Page 110 of The Demon's Discovery
I was holding my mist, the tendrils cool as they brushed along my face. My demon was also out, eyes red and fangs in violent view.
“It’s nothing personal?—”
I roared, banging a fist on the table. “That detestable man has stolen the most precious thing in the world from me, it absolutely ispersonal.”
Henrik began to babble, his cheeks red and eyes wild. “He came to us when she was a child. Said we had some mutual ancestry from way back. Distant cousins, he said. He had money, land, titles. It would all be ours, all we had to do was keep her for him. Let her practice her science. I don’t know why. He entrusted that book to me, I was to hide it. And we were instructed to find the necklace.”
“Why?”
He shook his head. “He never said exactly, only that it was important. That we’d have anything we needed, be granted unimaginable wealth beyond the houses, the titles, everything, we just had to know where Greta, the book, and the necklace were when he returned to claim them.”
I let all that information sink in. I was betting that they had gotten lax over the years, decided to make extra money when they needed it off these sacred items, then he’d shown back up, intending to claim her as his bride, and they’d panicked.
“How did he appear to you? Always as Feiser?”
“Yes,” Henrik nodded enthusiastically. “Only ever like that. What happened today, I…” He frowned and shook his head as though still unable to comprehend what he’d seen.
“Beatrice?”
“Mr. Feland?”
“In a moment, I’ll be taking your parents to d’Arcan. They will be locked in the cellar. I cannot risk them leaving town until I get Greta back. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
I looked over my shoulder and saw the fleeting regret in her eyes quickly replaced by disappointment. Ellis was concerned only with making sure she was okay. I liked them both and understood Greta’s fondness for them much better now.
“I would also like you and your friend to join us. The pair of you, on the other hand, would be guests, but I’m sure you can understand my desire to have someone keep an eye on you. Just for now. Is there any of the staff here that I should be concerned about?”
“No, I don’t think so. None of them have any particular reason to remain loyal to my parents.” Her voice became slightly detached. “I’ve always wanted to visit d’Arcan. May I collect some things first?”
I might be a demon, but I wasn’t a monster.
Mostly.
I got the distinct impression that Beatrice was on my side. More importantly, she seemed to be on Greta’s side.
“Yes, as quickly as you can, please.”
They hurried from the room, leaving Henrik and Lara huddled together, speechless for the time being. At least he’d figured out his useless excuses were unwelcome.
I made use of several items Henrik had out for decoration as well as his treasure, lashing each their hands together at the wrist with an assortment of chains and then their bodies with my mist before leading them out to the main hall.
A butler lingered near the door, nervous when he saw me approach with his master and mistress in my grasp.
“Please summon my carriage.”
“Sir.” He bowed and ducked out the door.
“Colman!” Henrik barked. “I am the master of this house, not him. You will listen to me!”
“They are not loyal to you, Henrik. Not a one. You have failed at every single endeavor you have committed to.”
He made a noise of offense in his throat. “They are just afraid of you! Have you seen yourself? Evil incarnate. I can’t believe I ever had dealings with the likes of?—”
My fist snapped out, the large opal ring connecting with his temple. He sagged, hitting the floor like a massive sack of rotted potatoes. Lara squeaked but remained silent otherwise. She didn’t bother checking on him either, just preserved herself.
The butler came back in, eyes widening as he took in Henrik’s body on the floor. “Your carriage, sir.”
