His shoulders tense in his smooth navy uniform. The beat of my heart counts down the seconds. He never looks back at me.
But he does give me hope.
“Ellise doesn’t know it, but her demon with the facial scar is my father’s soldier. Tell him what you need. I’ll make sure he gets it done.”
I have no idea who he means. I haven’t spent any time with hardly any of her demons and I have no clue how to pass this specific demon a message without Ellise noticing.
But it’s hope.
It’s the smallest shining light of inspiration.
And it lies with a demon.
Six
Reaching Rime
That evening before dinner,I roam the ancient Attikan castle. There’s a hollowness to my footsteps when I trail up the stone staircase. It curves in a spiral, but white sunlight casts in from the very top above. Smooth, cold brick skims along my fingertips. I carry the exhausting white dress in one hand and brush over the wide bricks that line the staircase wall.
I try really hard to appear aloof and unassuming.
Because I’m flanked on my little exploration by a mute shifter and two demons.
None of whom have a facial scar.
Is that really all Linden could give me as an identifier? No hair color or name?
Men. Always leaving out the details.
I turn the corner a final time, coming to a long hall, illuminated by open holes in the walls that act as windows.
And come face to scary face with a demon. With one fucking terrifying facial scar.
I part my lips for a scream or a yelp, but only faint sound of a strangled breath slips out. It’s as if even my voice is too scared to show itself in front of the man.
Crimson eyes never meet mine while jagged white teeth split clear down the center, leading up with a crater-type wound that divides his face clean open. Fiery colors burn at the center where his nose should be, while dark, inky scabs heal around his skin. He couldn’t look straight forward even if he wanted to with the gaping divot splitting open his face.
He comes closer, his boots echoing around the space with every solid step the demon takes. My heartbeat drills harder, and I can’t do anything. I can’t speak. I’m pinned in place.
Strong hands press firmly over my hips and pull me back into a solid chest. I don’t look at him but I know it’s Rime. I know just from the familiar feel of his cold, claiming touch.
His dragon knows me. Not the way Rime does, but he seems to sense my fear, and he comforts me just as my mate would.
For this single bizarre instance, I feel connected with the man I fell in love with.
Rime really is the one good thing about this place.
Imagine how I’d feel if all of my mates were here.
My pulse continues to climb, but I close my eyes on a calming breath.
Chaos…
I wait, reaching for him like I’m looking inside myself. He’s there; I feel him like a piece of me that’s pulled too tight, strung out and tense.
He’s there.
I just can’t grasp the bond. I can’t reach him.
