Page 70 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled

"Because she can't," Rhodes said, his voice raw. "None of us can run anymore."

Jasper's energy pulsed with hope. "Rhodes..."

"Don't." Rhodes held up a hand, stopping Jasper mid-step. "Just... don't. Not yet."

The pain in his voice made my heart crack. I knew that kind of hurt—the kind that reshapes your whole world when it finally breaks open.

"We need to talk about Scorpio," I said, desperate to give Rhodes space. "He's not done. Not by a long shot."

"Let him come," Talon growled, his eyes flashing. "I've got some new toys I've been dying to test out."

"It's not that simple," I argued. "He's different now. Stronger. The things he can do with his mind control..."

"You're stronger now too, darling." Jasper pulled me against his chest and kissed me, igniting fire along our shared bond.

Someone wolf-whistled, and by someone, I meant Talon. We ignored him, and the kiss deepened as all of Jasper’s feelings for me came through the bond. His admiration and pride, his fear for my safety, his love. A flicker of an image materialized in my mind and then vaporized all within the blink of an eye. I broke the kiss and blinked up at my demon.

"What was that?"

"It's called a whistle, Bun-Bun."

"Not that, Talon! Jasper, what was that room?" I pressed, curiously.

Energy crackled as all five demons and I gave Jasper our undivided attention. "Asrael has a secret room that's full of trapped souls. That kiss just now unlocked another memory."

Felix's brow pinched together. "Why would he have a room full of trapped souls?"

"I think it has something to do with all of the atrocities he's committed." Jasper started moving back and forth, though theconfined area limited his restless wandering. "He couldn't very well have souls of innocents running around telling spirit mages and witches what he was up to..."

"Wait," I said, holding up my hand. "What exactly do you mean by trapped souls?"

Jasper's form flickered slightly, a tell I'd learned meant he was agitated. "Asrael had this... collection. Spirits he'd literally trapped within glass bottles, preventing them from moving on or lingering. I remember seeing him do it once, but I didn't understand what I was watching at the time."

My stomach churned. "Like a spirit prison?"

"Yeah, exactly like that. Wait," Jasper's voice hardened. "All of that power… do you think he figured out how to use it to enhance his own power?"

"Fucking hell," Felix breathed, running a hand through his hair. "That's why he was so strong."

I felt Misha shift behind me, radiating protective energy. "Where is this room?"

"Below the castle," Jasper replied. "There's a hidden entrance in his private chambers."

Talon bounced on his toes, that familiar manic energy returning. "Well, what the fuck are we waiting for? Let's go ghost hunting!"

I grinned wildly at Talon, matching his energy. “Let’s fuckin’ gooo!”

Ashland's ice-blue eyes narrowed, and it was like someone had dropped a bucket of ice water on my excitement. Still, I braced myself for his hot and cold whiplash. His guard was still up. "And we're just supposed to trust you with this?"

"Yes," Jasper snapped before I could respond. "You are. Because she's my mate, and because she's probably the only one who can actually help these spirits move on."

The tension in the room thickened as Ashland and Jasper stared each other down. Finally, Ashland's shoulders dropped slightly. "Fine. But we do this carefully."

"Always so cautious, Ace," Felix teased, but there was an edge to his voice that suggested he understood the gravity of the situation.

I pulled my knife from its sheath, checking the edge. "We should go now, while the castle's still in chaos from the battle. Less chance of running into any loyal guards."

"Smart girl," Misha rumbled approvingly, making my skin tingle.