Page 50 of Demon Apathy: Sunderverse

“This is messed up, Drevan.” I threw my hands up in the air. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Yes, you can.”

I shook my head.

“It’s a damn thing.” Drevan sighed. “By redeeming you, we stole your confidence, which, let me tell you, has nothing to do with pride. You have a right to be confident. You’re smart, strong, and talented beyond your years.”

Was he serious? Who was he describing?

“Yes, I’m talking about you,” he said as if reading my mind. “You know I’m right. Since the day you saved Jenna, you’ve been doubting yourself at every turn.”

I couldn’t argue with that. It was true. “Can you blame me? How can I be sure I won’t fall into the same trap again?”

“The fact that you’re asking the question is proof enough you won’t.”

“That’s not…”

Drevan reached over and did what I had wanted to do for him earlier. He took my hand. “I promise you, there’s nothing to worry about. A little doubt will do to keep you in check, but don’t overdo it.”

“Easy for you to say.” I watched as his thumb made circles over the back of my hand.

His touch made every cell in my body come alive. As always, heat spread all over me, making me crave so much more. Our eyes met and held. He seemed to explore the depths of my soul as I tried to do the same, though I was sure he was having more success than me. He was an enigma that I was dying to decipher, but I was sure I would take all my questions to the grave.

Feeling unbalanced and at a steep disadvantage, I pulled my hand away and broke eye contact. “What then? What’s the plan for Solar?”

Slowly caressing the surface of the table, he dragged his hand back. The withdrawal felt like a farewell to my aching heart, even though it was nothing like that. I just wanted him near me so badly, and at the same time, I couldn’t stand his closeness without aching for more.

“Yes, what’s the plan for Solar?” Drevan mused. “I’ve been watching him. One good thing to come out of this is that he has returned home to his mother. Not permanently, mind you, but just the fact that they’re talking is something.”

“Okay.” I nodded, attempting to get my head in the game.

“I was hoping he would call you for help, but I think we’ll have to… encourage him a little.”

“How?”

“Well, I have a battalion of demons at my disposal, something only a demon hunter can deal with. Maybe I’ll have a couple of them give him another scare.”

I considered for a moment, then shook my head. “No, we’ve already done that, and it sounds like he’s somewhat fearful for his sister, but…” I hesitated.

“But what…?” Drevan made a continue motion with his hand, encouraging me to go on.

“I guess maybe we should appeal to something other than his fear.”

“Like what? You’re the human expert here. What do you think would help?”

“I have sisters and a brother. If they went missing, I would like to know that they’re all right. I would probably think about all the stupid, annoying shit I miss about them, because… because I love them.”

The way Drevan looked at me at that moment was hard to describe. There seemed to be a kind of longing in his expression, as well as something like pride.

I swallowed thickly and went on. “Maybe we let Lunar talk to him. Proof of life, you know?”

“Yeah, good idea. Very good idea. That should stir his feelings of responsibility for her.”

“And maybe, I don’t know… Lunar could mention that she thinks demons are involved in her kidnapping.”

“Which would prompt him to call you.” Drevan nodded in appreciation, then suddenly clapped his hands and said, “No time like the present.”

Smiling, he laid a hand on mine, and we were gone from Hades.