Their Dark Devotion Read online

  She takes me by the wrist, “What’s that?” pointing at the black veins erupting from the scar on my belly, “Did they do this?”

  “No, it’s nothing, but thank you for staying.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll stay as long as you need me too,” she said, taking a seat at the desk.

  After cleaning up, I begin sliding on my pants, top, and boots. The sun decided to stay out today. By my foot, a pile of tattered clothes littered the floor. They did get called out last night.

  I reached into my leather bag and pulled out my sewing kit. I begin mending the holes and tears in the first piece.

  “I remember you giving me so much uproar about sewing. Look now, it’s coming in handy,” Allexis said, looking proud of herself.

  “Am I the perfect housewife you trained me to be?”

  “Hell no. You would rather swing a blade and roll in the dirt. I feel for your new mates.” she said, laughing.

  I laugh, poking my finger in the process. Sucking on my thumb, I move to the next piece. It has fewer holes; I finish it in a flash and move to the next. I take a deep breath.

  “I need to ask you a favor,” I said, pushing the needle through the fabric.

  “More thread?” she asked, taking a seat next to me, digging through my bag.

  The sun reflected off of her gold bangle with a jade jewel tucked inside.

  “A big favor.” I said, working the stitch through, “Lead the guards away from the door,” I said, “What? Why?” she asked, placing the bag down.

  “I want to go somewhere for a few days, a week max, and I’ll be back. But there’s some red tape I want to skip,” I said, pulling the thread tight.

  “I can’t do that. Why would you put me in this position? You know I have to report this,” she said, standing, heading to the door.

  “Will you report to your husband how much your lover’s talents are wasted in the Priest’s Guard? I wonder,” I said, cutting the thread.

  She stopped in her tracks and snapped around. Eyes wide, her hand covered that small gasp. She takes a seat at the desk once again. I walk over, searching the counter for a weapon. In a drawer, I find a few letter openers. I pull down a few of Rico’s jars and douse the blades with a unique concoction I created. The one that led me here.

  “How do you expect me to do it?” she asked.

  “What are you willing to do to make sure he doesn’t find out?” I asked.

  “I’m going home after this and never speak to me again,” she said.

  “Do what you want, as long as I get to where I’m going,” I said, stashing the blades into their various slots.

  “I’m sorry,”

  “No, you’re not. You planned this if last night didn’t work. Stop fooling yourself. Silly girl.”

  I sway a bit, grabbing my head, forcing it down, the darkness swelling within me. I look over the desk one last time and find a map that I fold and place it in my pocket. She sits there for a moment and takes a few deep breaths before opening the door. She might still turn me in to buy herself some time or hope that they’ll keep me under lock and key. I think she’ll play it safe.

  “I hate to ask but could you both help me bring up the rest of her things. She’s in the shower and insisting that I bring her something to pick out for tonight,” she said with a sweet voice.

  “One needs to stand guard. One of us should be enough.” a guard said.

  “She’s a bit of a packrat, and it’s cumbersome. If we hurry and go now, we can be back before she gets out. It would make my day if you did.” she said. The guard stammers for a moment before agreeing. The sound of their boots retreats down the hall. I snatch up my bag and slip out the door.

  *****

  Lu

  The hall is quieter than usual. I keep my quick pace back to the room. Where did he leave that sample? Might be in his pants pocket. I reach our bedroom door to find the guards gone. Maybe she went for a walk with her friend.

  The clothes they tossed to the floor were laying on the chair now. I pick up Jax’s pants to find the tears stitched up. I should praise Lily, encourage this good behavior. I fished out the sample and tucked it in my pocket. I start my way back to the war room, but instead of going in, I keep going down the stairs. I find her friend and the guards lugging trunks and bags. The color from her face drains as I approach them.

  “Is she back there bringing out more stuff?” I asked, walking to the room.

  “Who my lord?” the guard asked, dropping the trunk.

