Page 29 of Demonic Division (The Sundering Duet #1)

29

M

I press one of my claws into the cold stone floor, carving a deep groove into the ground as I stare at the ceiling. My mind is quiet; empty waves of thought floating aimless among the silent abyss. Every cell of my body, every piece of my soul, singularly focused on the familiar nothingness. That is, except for that one hostile piece standing out among the rest. Despite what I know, I can’t help but be drawn to it. It’s in that fractured hell that I lose myself. It’s there, and only there, where I allow myself to think of her.

Dagny.

The violent tugging in my chest ceases to quiet, so I know the little thing is alive, at least. I regret sending her out, but there was no other way. She had to see her capabilities herself. Learn of the great power thrumming in her veins.

What I did not count on was Kaebl.

I looked on through Nya’s eyes as he swooped in, playing hero to a woman who never needed one. If only he waited a moment longer, he would have seen it. He would have discovered the secrets she holds .

But instead, he ruined everything. He “saved” her before her true power could emerge, before she could understand just how special she is. He brought her to that cursed place. He bathed her. Touched her.

I snarl at the last thought, bringing my fist down and cracking the ancient slab of stone beneath me. This was not part of the plan. Not part of the ? —

I snap upright. My thoughts dashed as a familiar scent zests the air. The hair at the back of my neck stands on end, and I push my nose in the air, making sure I did not imagine it.

It’s there. A change in the breeze. A darkness in the air.

A smile slowly creeps onto my face, and I relax back onto the floor. I won’t have to wait much longer. My time in the dungeons is nearing an end—my life beginning anew. Remade. Remodeled. Reborn. I can practically feel the rumble of Slaine’s forces approaching. The hundreds of wings beating the air. The war cries filling the skies.

I laugh, realizing it matters not that Kaebl had his moment with Dagny. Tomorrow, I will have mine.

The only thing left to do is wait.