I nod softly, feeling heat building behind my eyes and my temples pulsing. I wish some Divine being would come down and save us. I’d never worship a God, or even their enemies, but I’d fall to my knees for one if it meant saving us both from this fate.
“And little demon?”
I hyperfocus on his gaze. “Yes?”
“Remember, in the end, you’ll never be rid of me. Not in this life, not in death, and not in whatever else there may be.” His touch is soothing against my temple as it travels back through my hair. “You’re mine, from the moment our eyes met and until nothing remains of us. You understand that, don’t you?”
“I do.” There’s no hesitation in my answer. “I’m sorry for not realizing it sooner.”
He pulls me into a kiss, one full of longing and a fierce sense of possession. I’m his, and now it’s time for us to kill those who would try to take me from him.
Chapter 55
Kairhyse
Kayn is the only one not staring. I have no idea why everyone else’s attention is fixed on me—maybe because Xera stepped away with Mister to discuss something in private. It can’t be what I’m wearing, but I guess I look the most casual: dark jeans with a black T-shirt.
It’s strange, although I can see the two of them clearly on the other side of this dimly lit parking lot, I can’t hear a word they’re saying.
Alaric clears his throat, stepping toward me. We haven’t interacted since he and my little demon went to the Beyond. Truthfully, I could go the rest of my existence without it. But after talking with her about everything that happened, I can’t say I really hate the guy. He’s being used—not as much as Xera, but enough that I can’t help but feel a sliver of sympathy.
“She alright?”
Turning from him, I shift my gaze to my girl—knelt in front of Mister. She’s clad in black jeans and a matching long-sleeve spandex bodysuit, the fabric hugging every lethal, beautiful curve. In this moment, she looks nothing less than an assassin.
Her Familiar is sitting, his tail wagging back and forth.
“Do you actually—” I cut myself off and shake my head. He does care, in some way. There’s no point in asking a stupid question, one that will only lead us into an argument. “Yes and no. It’s complicated, just like she is.”
“She’s probably the most complex being I’ve ever met.” He releases a heavy, regretful sigh. “Demons have always poisoned our world, and I’m confident that Xera would agree with that. When I initially planned on coercing her to give me what I wanted, I didn’t give two fucks about herfeelings on it.”
I keep my anger in check, only because I hear the past tense in his words.
“She may still be a poison to this world, but I also can see the cure to it.” He huffs loudly, pulling my attention to him. His bright blue eyes glow against the night, cutting straight into mine. “It was selfish of me… to not give her the choice. While we have to address Belial’s demands…” He pauses to sigh. “It will only happen when she, and you, say so.”
I want so badly to tell him it will never happen, and he can fuckrightoff back to the Vayl. But my talk with Xera made one thing clear: this isn’t up for negotiation. I don’t know how to kill a Divine any more than I know how to kill a fucking Demon.
“Who knows,” he goes on. “Maybe you’ll get something out of it in the end.”
My brows knit together. “And what’s that?”
“Her. Withoutanyonecontesting it. Not even the Gods themselves.” He turns back to Xera, and when I follow his gaze, I see her standing. She shifts toward me, her face unreadable except for the quiet weight behind her eyes—solemn, resolved.
Something tightens in my chest.
Alaric continues, “Having a child both in the Vayl and the Beyond, could givehercontrol for once.”
Mister jumps to her shoulder, resting across it with his tail curling around her neck. Her bright silver eyes coming to lock directly onto mine.
“Then, having her here, the catalyst between worlds…” He circles me, his shoulder brushing against mine as he puts his back to my girl. “She will truly have everyone by the balls, and with that grip, she can send a message no one will forget.”
“And that message would be?” Color me stupid, but I can’t see what that would do but create war that mortals wouldn’t survive.
“Revenge is a bitch, and her name is Xeraphine.”
He then steps away from me, and for the first time ever, I agree with him.
I turn my attention to my girl just as she walks up, arms crossed over her chest. She definitely heard what we were talking about. I can feel the heat of her stare burning into the back of the Fallen’s head, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