  “Lily, the one you’re supposed to be watching,” I said, turning back around.

  The woman is quick in grabbing a few bags in a hasty retreat.

  “She’s in the shower. We came down to give her a hand with her things. Something about a dress for later, you know, woman stuff,” he said, looking at the woman climbing the stairs.

  “Allexis, was it?” I asked. She stopped.

  “Yes,” she said, with a quiet voice.

  “Where is she? She’s not in the room,” I said, closing the distance between us.

  “What? Impossible. I left her there.” she said, hands shaking.

  “You have one more time to lie before I lose my patience. Where is she?” I asked.

  “I swear, I don’t know where she went. She asked to see some dresses, so that’s what I did,” she said.

  “You three, we will want to see you all later about this transgression. Go to the war room and tell my brothers what has happened and that I’m going after her,” I said, handing one the sample, before I jogged out the entrance.

  Her trail is still hot; she has a small head start. The streets are packed with many on their own mission. There’s only one way out of here, and that’s the front gate. Fortunately for me, we just established a new rule that everyone must have a pass to exit and enter the city. After last night, Rico placed her on the no-travel list. They thought I was paranoid, but it would seem it was well warranted.

  A bold thing she is. I will teach her something of obedience once I catch up with her. I took it easy on her last night. They called me out about it, and I denied it, but there’s no denying this.

  *****

  The gate comes insight as well as a commotion. I rush past the wagons. A short, cloaked person is waving their arms with increasing fury. The person reaches into their cloak and produces a small bag. Whatever inside made the guard grin and attach it to his hip. I race to the front, his eyes go wide, and he bows as I pass him.

  “Hold it, identify yourself,” I said, closing in on their increasing pace.

  The person shows no signs of slowing down. I reach out, snatching the cloak off. She comes to a halt, as her thick curly mane blows in the wind. She curses to herself, lifting her head to the sky.

  “Come with me, now,” I command, she doesn’t move.

  I walked up to her and grabbed her by the arm. She turns with a wide eye expression to match my own.

  Shit.

  “Your Highness!” the girl quickly bows her head, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you,” her voice trembles.

  I wave her off, and she disappears into the crowd. I search the area, but she’s nowhere.

  Damn it!

  I hurry back to the estate to gather Jax. His tracking skills are renowned throughout the Underworld as well as Heaven.

  *****

  Jax

  “I’ll be back later,” I said, swinging my pack over my shoulder, as my brothers see me off.

  The friend was no help at all, and neither was Lu. He expects me to find her without any leads what so ever. The friend comes rushing out, her hands clenching her apron, as she glances up to me then back down again.

  “What is it? Tell me now because if I find out you withheld information, I will make you and your family sorry,” I said, taking a few deep breaths.

  She stammers until I’m towering over her. Trembling, she breaks down and reveals what happened. I see why she’s in such a rush to leave. I like the healer’s style. Nice to
know she doesn’t care who she has to step on to get what she wants. The scar, on the other hand, worries me. Maybe not a cold-hearted decision. One of necessity? I run-up to the room for the map that we made to go with our report.

  Gone.

  Luckily for me, Rico is particular about everything, and for once, I’m not annoyed about it. I pull out one of his many copies from the bookshelf and scan any places she may stop. She will need food, water, and shelter. All off the grid if she’s smart. There’s such a place just some miles outside the city, and I doubt she’s quick with an injury. She’ll want to stop for the night to avoid any predators or Archangels.

  If she’s smart, but then again, her leaving wasn’t smart.

  *****

  Lily

  The bumps in the road irritate my scar more than expected. Mr. Driver peeks under the tarp to assure I haven’t skipped out on my end the deal. We passed the gate a while ago, and they barely checked his wagon of goods. I guess my luck is turning around. I roll up my sleeves to see it’s spreading fast.

  Tsk, Tsk. Time’s running out. Better hope he doesn’t find you.

