“Mahu,” he whispered, eyes frantic.
“No.” Mahu held one arm out straight in front of him, fingers splayed wide. “Don’t say my name.” He coughed. His other hand held his chest. “I cannot be cursed; I must rejoin my family in the underworld when I die.”
Daka’s features fell, stricken. “I would never curse you. I don’t even know how.”
“But look at you. You’ve horns and a tail,” said Mahu, bewildered. He shook his head. “Get out.”
“No, no, Mahu, please. I’m sorry. I can explain.”
“You cannot.” Mahu’s lungs constricted. He couldn’t get enough air. He choked. Was the demon doing that too? Would he die here?
Daka crawled forward, one arm outstretched.
“Stay back,” Mahu forced the words out between ragged breaths. “You tricked me.”
“I didn’t want to, I swear.” Daka dropped his arm to his side. “I was going to tell you.”
“Tell me what? There is nothing to tell.” Mahu fought to catch his breath, chest heaving. “Leave my house at once.”
“But you’re ill. Please let me explain. You aren’t in any danger from me.”
Mahu longed to believe him, but he couldn’t risk it.
“I would never—”
“Lie to me?” A coughing fit interrupted Mahu’s words. “Hurt me?”
Daka sniffed the air, then frowned. “Please, Mahu. Try to calm down. I won’t move if you don’t want my help, but you must catch your breath.”
“You’re a demon.” Mahu tested the words for the truth in them and to see if Daka would deny it.
Daka’s head hung low. His shoulders caved. “I’m half human.”
Mahu refused to feel sorry for this lying, cursed creature. “And the other half?”
“Demon,” Daka admitted, his voice barely a whisper. When he raised his head, tears glistened in his eyes. “But my father was human.”
“Was?Where is he now? Did demons kill him? Did you?”
Daka’s face crumpled. “I would never hurt anyone. I’m not bad, Mahu. I don’t even know who he was.”
Then how do you know he was human?thought Mahu, but he wouldn’t be tricked into further conversation. “I told you to leave.”
“Mahu—”
“And don’t say my name!” Mahu struggled to hold back another fit of coughing. He wanted to be alone. Already his chest ached for what he’d thought he had, what he was losing, and what consequences may befall as a result.
“Please,” Daka begged. “I know I don’t deserve it, but there must be some way to earn your forgiveness. I’m sorry!”
“Don’t ask me to forgive you. Put on your clothes and get out of my house. I don’t ever want to see you again.” Saying the words hurt, but Mahu had to cut ties. He needed the demon gone. He must seek the temple priest immediately. Atone for this wretched act and pray the gods would lift the curse. His soul must be light to reunite with his family in the afterlife…if he’d given that up for one night with a demon, Mahu would never forgive himself.
Ahset…what would she think of him? He’d forsaken her!
Tears streamed down Daka’s face as he dressed, shuffling on the bed to find his tunic in the mess they’d made of the blankets.
Mahu forced himself to stand strong between coughing fits. He wasn’t without pity. No one asked to be a demon. Perhaps Daka wasn’t all bad, but he’d lied. He’d taken Mahu’s destiny in his hands and shattered it. There was no future for them.
Daka fashioned his sash around his waist and tied it. He stood on the opposite side of the bed, staring at the floor.
