Page 64 of Demonic Division

“Only what needs to,” he murmurs, his breath sending shivers across my skin. “Let me show you.”

His hands snap down to my hips, daggerlike claws piercing my skin as he holds me in place. All at once, his face is right there, his lips crashing against mine, consuming me in a vortex of heat and fire and need and want. The air is sucked from my lungs, replaced with a powerful burn that brings tears to my eyes.

His bruising kiss is possessive and gentle all at once, and it kindles the embers flaring to life in my core. The rest of the world falls away as I lose myself to the embrace—to the feel of M's touch—to the powerful bond drawing our souls together.

My lips are numb by the time M pulls away, pressing his forehead to mine as our panting breaths mingle together. I gaze up at him through hooded lids, forgetting where I am and what I’m doing. I doubt I would be able to recall my name if someone asked—the only answer I know isM.

The walls quake with another strike, but I’m too far away to hear it. M's lips tip downward into a frown, blinking rapidly as some of the light returns to his eyes. His expression hardens, clenching his jaw as the floor continues to shudder.

He releases my hips, snaking one arm around my back while the other rests casually at his side. There’s something off about the easy smile on his face—something sinister—but I’m too far gone to realize.

“I’m so sorry for this, little one.”

I blink, not understanding. “What are you talking about?”

He doesn't answer, just raises his free hand to my forehead, pressing his thumb between my brows.

“M?”

“Forgive me, Wildfire.”

A rush of heat explodes behind my eyes, causing my vision to fracture. A scream rips from my throat as my muscles spasm, and if it were not for M's grip, I would slump to the floor from the convulsions. I try my best to fight the dark spots lining my eyes, but eventually, they consume me, leaving me in the dark. The last thing I remember is a single glowing red eye, filled with an emotion I couldn’t begin to describe. It terrifies and excites me all at once, but I don’t have the time to wonder why.

I fall into the void.

37

M

Lovely little thing.Beautiful ember of light.

My eyes sweep over Dagny’s face, lingering on her pretty pink lips still raw from my kiss. I long to do it again—to feel the spark of the bond igniting, threading our souls together. Even as the walls shake and crumble around us, all I can think about is the way she tasted.Sweet. So sweet. Just like I knew she’d be.

I pause my ascent, leaning down to place a lingering kiss on her forehead. I breathe in deeply, losing myself in her scent. As much as I want to, staying with her like this is not a luxury I can afford.

As if to prove this, a message from fate in the form of a massive fissure spreads along the ceiling, giving my cell a peek into the open silver sky. Several large chunks of stone crash to the ground as a stream of natural light filters in, showcasing the dust and debris billowing in the air. As it warms my skin with its gentle caress, my mind can’t help but linger on my time in this dungeon—the days I was forced to live like a mindless animal in this rotting pit.

Irritation rumbles in my chest as I carefully step aroundthe debris, taking the last of the stairs to the main floor of the palace. I burst through the door and blinding light explodes in front of my eyes, spilling in through a gaping hole in the ceiling. Huge chunks of stone and rubble line the hall, growing with each blow the foundation takes, and I have to squint to see through the dust filling the air. Moving slowly, I traverse the stone maze, my wings folding over Dagny’s body, shielding her from any threats.

When I make it to the great arching doors leading to the outside, I can’t help but pause. It’s been so long since I’ve been out of this prison—too many days I’ve spent without the warmth or hope of the rising sun.No longer. Never again.

A smile spreads across my face as I push open the doors, tilting my head back as crisp, fresh air flows into my lungs. It’s a wonderful sensation, made better by the feel of the marvelous creature in my arms.

I open my eyes wide, reveling in the burn of the silver sun I missed so much. Dozens of dark figures mar the horizon, clashing and tumbling to the ground in their mighty battle. Like roaches, they flit about, lacking any sense or reason—acting only on their mindless need for bloodshed.

Cyprien’s indistinguishable roar erupts from the battlefield as the dismembered bodies of the lesser demons tumble through the air. The thought of joining them brings a vile taste to my mouth, but luckily, my participation isn’t needed just yet. I look back down at Dagny, and my smile widens.I have to take care of my new pet first.

I place Dagny gently onto the ground, then shrug my coat from my shoulders. I wrap her in the furs, holding her tight to my chest as my wings snap out to the sides, launching us into the sky of The Far Place. I zip through the air, slowing my speed when we near the Welwig on the boundary of Kaebl’s lands. My wings beat the air as I lowerto the ground, causing a cloud of snow and ice to billow around us, offering additional cover from prying eyes.

Before the flurry settles, I push through the thick strands of hanging leaves, heading directly toward the base of the tree. I place her limp body onto the ground, positioning her so she rests comfortably against the trunk and out of view. Satisfied, I tug the coat tight around her shoulders, making sure all of her fragile extremities are covered with the furs.

“I’ll be back soon, little one,” I whisper, placing one last lingering kiss against her forehead. “Wait for me.”

Without looking back, I launch into the sky.

38

Kaebl

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