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Something clouded Melchom’s face, but he nodded. He was gone then. Darkness wrapped around him for a minute before he was back in his head, surrounded by the mirror maze that was such a stark contrast to Jordan’s head.

Jordan’s head is normal, right?

It’s boring. Melchom appeared behind Dove, wrapping his arms around him. Dove didn’t bother to mention that their size difference made that kind of uncomfortable. Breathing was not the most comfortable thing to do with a giant arm wrapped tightly around his chest.

Because it’s not broken into a million pieces?

Because it’s afraid to see beyond. Melchom turned him around and cupped his cheek with one hand. Dave let out a shaky breath. You wear everything on your sleeve, showcase everything. That’s brave. Courageous.

Dove snorted. It didn’t matter that he couldn’t believe the demon, though. Demons didn’t always have to be right. How can I trust in anyone’s unconditional love?

You can’t, Melchom seemed reluctant to admit. But you can be my Consort, own the power within you.

And what if you turn on me, too?

You have Gaz.

Dove balked. It wasn’t the first time Melchom hinted that Dove could use Gaz to kill him, but there was no way in Hell he would traumatize his dog like that. Ever.

He guessed he saw what Melchom was saying, though.

I don’t want to be trapped here, he whispered. In my head, I mean.

Melchom was going to say something. Something sad. Dove could tell. His eyes snapped up before he could open his mouth, though. Dove followed it to a thread that hadn’t been there.

I don’t understand.

Follow that thread, little Dove.

Okay.

CHAPTER 18

MELCHOM

It felt like an eternity crammed into minutes. Dove’s eyes started fluttering beneath his eyelids. Melchom held his breath while he saw his human come back to himself. He would’ve wanted to have a quiet moment, to let his Dove adjust to being in his body again, but Gaz had other ideas. She cried and huffed the second his Dove shifted, nuzzling every inch of skin she could find.

Easy. That was his mistake. Gaz’s growl made it clear, and Melcom grumbled in his head, Fine.

Having Dove back down here was only the first step, though. Melchom wished he could feel differently, forget everything he knew about human healing, or the pain that had been reflected at him last night. Or his own pain, the deep scars that had been built around his very heart.

It was stupid, but stupid things weren’t any less real. Melchom had learned that lesson a long time ago.

“Melchom?” Dove grumbled sleepily.

His fingers rubbed his eyes slowly, but probably more harshly than what was deemed healthy. Another day, Melchom would’ve let him, and he would’ve healed the abused flesh after. Today, he carefully slid Dove’s hands off his face.

“I’m here,” Melchom said, bringing Dove’s hands to his lips.

Master! Master, Master, Master!

Gaz started wagging her tail before his Dove had really opened his eyes, jumping around and bumping him with her snout. Melchom wanted to roll his eyes but didn’t. It wouldn’t be a good look if that was when Dove decided to take a peek.

“Good pupper,” Dove mumbled, arms blindly leaving Melchom’s loose grip and reaching for the hellhound.

It was enough for Gaz to cover his body fully, her tongue poking out to lick all over his cheeks. Melchom wanted to lash out at her, but he showed restraint. He’d have to shower Dove anyway to get rid of all the caked blood.

“Ew,” was of course Dove’s first word after his eyes opened fully, “I’m disgusting.”