Page 8 of Dormeo

ASH

T hree sharp knocks on my door break the peaceful silence. Rose stirs in her sleep but doesn't wake. Moving silently, I slip into the corridor, pulling the heavy door closed behind me. The dim amber glow from wall sconces barely illuminates Gaap's troubled expression.

"They're getting bolder," he says without preamble, blending into the shadows. "A coordinated attack this time. Vampires leading the charge with Fae support from the cliffs."

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms. "How many?"

"Two ships. The Kraken took care of the first wave, but..." Gaap shifts uncomfortably. "There was another vessel that went down with the others."

"Fuck." I drag a hand down my face. More lives lost because these entitled bloodsuckers can't accept consequences for their actions. "Any survivors?"

Gaap shrugs, less concerned than I am about the deaths and more worried about the hassle it will create.

"None that made it to shore. But this will cause problems. The vampires are already spreading word that we're indiscriminately killing any supernatural who comes near our borders." Gaap's tail lashes in agitation. "They're painting us as the real monsters."

"Rich, coming from creatures who treat humans like cattle." My lip curls in disgust. "How many mortals did they drain last month alone?"

"That's just it, they're claiming we tar all supernaturals with the same brush. The peaceful ones are starting to listen." Gaap lowers his voice. "There's talk of an alliance forming. Even some of the fae courts who normally stay neutral are considering taking sides."

"Take it to my father."

Gaap snorts. "Your father is... preoccupied. I've never seen him so focused on something, but he won't say what."

The sound of shuffling draws my attention to the shadows where several lesser demons lurk, drawn by Rose's presence like moths to a flame. My protective instincts surge.

"I'll speak with Lily," Gaap offers, a little too quickly. "She has contacts in the fae courts."

"Of course you will." I smirk, knowing his eagerness to consult my sister has nothing to do with politics. Of all the females, she’s the only upper-level demon here, which means she has no shortage of admirers.

While we’re distracted with this dilemma, a particularly bold demon edges closer, his forked tongue flicking out to taste the air.

“Back off,” I warn, but I see the look in his eye. He’s beyond reasoning with.

"Such power," he hisses, taking another step forward. "Surely you'll share when you're done with her? Just a taste..."

Before he can finish, my tail whips out, the pointed tip driving through his chest. He looks down in shock at where it protrudes from his heart, warm liquid dripping to the floor.

"Anyone else want a taste?" I ask pleasantly, yanking my tail free. The demon's body crumples, dissolving into ash.

The corridor clears instantly, leaving only Gaap, who watches the whole scene with mild amusement.

"Protective, aren't we?"

I wipe my tail clean on my leather trousers. "I was given a job. No one touches her."

"Mhmm. Except you." Gaap's knowing look says he doesn't believe that's my only motivation. "I'll let you know what Lily says about the fae. Try not to kill any more of the staff while I'm gone."

As he strides away, I catch movement near the ceiling, more creatures drawn to Rose's power, watching from the shadows. This babysitting assignment is becoming more complicated by the hour. And why is my father too "preoccupied" to deal with a potential supernatural uprising?

Something larger is at play here. I don’t believe in coincidences. There’s a puzzle here to be solved, I just need to figure it out before it's too late.