Page 20 of Dormeo

ASH

T he power coursing through my veins is impossible to ignore. Each night I spend in Rose's dreams leaves me stronger, more vital, and increasingly desperate for more. Her essence is like nothing I've ever tasted. It’s pure, potent, addictive.

And that's without taking her fully, without claiming her body in reality rather than dreams.

I pace outside my father's chambers, pride warring with need. The last thing I want is to give him the satisfaction of seeing me unravelling, but I need answers.

I shove through the heavy doors, prepared for the worst, only to find a group of lesser demons installing thick iron hooks into the stone walls.

My father stands in the centre of the room, directing the placement of what appears to be a massive bed frame. Or perhaps a cage, the ornate metalwork could serve either purpose.

"Careful with those chains." He snaps at a demon struggling with heavy black links. "They're enchanted. Do you know how hard those were to source?"

"Father.”

He barely spares me a glance. "Busy, Ash. Unless this is important?"

"Rose." The name comes out rougher than I intended. "I need to know what game you're playing.”

"Game?" He inspects a wicked-looking hook being mounted near the headboard. "No game. She's a gift for you to enjoy. I thought I made that clear."

"Nothing is ever that simple with you."

Finally, he turns to face me, amusement dancing in his flames-for-eyes. "You seem... tense, Son. Not enjoying your present?"

My tail lashes in frustration. "You know exactly what she is. What she can do. Why haven't you claimed her power for yourself?"

I don’t want to plant the idea in his head, but I need to know.

"Because I'll need you at full strength in the coming weeks." He waves the workers away, and they scurry out, leaving us alone. "The supernatural rebels are becoming problematic. I have plans to deal with them, but I'll be... busy." His gaze drifts to the cage-bed with disturbing satisfaction.

"What kind of plans?" I’m afraid to ask but have to.

"The kind you don't need to concern yourself with." He circles me slowly. "What interests me is why you're fighting this so hard. The girl practically begs for your touch. I can smell her desire from here." His lip curls. "Yet you hold back. Playing in her dreams instead of taking what's offered."

I bristle.

"She's not just some power source to be drained and discarded.”

My father turns away, distracted by his new installation.

"No." He agrees easily. "She's much more than that. But you already know that, don't you? You've tasted it. Felt how different she is."

Strangely, I’m relieved that even he recognizes her strength.

"What is she?"

He laughs. "Indulge yourself, Son, and you’ll figure it out. Take her properly. You'll need every drop of power you can get when things start moving." His expression darkens. "And they will move quickly."

Well, that sounds ominous.

"And after? When you've finished with whatever schemes you're plotting?"

"After? I don’t really care." He gestures to the implements being installed around the room. "I have my own new arrival to prepare for. The girl is yours to keep, provided you do as you're told when the time comes."

The casualness with which he offers her makes my skin crawl. "Just like that?"

"Just like that." He returns to directing the placement of chains. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have preparations to complete. Stop overthinking things, Ash. It's tedious. And not very prince-of-darkness-like."

I turn to leave, more unsettled than when I arrived.

As the door slams behind me, I can't shake the feeling that I've just been expertly maneuvered into exactly where my father wants me. The question is why?