  It never rests once it’s this far gone. I can make it. I wonder if Allexis took off already or if she still told them? I wouldn’t blame her if she did. I’ll apologize the next time I see her. Not like she would accept it.

  The tarp shifts some, allowing me a small view outside; a little boy with horns and his younger brother race. The smallest one falls, but his older brother picks him up and carries him on his back. His tears are soon replaced with a smile when presented with a candy.

  Everyone looks happy here; well happier than where I’m from. Then again, when you’re one of the causes for an entire race becoming extinct, what’s not to be happy about. You’re at the top of the food chain. I pull the tarp back down.

  I awaken to the sudden stop of the wagon. My hand slides to the hilt of a blade.

  “This is as far as I go. The road you want is to the left,” he said, pulling back the tarp.

  I jump down and check the map. He’s right. Though it is still very far off, damn it.

  “You want your face healed?” I said, pointing to the bandage that covers half his face.

  “No, her, my wife. She’s stricken with a disease in her lungs,” he helps her down.

  She coughs into a rag spotted in blood.

  “Do you want to be free of this?”

  She nods. I begin to circle her, feeling her energy. She stares out into nothing. My arms, heat radiates from them. I pull her in tight, and her arms stay by her side. The heat starts to overflow and seep into her. She hugs me tight.

  “Thank you,” she said in between sobs.

  “I’ll heal your face, too, in exchange for a bag of salt, a jug of wine and some of that jerky,” I said.

  By the time I finish, the blackness has spread to my fingertips, but I have everything I need to rig a ritual. Only desperate, stupid healers do this. My body feels heavy, and the voice is loud, but I make it to the lake. I toss the empty jug and bag of jerky to the ground.

  No fire. If Archangels are nearby, I’ll be an easy target, especially in this state. I dig into my bag and pull out my mask. I strip quickly, leaving only my garters and slide the mask on. Taking the salt, I begin to sprinkle it around the lake, while I recite the chant. Almost didn’t have enough; that would’ve been a kick to the tits. I take a couple of blades and stash them into the garters.

  If you want me to come out, all you need is to ask—no need to roll out the welcome mat.

  “Fuck off,”

  It’s right—abomination at its pinnacle.

  Crack.

  I snap my head into the direction of the sound.

  Did I imagine it?

  I’m taking too long. I close my eyes and imagine the drum’s beat, the strings, the song. I feel the moonlight cover my skin as I begin to sway with the rhythm. My body moves with a mind of its own. The wine and meat was a good choice.

  When I open my eyes again, I’m at the water’s edge; circle undisturbed. My body is like ink, and the water sets a glow. I step in until it’s to my neck, I lean back and let my body float. The water around me starts to turn black. Fish begin to break the surface, some belly up, and others escaping the black tendrils. I shut my eyes again.

  *****

  Jax

  Crickets harp through the crisp breeze, and the gravel crunches under my boots. The road was empty except for an older couple in high spirits. Their wagon squeaked to high Heaven.

  “I can’t believe the whispers were true. Look at us; we are like new. I would’ve given her more if she asked.” the demon said, leaning close to his mate.

  “Are you sure we should’ve left her in that state?” she asked.

  “She can take care of herself. Let us enjoy our new he-”

  I step out in front of the horses. The demon gives a snarl but quickly bows his head upon laying eyes on me.

  “Your Highness, what an honor to see you on such a wonderful evening.”

  “I’ve misplaced something, and I think you’ve seen it. The woman you speak of, did she have hair of ink and brown eyes?” I asked.

  He swallows hard, “My tongue may be loosened for a price.”

  “Your lives?”

  “No, coins,” he said with a smirk.

  His mate squeezes his arm and clenches her jaw. Fucking ballsy. I take a pouch from my hip and hold it up.

  “Take me to where you left her and a ride back to town,” I said, tossing it to him.

  The demon moves it around in his hand and peeks inside. A grin spreads across his lips.

  “As you wish, your Highness.”

