Page 17 of Dancing With Demons

When we reach the front doors, I linger, turning to tell Ulstrath goodnight, but Tolmond sweeps me away, fussing over my sleep and shouting good night to the others as I’m pulled away. I can’t help but chuckle.

“You don’t have to act so threatened,” I tell him when we reach my door.

He arches a brow. “Me? Threatened.” Tolmond scoffs. “I could never be.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, okay. You might want to work on your lying skills a little more because you’re terrible at it.”

Before he can protest, I push up on my toes and do what I’ve been thinking about. Okay, I’m a little too nervous to go as far as I want to, so I kiss him on the cheek.

He stills under the brush of my lips, and when I lean back, my face flushes. His eyes widen as he looks down at me, and I giggle. And then before anything can ruin this moment, I whisper goodbye and rush away.

Slipping into my room, all I can think about is how happy I am. We’re getting closer, and I’m so giddy, I want to fall down on my bed and scream. I don’t know what’s come over me, but now that I’ve had a taste, I want more.

I get along with demons better than I ever have with humans, especially with Tolmond. I’m so grateful to him for helping me that I want to do something special for him.

So, the next morning after my lesson, I slip into the kitchen. He has some kind of social event happening in the garden, though he seemed reluctant to go, and I know he won’t be checking on me any time soon.

It gives me plenty of time to whip up some pastries for him. I’m a skilled baker, and if I ever needed my uncle in a good mood, I’d make these. They’re that good.

They look perfect, too, as I arrange them on a gold platter I found. Steeling my nerves and fixing my hair, I pick up the tray and go outside.

There are demons sprawled around one of the seated areas of the garden, and those on the left side see my first. Tolmond is the last to turn, and I’m so focused on him that I don’t notice the tail of the smallest demon–who has been glaring at Tolmond all morning when he isn’t looking–as it wraps around my ankle.

It’s too late to do anything but fall as he yanks, and I crash into the dirt, all my hardwork scattering in front of the demons.

Along with my pride.

9

Piper

Ilook up to see Tolmond’s smile fall as the other demons snicker, and I scramble up from the ground, leaving the tray and pastries behind as I try to get away before anyone else notices the tears gathering in my eyes.

My cheeks burn with humiliation. How could I be so stupid? Even in a human camp, I was worth nothing, but here, where dark elves are slaves when they ruled Protheka, how could I think I’d be anymore more than amusement, a creature to make a mockery of.

Tolmond is out of his chair before I’m on my feet again, and I hate how my heart swells at the sight. He’s coming to help me, moving to make sure I’m alright, and even though it’s sweet, I can’t bear it. I can’t bear to embarrass him further.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

My thoughts pound in time with my feet as I run from the gardens, tears streaming down my face. Tolmond made me think that I could be more. Eth’tak taught me that I am not just a human. And yet, with all their words and encouragements, I’m still a frail creature to be mistreated.

That will never change.

All I wanted was to do something nice for someone who has been caring for me. I’ve never had anyone want me around, want to take care of me, and yet, I couldn’t do one nice thing for Tolmond.

I know it’s not my fault, not really. It’s the demon that tripped me, but it makes my whole life feel like it’s crashing down around me. I’ve always been told I’m worth nothing, that I’m a screw-up, that no matter what I touch, it will go to shit.

Were they right?

Am I everything that is wrong in this world?

It only makes my sobs hit harder, and I push myself harder.

“Piper!”

Tolmond’s voice is behind me as I tear through the halls of his home. I don’t slow, and although I can hear his feet pounding behind him, I keep running as fast as I can. I just want to break down, and I feel worthless for doing that in front of Tolmond.

He’s a demon! He’s strong and powerful, and if someone tried to trip him, he’d incinerate them instead of falling.