“Proserpina, yes. We Familiar are connected by the Phantasm, which is basically a link between us and our creator, known as Lynx. When I saw you were seeing Belial, I notified him to let Proserpina know.”
I blink rapidly. It was strange how she’d shown up at such an opportune time, and now that I think about it, that voice I heard… it was definitely Mister.
I’m grateful for his intervention, so I won’t question him more about it.
“Chase said a certain snake followed acertaincat. Does that have anything to do with the Phantasm?”
He nods.“I’ve closed my link. He must’ve done it the moment I opened up to speak with Lynx. I do apologize for my oversight.”
“It’s… alright.”
For a moment, we sit in silence before I find the courage to ask, “The deal… Did you tell Kairhyse?”
I’m nervous, maybe that was why he was so angry with me even beyond me controlling him. Though, I’m convinced he’d walk out on me, not just dominate me like he did.
“No, it isn’t my place. However…”
“I need to tell him,” I finish for him. “As I expect him not to hide anything from me, I won’t do it to him.”
Leaning forward, I press my elbows into my thighs, my face sinkinginto my palms. Fire burns behind my eyes, heat rising to my skull as I grit my teeth, trying to hold every bit of emotion in.
“He’s going to walk away.”
Mister sighs.“He won’t.”
“I would…” Pain shoots down my spine, and I curl up my knees to my chest, holding myself tight. “Fuck this. I was better off alone.”
“Don’t say that.”
“It’s true. I’d have made this deal and thought no better of it. It isn’t like I’ve not abused my body before, so what is the difference now?” Blood trails down my calves as my nails bite right into the muscle. “He’s the difference. This damnAmorois different… Want to know the most fucked up part of this?”
“I know, you don’t need to say it.”
“I need to say it. If it weren’t for Kai, I’d have saved myself the suffering and just did what Tali wanted. Given her however many fucking babies she desired.”
“Then thank Proserpina herself, he found you in time.”
Pulling myself closer, a cracked sob slips through my lips as I shake my head. “You heard everything, what may happen… yet you still say that.”
“He will do it, whether you ask him to?—”
“No!” I shout, the sound ripping from my throat before I can stop it. No doubt someone heard it, Kai for sure.
“Fear is exhausting… Will you forever be looking over your shoulder?”He shifts between my feet.“It’s possible what Proserpina said about your blood could?—”
“Please stop…” Dropping my legs, I reach out and grab him under his arms to pull him into a hug. “Shut up.” His paws rest against my shoulder as I squeeze him, without applying too much force, to me. “It’s not worth it. The risk…” Rubbing my nose and tear-filled eyes against his coat, his soft purr brings me a sense of peace I’d not realized he could offer.
I’ve never held him like this, but now… I want it. Like the air I breathe, I need this companionship.
“Okay.”He nuzzles his head against my cheek before burrowing it into my neck. My knees draw all the way up, and curl us into a ball.“Demons don’t… hold onto love. It’s always temporary, even with your own kind.”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I rub my nose into his fur. My teeth chatter as I shake so violently that Mister meows, his claws pressing into my skin.
“He should’ve let me go…” I whisper, nottrulywanting that, but knowing that it’s the truth. I’ve ruined his life, just like I’ve done to Sydni.
I should stop caring. Go back to who I was beforeher—before Kairhyse. Be selfish, because I haven’t fought this hard just to lose myself. But that soft girl, the one I let die in that tomb they buried me in nearly eleven years ago… she’s stirring, clawing her way back to the surface.
“I’m so fucking weak…”
