Page 32 of Dancing With Demons
“Thank you,” I say, and he nods. Gritting my teeth, I manage to get to my feet. “Piper, let me walk you to your room.”
Her face lights up. It’s a ritual we’ve started, and I find that it soothes us both, giving us a little extra alone time together. Most of the time I’m with her, Tolmond or Eth’tak–or worse, both–are there. I’m always sharing her attention and I like getting her alone, knowing I don’t get nearly as much time with her as the other two.
“Actually.” I want to snarl as Tolmond cuts in. “Ulstrath, I need to speak to you for a moment. Piper can get back to her room by herself. I believe Eth’tak will be here soon.”
“Oh.” Her voice is so soft and innocent. “Well, I wouldn’t want to keep him waiting.” Her hazel eyes dart to me. “I’ll see you soon?”
“All you have to do is call on me, and I’ll be there.” Something about it makes my throat constrict, but I mean it. I’d drop everything for her.
“Okay. Go get some rest. I’m sorry I kicked your ass today.”
I snort. “Always too cocky.”
I expect her to turn and leave but, after a moment of hesitation, she darts toward me and wraps her arms around my waist. My breath catches in my throat as I realize she’s hugging me, and I let one of my arms trail down her back, not sure about how to embrace her, especially with Tolmond watching.
Either way, the limited contact made my heart swell, and my eyes follow after her as she detaches herself and slips into the hallways with a small wave. I’m still breathless–and not from the training–when Tolmond speaks again.
“Don’t get too attached to her.” He doesn’t sound mean or threatening. In fact, there is a hint of sadness to his sentiment.
I flick my gaze toward him. “I already told you I’m not playing games with her.”
To my surprise, there’s no snarky remark. “I believe you.” My eyes widen, and I turn more toward the soz’garoth that is staring at the closed door Piper just disappeared through. “I’m not saying that this is a part of a game. I’m just reminding you that she is the Hooded One’s.”
My mouth goes dry at the mention of King Asmodeus. I know he has plans for her. It’s not like Tolmond and Eth’tak just found some girl and are playing with her. But sometimes it’s easy to forget she’s just a mission set out by the Demon King.
I may respect Asmodeus as a leader, but that doesn’t mean I want him anywhere near Piper. I fear for what he will do to her, and the more I think about it, my gut twists with worry. I don’t even have it in me to ask Tolmond, fearing what the answer is.
So, I keep quiet, resolving to bury this worry down deep. I don’t want it to permeate my emotions for Piper lest it worry her, too. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“Good.” Tolmond strides away from me then, clearly finished with the conversation. “Go get some rest. We have a game later, and it will disappoint Piper if you’re too tired to teach her something new.”
I limp away, letting his words echo around me. He cares so much for this human that he puts up with me, worrying over how I will please her. Everything Tolmond does is for her, and I’m starting to realize that I’ve become the same way.
How many demons will Piper win over?
And how many hearts will be broken when the King steps in?
16
Piper
Days blur together. My nights are split between Eth’ak’s bed and Tolmond’s, and when I wake I spend as much time as possible with Tolmond, attempting to shape this restless energy inside of me into raw power.
It burns inside of me, passion and magic alike.
With both, I want more.
“Enough,” Tolmond barks.
His hand clasps my shoulder and the small silver flowers I’ve been trying to pluck from the strange soil wither back into dust.
“I can do more.”
“You were shaking.”
I want to curse his concern, but I keep myself in check. He’s holding me back. Giving me simple spells I suspect even a demon whelp could do. He thinks I’m shaking from effort, but it’s restraint that’s taking such a toll on me.
Grow a flower.