Page 51 of Demonic Division

But what does that mean for me? My fate?

I’m scared to look at Kaebl, fearing I’ll find the answers to my questions. He said he wouldn’t hurt me, but now that he knows I’m a halfling, does that change his mind? He’s the one who wants to resurrect Abaddon—and Abaddon wants to wipe out creatures like me—so that would be a logical conclusion.

But he’s still holding me so tenderly. Still brushing his hands over my skin like I’m made of something precious. Perhaps M was wrong? Perhaps Kaebl doesn’t know of Abaddon’s true intentions—and thinks he’s doing the right thing by putting the pieces back together.

But before I get a chance to ask anything, Kaebl’s voice enters my mind, leaving no room for argument.

Get some sleep, Dagny. We have a big day tomorrow.

His wings fold around me as we lie back onto the bed of furs, Kaebl’s arms wrapped around me like a vise. And even though I don’t want it, sleep tugs at my lids only moments later. Because even if I’m in the arms of my killer, it's more comfortable than I've ever been.

29

M

I pressone of my claws into the cold stone floor, carving a deep groove into the ground as I stare at the ceiling. My mind is quiet; empty waves of thought floating aimless among the silent abyss. Every cell of my body, every piece of my soul, singularly focused on the familiar nothingness. That is, except for that one hostile piece standing out among the rest. Despite what I know, I can’t help but be drawn to it. It’s in that fractured hell that I lose myself. It’s there, and only there, where I allow myself to think of her.

Dagny.

The violent tugging in my chest ceases to quiet, so I know the little thing is alive, at least. I regret sending her out, but there was no other way. She had to see her capabilities herself. Learn of the great power thrumming in her veins.

What I did not count on was Kaebl.

I looked on through Nya’s eyes as he swooped in, playing hero to a woman who never needed one. If only he waited a moment longer, he would have seen it. He would have discovered the secrets she holds.

But instead, he ruined everything. He “saved” her before her true power could emerge, before she could understand just how special she is. He brought her to that cursed place. He bathed her.Touchedher.

I snarl at the last thought, bringing my fist down and cracking the ancient slab of stone beneath me.This was not part of the plan. Not part of the?—

I snap upright. My thoughts dashed as a familiar scent zests the air. The hair at the back of my neck stands on end, and I push my nose in the air, making sure I did not imagine it.

It’s there. A change in the breeze. A darkness in the air.

A smile slowly creeps onto my face, and I relax back onto the floor. I won’t have to wait much longer. My time in the dungeons is nearing an end—my life beginning anew. Remade. Remodeled. Reborn. I can practically feel the rumble of Slaine’s forces approaching. The hundreds of wings beating the air. The war cries filling the skies.

I laugh, realizing it matters not that Kaebl had his moment with Dagny. Tomorrow, I will have mine.

The only thing left to do is wait.

30

Dagny

In the morning,Kaebl has reverted to the heartless demon I met on my first day in The Far Place. He hardly looks at me and certainly doesn’t attempt to speak as he scoops me into his arms and flies us out of the strange labyrinth.

I would believe I imagined his tenderness if it wasn’t for the way he was holding me. It’s gentle and possessive all at once, and the rapid thrumming of his heart is practically audible. I tell myself it means nothing, that it’s just a side effect of the bonds I have with Cyprien, Lir, and Roark, but deep down, I want to believe otherwise. I want to believe Kaebl is good at his core and that the way I feel about him is justified in some way. More than anything, I want M's words to prove untrue.

As soon as we land on the ground in front of the castle, a blurred ball of shadows shoots toward us. I open my mouth to warn Kaebl, but it’s too late. The form barrels into his side, sending Kaebl and me flying through the air. His wings wrap around me, shielding me from the impact as we slam into the frozen ground.

A low wheeze escapes Kaebl’s open mouth as Cyprienclimbs on top of him, his hands clawing at his fragile wings, trying to get to me.Cyprien! Get the fuck off me!

Cyprien whines, his features flickering between man and demon. “Dagny…Dagny… I need to make sure she’s okay…”

Kaebl rolls his eyes, rearing back before smashing his forehead against Cyprien’s. The yellow-eyed demon blinks rapidly, some of the haze clearing from his vision. The flapping of wings calls my attention to the sky, and I catch Lir’s gaze, swimming with an indescribable emotion.

He lands silently, crouching next to my head, his eyes searching me for injuries. “Are you okay?”

She’sfine, Kaebl answers, shoving Cyprien off him so he can sit up. His wings unfurl, allowing me to escape his hold, and Lir immediately scoops me into his arms, nuzzling his face deep into my neck.

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