Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
They smile and turn unerringly to face me despite the horns that curl from where eye sockets would be if they had eyes. It doesn’t seem to matter that they can’t see in the traditional sense. They make a good production of it. “Put away the fireworks, Rusalka.”
I dampen the heat but don’t withdraw it completely. “What are you doing here?”
“Checking up on Azazel’s contracted human, of course.” Their grin turns sharp and cutting. “It was in the fine print.”
“I read the contract.” I finish stepping into the room and close the door. “But you won’t find Belladonna in my bedroom, and you certainly won’t find her wearing that dress.” It’s a filmy thing, meant to seduce, falling in sensual lines from the neck to the floor—and completely transparent.
If I wear that dress, it might give Belladonna a stroke from fighting her desire for me. No doubt there would be some nonsense about leading the others around her into sin. I’m still not sure if I want to alchemize that shame into something hot and fiery or if I want to dig it out with my claws. I can count the time I’ve spent with her in mere hours, and yet it bothers me down to my core how much she hurts for the sake of others.
Her lived experience is so different from mine. I grew up wanting for nothing—certainly not love—and willingly stepped into this leadership position. I was a full adult, more than able to assess the cost, and I judged the sacrifices I would be called to make as worthy, benefiting the lives of many. We are not the same . . .
There’s still something about her that makes it feel like she’s staring at me, holding up a warped mirror.
“Pity. It would look as stunning on her as it no doubt does on you.” Ramanu tosses the dress carelessly onto my bed. “Interesting that you’re already so protective of her.”
“Of course I am,” I snap. They’re trying to get under my skin. I know better than to engage, but Belladonna has me too on edge to play word games. “She’s fine. Ready to martyr herself to serve a territory of people she doesn’t know.”
“Hmmm.” Ramanu gives a show of examining their claws, so similar to mine. They are supposedly the product of a bargainer demon and a gargoyle, but I suspect there’s a stray succubi or incubi in their family history as well.
I shake my head, already tired of this. “Spit it out, Ramanu. You’re no fool. If you wanted to talk to Belladonna, it’s easy enough to seek her out. You’re in my bedroom for a reason.”
“Maybe I’m here to seduce you.”
I burst out laughing. It feels good, a release of the pressure that’s been building since I brought a fatalistic human into my territory. “Darling, we’ve traveled those roads before, and while you were a thoroughly enjoyable partner, I think it’s safe to say that neither of us is interested in retreading that territory.” I suspect they have someone they’re interested in for more than mere sex, and that’s not something I could give them, even if they wanted it. Which they didn’t We work better as friends. The last thing I need is Azazel thinking he has some hold over me because I’m sleeping with one of his demons.
They give a chuckle of their own. “True enough.”
“Glad we got that out of the way.” I cross my arms over my chest and let my flames fade away. “I’m listening.”
“You’re not normally so abrupt.” They perch on the edge of my bed.
“And somehow, you’re always this coy.”
They sigh. “Azazel is worried about the girl.”
“I’m aware. We spoke before the choosing.” It irks me that he’s sent his babysitter so quickly, but it’s not unexpected. Belladonna is everything Azazel feared and more. I still can’t quite believe she made the impulsive decision to bear a child for my territory. I should be elated. That theoretical child represents a safety and prosperity unlike any we’ve seen in my lifetime.
Bu it doesn’t feel right.
A week still isn’t long enough to make it feel right, but I suspect it’s as much time as I can get away with before she balks at the delay.
“So much conflict.” Ramanu waves their hand through the air as if testing currents. Due to their gargoyle parent, they can read auras, similar to how I can read desires and emotions. I was taught to shield, just like all children, but there’s no point in trying to with Ramanu. They’re here for an accurate report, after all. I have nothing to hide. “So much need.”
“Ramanu.”
“The contract states no harm may come to the human. Azazel is concerned that it won’t recognize harm in the traditional manner, because of her . . . history.”
“He’s right to be concerned.” I should watch my words, should keep my conflict to the Insomnior Court, where I know it won’t go beyond those walls. “She agreed to have a child.”