Page 9 of The Demon's Delight
“Of course. But we should probably get your strength up. Spending another day here before moving on will help. It’s possible there will be more places like this between here and there, and other options besides, if you start to feel run-down.” He considered something as I agonized in silence, trying to find an argument against his suggestions that made sense.
I knew my body needed rest and nourishment, and I didn’t altogether hate the idea of being able to get that in this cozy place.
“Do you have gold or silver?” he asked. I was prepared to be defensive, but his question held no accusation. It was entirely logistical curiosity. “I saw you relieving the dead men of their valuables, but not exactly what you managed to take.”
“Yes, I have some coin and some jewelry.” I had a vague notion of what I’d grabbed, but I hadn’t been taking inventory.
“Good. That’s useful. Weapons?”
“Yes.”
“Mmm.”
After tossing the rag down, he came to stand in front of me, one hand outstretched. He’d walked the distance between us with it out so I wouldn’t be surprised. Off guard, I took it. I couldn’t help but notice that he even moved like a cat, all sinuous muscles and quiet power. The tail was just an added feature that lent to the overall feline impression. It was… disconcerting.
“The bath is probably cooling by now. Not the biggest tub, but I was able to heat plenty of water before you woke. This last pot should do it.” I blinked at him as he pulled me to my feet, confused both by the abrupt subject change and the idea that this handsome demon had not only prepared my meal and cleaned up after, but had also manually heated water while I slept so I could take a bath. I simply couldn’t get my brain to keep up with this information.
He reached for the massive pot held up by a rod inside the fireplace with bare hands. Without straining in the slightest, he lifted the rod out and carried it into the bathroom. I would have struggled to take even a single step without sagging under the weight. Numbly, I followed behind, a wave of emotion washing over me as the hot water poured into the tub, steam rising from the surface.
A warm bath was another luxury I’d been missing since the night I was taken.
I was disgusted to realize I was still dressed in my worn shift, complete with the bloodstains I’d accumulated before we left Ignus’s house. “I don’t have anything else to wear.”
One side of his mouth lifted, and he stepped back, gesturing toward a small stool. “The clothing selection was limited, but I think what I laid out will fit you.”
I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest, hiding as much of myself as I could. He smiled wider, holding his hands up as if in surrender.
“There were only three choices. I picked the one I thought would work best, but you’re welcome to try the others if you’d like.” He gestured to the small countertop. “I found a bit of ointment in the cabinet. It should help any lingering aches and the scorch on your neck and shoulders. I can help apply it…?”
“I can manage by myself.” The earnest expression he wore made me feel bad for my short response, but I didn’t really want anyone’s hands on me. I’d had enough of that over the last number of weeks. “Thanks anyway.”
He shrugged, the smirk on his face indicating while he might be a little bit disappointed, he didn’t regret having made the offer one bit. It was mildly infuriating how it was endearing instead of obnoxious.
Seir left the room while I stood there staring, closing the door behind himself.
I looked around, trying to make sense of my current situation.
As I stripped off my destroyed shift and slid into the blissfully hot water, I mentally listed the positives of this new set of circumstances. I nearly cried as I started washing the layers of dirt, grime, and blood from my skin with the cake of fragranced soap.
Ignus was dead. I was with a demon who had helped me escape and wanted to make the journey to Ravenglen with me.There was a soft bed, hot water and soap, clean clothes, and ample food.
I was goinghome.
My body melted into the tub, allowing tears of relief to come as I scrubbed myself clean.
Chapter 4
Seir
Iabsently listened to the gentle splashes from the other side of the bathroom door as I reorganized our supplies.
It seemed ridiculous, but I was borderline giddy at the thought of getting to make a journey on foot. I’d never had to and had been thankful for my gift far more than not, but actually getting to see a realm as a slow traveler had always held a very specific kind of awe for me.
Never mind that I’d be at the side of such an intriguing woman. Derne was an odd name, but there was little about her that seemed ordinary. I wanted nothing more than to see her at full power facing down an enemy, because if how she performed at her weakest was any indication, she was nothing short of a goddess.
Nobodytouched my blades without my permission, not even my brothers, but she’d snatched my favorite dagger from my hand and used it with such deadly precision it had made my blood sing. Part of me had hoped she’d say no when I asked if she possessed any weapons, so I had a reason to lend her one of mine. Such a thought was pure madness, but it held on with intensity.
I shifted around on my knees, trying to calm the sudden pulse between my thighs. She was hardly the first woman I’d come into contact with in recent months, but my body seemed convinced it had to prove that she might be the only one I’deverreally wanted.
