Page 8 of The Demon's Delight
“I’d rather not go back just yet, if it’s all the same to you. Your initial request included something about getting back to youraunt? But if you insist, I’m sure some charcoal or ashes would work fine.” He seemed… sad.
He’d been helpful. Kind. There was probably no harm in letting him stay a bit longer.
“Where are we?”
“A way-house in the woods outside of Olinbourg. Nobody’s been here in months if I had to guess. We’ll be safe enough until I figure out why my wings don’t work.” The powerful muscles in his forearms rolled as he dried his hands on a towel.
“Who keeps a cabin like this but doesn’t live in it?” I frowned, genuinely perplexed.
The demon shrugged. “There are many organizations that could have this kind of safe house set up. As long as we’re not greedy, they won’t mind us using it.”
I nodded, rolling my shoulders to relieve the tension that had crept in.
“Why were you chained to the bed? Aside from you being dangerous, I mean. I saw that part for myself.” He was smiling again, a gleam in his eye.
“Someone kidnapped me while I was in the forest gathering plants one day. I was sold to Ignus. I was his prisoner.” The thought of home made my heart ache.
The demon’s jaw tightened, the mirth fading instantly from his eyes. “Which man was he? The big one?” he guessed.
“Yes.” I chose my words carefully, inclined to trust this man but wary because he was still both a demon and a stranger, no matter what had happened at the house. To his credit, he’d come back to help me and had done so without asking for any kind of payment or trade.
“For what purpose was he keeping you?” His rage was barely concealed, and I understood all too well what logical leap he had made. Thankfully, it was not correct.
“I have a healing ability.”
“Mmm. Yes, you used it on me. Thank you for that.” He crossed his arms, head tilted to the side. “And that was all? The way of men leaves me concerned their motives were not so simple.” This was the colder version of him that had ordered them to release me. His eyes flashed red over the gold, and I suppressed a shiver.
“They were not kind, but they did not take advantage of me in that way.”
The hardness in his expression was replaced by relief once he decided I was being truthful. “Where are your people?”
“The north mountains. Ravenglen.”
“That’s a long journey without sifting, portals, or wings.” He glanced at the pile of supplies, rubbing thoughtfully at his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You’ll need to recover some before we attempt to make such a trip.”
“I’m fine,” I argued, face flushing hot in frustration. Feeling weak was my least favorite thing in the world, and I’d been stuck that way for months. “And while I genuinely appreciate what you’ve done for me thus far, there doesn’t need to be a ‘we,’” I said, still unsure if I could trust him. Besides that, my pride was wounded. I’d been humbled beyond recognition by my recent captivity. “I’m capable of making my own way home. Surely there’s a horse or some other means of transportation to be found nearby.”
“You need plenty more food and rest,” he argued gently. “And I really wouldn’t mind accompanying you. I might not be able to fly right now, but I could carry you.” He grinned. “And I’d be happy to, for the record. It will take us a little bit longer that way, but at least you wouldn’t have to spend your money on a horse.”
I frowned, noting he was being serious. “That’s completely unnecessary. I can walk just fine.” I studied his face, finding amix of emotions that confused me. “You really want to come with me? Why?”
He nodded enthusiastically. “I’m a traveling demon, it’s what I do. And I’ve never been summoned before, so I’d really like to do a good job of it.”
“I see.” I wasn’t sure I actually did, but there was nothing normal about this situation and I was truly exhausted.
He saw me hesitating and held up his hands. “You could always banish me when you no longer want my company, or if you decide I’ve served my purpose.” His eyes rounded, hopeful.
I wasn’t weak by any means, but I wasn’t daft either. A woman traveling alone was a target for plenty of terrible things. He was clearly a good fighter and seemed kind enough.
“Is there a contract I need to sign in blood or something? Promise my firstborn, all that?”
“Not unless you want there to be.” He looked confused by my suggestions. “The summoner contract doesn’t require that. You called, I responded. The few drops of blood you left as an offering were more than adequate. Unless, of course, you’d rather have a paper contract?”
I shook my head. “No, that’s not necessary.”
“Good!” He clapped his hands together, positively beaming. “Do you have any conditions?”
“I want to leave as soon as possible.”
