poised to pounce. “Dagny?” He whines low in his throat, eyes flickering from blue to black. “What did you do?”

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