Page 37 of Demonic Division (The Sundering Duet #1)

37

M

Lovely little thing. Beautiful ember of light.

My eyes sweep over Dagny’s face, lingering on her pretty pink lips still raw from my kiss. I long to do it again—to feel the spark of the bond igniting, threading our souls together. Even as the walls shake and crumble around us, all I can think about is the way she tasted. Sweet. So sweet. Just like I knew she’d be.

I pause my ascent, leaning down to place a lingering kiss on her forehead. I breathe in deeply, losing myself in her scent. As much as I want to, staying with her like this is not a luxury I can afford.

As if to prove this, a message from fate in the form of a massive fissure spreads along the ceiling, giving my cell a peek into the open silver sky. Several large chunks of stone crash to the ground as a stream of natural light filters in, showcasing the dust and debris billowing in the air. As it warms my skin with its gentle caress, my mind can’t help but linger on my time in this dungeon—the days I was forced to live like a mindless animal in this rotting pit.

Irritation rumbles in my chest as I carefully step around the debris, taking the last of the stairs to the main floor of the palace. I burst through the door and blinding light explodes in front of my eyes, spilling in through a gaping hole in the ceiling. Huge chunks of stone and rubble line the hall, growing with each blow the foundation takes, and I have to squint to see through the dust filling the air. Moving slowly, I traverse the stone maze, my wings folding over Dagny’s body, shielding her from any threats.

When I make it to the great arching doors leading to the outside, I can’t help but pause. It’s been so long since I’ve been out of this prison—too many days I’ve spent without the warmth or hope of the rising sun. No longer. Never again.

A smile spreads across my face as I push open the doors, tilting my head back as crisp, fresh air flows into my lungs. It’s a wonderful sensation, made better by the feel of the marvelous creature in my arms.

I open my eyes wide, reveling in the burn of the silver sun I missed so much. Dozens of dark figures mar the horizon, clashing and tumbling to the ground in their mighty battle. Like roaches, they flit about, lacking any sense or reason—acting only on their mindless need for bloodshed.

Cyprien’s indistinguishable roar erupts from the battlefield as the dismembered bodies of the lesser demons tumble through the air. The thought of joining them brings a vile taste to my mouth, but luckily, my participation isn’t needed just yet. I look back down at Dagny, and my smile widens. I have to take care of my new pet first.

I place Dagny gently onto the ground, then shrug my coat from my shoulders. I wrap her in the furs, holding her tight to my chest as my wings snap out to the sides, launching us into the sky of The Far Place. I zip through the air, slowing my speed when we near the Welwig on the boundary of Kaebl’s lands. My wings beat the air as I lower to the ground, causing a cloud of snow and ice to billow around us, offering additional cover from prying eyes.

Before the flurry settles, I push through the thick strands of hanging leaves, heading directly toward the base of the tree. I place her limp body onto the ground, positioning her so she rests comfortably against the trunk and out of view. Satisfied, I tug the coat tight around her shoulders, making sure all of her fragile extremities are covered with the furs.

“I’ll be back soon, little one,” I whisper, placing one last lingering kiss against her forehead. “Wait for me.”

Without looking back, I launch into the sky.