  After a few hours of the bumpiest ride of my life, we arrived at the fork in the road. He points in the direction where she headed and warns me that she looked very ill but not too ill, as he watched her guzzle a jug of wine as she departed.

  Are you fucking kidding me?

  I search the area for a trail that I’m able to pick up quite easily. As I push through the brush, a masked woman exits the lake. A large scar with black spider veins extends from it. She sits down, examining herself, then curses, sending birds from the trees. After getting dressed, she grabs her pack, and I creep out from the shadows. I close the distance between us. She turns and faces me.

  “I thought I heard something,” Lily said.

  “Let’s go. Playtime is over.”

  She giggles and drops her bag to the ground.

  “Look, I’ll be back in a week. You’re welcome to come, but I must go to fix this,” she said, showing me her scar.

  “Are you deaf, darling? Do as I said before, I give you what you deserve now. I won’t ask again.” I said.

  “Good, cause I’m tired of answering,” she said, sliding her hand down to her blade.

  I did not expect to have another standoff so soon. I thought she would give up immediately or throw a fit at the least. No matter, I’ll just drag her back kicking and screaming. I continue to close the distance between us. With a flick of her wrist, she hurls a blade.

  Child’s play.

  I reach out to pluck it from the air but met with sharp pain. The blade rattles as it hits the ground. A letter opener? Impossible, only celestial objects can pierce us. I pick it up to examine it closer. I prick my skin and sure enough, red. Somebody has been busy.

  “There’s more where that came from. Get lost,” she said, removing her rings and placing them into her pocket.

  Lily’s deep brown eyes slowly erupt into a pitch black. This changes everything. I’ll end this now. My size throws a lot of people off, and they underestimate me. An advantage I’m always happy to have.

  I’ll have to use my power if she insists on throwing those things around. She lunges and hurls a few more blades. They take off at an incredible speed. I take a quick breath, releasing some energy to catch them. She closes in with her fist, and I respond in kind.

  We exchange blows, not giving an inch. I’m careful not to shatter
her limbs. I could end it now, but this much power, no, this resolve, from a human, is a sight to behold.

  To defy me.

  She brings down an ax kick that I’m able to pluck from the air. In quick succession, her back foot comes flying straight for my face. Without thinking, I dodged and kicked her into a tree.

  Shit. I’ll never hear the end of this.

  I rush over to the tree, and she’s covered in leaves, out cold. The birds fly out squawking. I lift the jug to my lips, and only a few drops grace me. She doesn’t stir when I lift her from the ground nor on the ride home.

  I could use a drink.

  ******

  “It was a clash between two warriors with a difference of opinion. She disobeyed direct commands, used deadly weapons, and -” I said.

  “Deadly weapons? Did she tickle you with the nail files they call blades?” Lu interrupts with laughter.

  I release the letter openers she used onto the table. He picks up one with a self-assured smug grin, placing his hand on the table, and stabs himself with it. Instead of shattering into pieces, it spears him through like butter. His eyes go wide as he snatches it out, cursing to the Heavens.

  “And what?” he asked.

  “Either she’s possessed, or she’s found a way to tap into her dark self successfully,” I said.

  “Bring me all of her things, now,” Rico said to the soldier.

  “We can’t let this stand, especially with that kind of power potential. I’ll take care of it.” Lu said.

  “Like you did before? Our leadership can come into question if we don’t put a stop to this. I’ll handle it,” I hiss.

  Lu reveals his once scaled arm and hand, “This is from only one night with her. I don’t want to break her spirit or the rapport we’re trying to build. Make a point but not a statement.”

  Even his fresh wound began to stitch itself back together right before our eyes.

  Chapter 4

  Lily

  My head throbs and burns when I open my eyes.

  I’m going to die.

  The sheer fabric shields my view of the figures walking around. I try to sit up and is immediately rendered still from the shooting sharp pains all over my body. The sheer curtain is pulled back by a familiar face; a disappointed familiar face.