Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 54625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
“Yes, but… but I need you to come back here in between.”
“Why?”
“Because if you don’t, dozens of innocents will suffer,” she said, her eyes going wide and sad. “I know what I’m asking,” she added. “I know what they do. Believe me, I know. And that would be done to you. But—“
“But I can take it. But I won’t die. And your conscience will be clearer.”
“Yes.”
“Well, shit,” I said, sighing. “Let’s hope we find your sister fast then, huh?”
CHAPTER FOUR
Nox
I didn’t truly expect him to agree. I mean, it was asking a lot. To be subjected to unending torture for the pleasure of wicked gods.
But he was going to be tortured either way. At least with my plan, there was a chance to put an end to it. If we found Nemesis, it would stop. He’d be free. The humans would stop suffering too.
Of course, there was always the chance that once he was free, he would run off. But, well, I had to take that chance. I had no other choice.
I was barely holding on.
I’d hardly ever used my powers before. They hadn’t even fully manifested until this “waking up,” to use the term the demon used.
But each time I wrapped the cloak of darkness around me, it sucked energy out of me. Putting someone into a deep sleep was worse.
And because I was so desperately searching for Nemesis, I didn’t have much time to rest and recharge.
I needed help.
“Sweetness?” he asked, that smooth voice rolling like cool water over my skin. A shiver even worked its way down my spine. “The key?” he prompted.
“Right,” I agreed, nodding. I took a few steps forward, feeling warmth emanating off of him. “Why are your teeth chattering?”
“I’m cold.”
“But you’re hot.”
To that, a boyish smile tugged at his lips. “Thanks, sweetness. Always good to hear how fuckable I am.”
My face felt hot.
Because while I didn’t mean that, he was. Hot. Fuckable.
“No, like… feverish,” I said. “I can see my breath, but you’re emanating heat.”
“Right. That’s a demon thing,” he explained. “But I’m freezing.”
“Oh,” I said, stepping forward toward his outstretched arm.
Up close, the scent of him beckoned me closer. It was woodsmoke and coal and conjured up thoughts of sitting around a campfire, warming my hands, enjoying the romantic ambiance.
“Think it’s unlocked, sweetness,” the demon said, making me realize I was just standing there after turning the key.
“Right,” I agreed, going to his other arm. “Do you, uh, have a name?” I asked, glancing up at him as I stuck the key in the lock.
“Daemon.”
“Daemon,” I repeated. “Daemon the demon?” I added, lips twitching as the key turned.
“Thank fuck,” Daemon groaned as his arms fell, the life likely coming back to the limbs. “Legs?” he asked.
“Right,” I agreed, dropping down to work one free. I cast a glance up at him between ankles.
“That’s… a good…” he started, but caught himself. Before he said, what? Whatever it was supposed to be had his eyes looking all heavy-lidded and warm.
I had to force my gaze away, finishing with the locks, then moving away.
“How long do you usually have before they come looking?” Daemon asked.
“They will party through the night. Sometimes for two days straight before resting. But, for obvious reasons, I prefer to move at night. Can you help me with him?” I asked, making my way over toward the man slumped down the opposite wall.
I tried to keep my gaze on the task of removing his chains. I couldn’t let myself look at his wounds. My stomach couldn’t handle it.
“Do you think he’s going to make it?” I asked when I noticed Daemon inspecting the man’s body as he reached to lift him.
He wasn’t a small man.
Carrying him should have been a strain. On the two of us. But Daemon didn’t even wince as he cradled the man.
“Depends on how soon he can get some medical care,” Daemon said. “How far are we from a city?”
“Far. But if you can carry him through the woods, I have a car parked. I can drive him to the local fire station. Someone can get him care from there.”
“I can carry him,” he assured me as we made our way to the steps.
We were both silent as we moved away from the estate, both aware of the home full of gods, of the potential to be seen or heard.
But once we were in the thick of the woods, Daemon turned to me. “What makes you so sure that Nemesis is being held here?” he asked.
“I heard Oizys mention it once when I was sneaking around. They said something about having her bound. But I don’t know by what.”
“Magic?” Daemon suggested.
“Maybe. I just don’t know. Honestly, this is all just… new to me.”
“How is it new to you?” Daemon asked. “You’re practically immortal.”
“Fifty years isn’t that much time. I just barely outlived my father. I… I had no idea what was ‘wrong’ with me that I wasn’t aging. I’ve been to a bunch of doctors who all just tell me I’m in great health and must just have fantastic genes.