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“Any of them.”

A moment of silence, then, “What about Mom?”

“No.” I don’t want to see anybody.

David hums. “Okay.”

“Rexton, too.”

“Who’s that?”

He doesn’t already know? I’m surprised. “A Wrath. He killed Mammon, and he did this to me.” I gesture to my head. “Don’t let him anywhere near me.”

David snorts. “When our fathers hear what he did to you, I highly doubt he’ll be breathing, let alone trying to find you.”

I wish that were true.

Chapter Twenty-One

CASSIA

IT’S TWO DAYS before I’m able to get out of bed without vomiting.

My head wound was worse than I initially thought. Demons are hard to kill, especially ones as powerful as I am. This isn’t the most severe injury I’ve faced, but it’s up there. Opening my eyes is agonizing, and the mere thought of eating has my stomach churning.

David force-feeds me soup on several occasions, most of which I can keep down. Not all of it, though. My first bite resulted in a dramatic display that ended with the need for a fresh change of sheets and a shower.

I wish I’d used this time to plan, but thinking is damn near impossible. Instead, I sleep, letting my brain heal. It’s a waste of time.

“Look who’s finally up,” David taunts as I patter into the kitchen.

He recently renovated his home, transforming it into a sterile building bathed in various shades of white. I hate it, and I give the kitchen a critical look before ripping open his fridge and pulling out the first piece of fruit I find.

“I’m starving,” I say, ignoring his snide remarks.

David hums. “I’m not surprised. Do you want your update now or later?”

“Now, I suppose.”

There’s no point in waiting. Processing information sounds beyond exhausting, but I’ve never shied away from a bit of suffering. Some might say I actively seek it out.

“Well,” David starts. “Aziel came by first, and then Silas and Mom, and then Gray, and then Aziel again. The Rexton you mentioned has made no appearance, but I’ve heard some whispers about him these last few days. The Wraths are smitten with him.”

I sink into the nearest chair. Already? It’s only been two days.

“Has there been any mention of our fight?” I ask.

“Nope, but I think it’s shitty that Aziel let Rexton whoop your ass.”

I agree. “Do any of our parents feel the same way?”

David hesitates. “It doesn’t seem so. I didn’t outright ask, but I believe they ultimately agree with Aziel’s decision not to intervene. Mom and Gray less so.”

I’m already being replaced. I thought I had more time. I thought my parents would be on my side, that they’d defend me. I thoughtsomebodywould fight for me, but that was wishful thinking. I’m alone in this. I suppose it’s better to discover that sooner rather than later.

David leans over his kitchen island, inadvertently drawing attention to his bare wrists. His bracelet has been removed. He’s no longer trapped within the Wrath and Lust borders. I’m the only one still being punished, and I eye David’s wrist before shifting my attention to my diamond-covered one.

“If I dislocate my thumb, do you think I could slide it off?” I ask.