But I saw none of that.
Instead, there were rolling hills bathed in golden light and a backdrop of blue sky. A mountain range stretched to the left, and in the distance, several stacks of smoke rose up through the trees as though from chimneys. Homes, maybe? Below me sat a courtyard filled with vibrant flowers, stone fountains, clusters of lush trees, and a small pond that glistened beneath the sun’s rays.
No demonic dragons or fire pits. No screams of terror or bloodthirsty monsters.
A knock came at the door.
Just as it opened, I whirled around and pulled the blanket higher up my thighs. Only my men were allowed to see the goods.
“Morning,” a baritone voice greeted me. Then, the owner of that voice stepped farther into the room. Purple hair, green eyes, and skin like sienna, a warm and earthy reddish-brown.
“You have horns,” I blurted out. They jutted from his purple hair, swooping back and gently curving under toward the ends. Shiny and black. “Cool.”
“I do.” He nodded to the tray in his hands. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, do you want your breakfast or not?”
“Oh, bless you. I’m starving.” My stomach rumbled in anticipation, but it’d be rude to dive in right away with no introductions. “I’m Evan. What’s your name?”
“Fane.” He set the tray on the table. A cloche covered the plate, but the smell of something yummy wafted from it.
“You’re the one who took off my clothes,” I said, placing the name from the night before when Onyx told me.
“And I took no pleasure in it.” He scowled. “I was simply doing what milord requested.”
“Right. Onyx is your lord. Because you’re a demon?”
Fane gave me a blank stare. “Did the horns give me away? Keen perception you have there.”
“Hey, no need to be snarky.” I crossed my arms. “I’ve never met a humanlike demon before.”
“Human?” he asked with a low growl. “I’m far from human.”
“I only meant that you…” I struggled with how to explain it. “Well, I mean, I’ve only ever met demons who looked like animals. Crows, lions, and wolves like Oreo. Those insect-looking ones too.”
Fane glared for a few more seconds before sharply nodding. “I believe I understand. Two legs and two arms, and I walk upright. My skin isn’t scaly or covered in fur or feathers. It’s smooth like yours.”
“Exactly.”
“We high-level demons appear this way, taking after our lord.”
“Does Onyx have horns too?” I hadn’t seen them last night, but I’d been a bit out of it at the time.
“Enough questions.” With another scowl, he turned his back to me. A thin black tail protruded from the top of his pants and hung down like Kuya’s did. It had a purple triangle at the tip.
“Wait a sec!” I hopped up from the window seat, keeping the blanket wrapped around me. “How long do I have to stay cooped up in here? When can I see Lake?”
He stopped walking and turned his head to look at me. His black horns, wispy purple hair, and strong jaw made for a striking profile. “The demi-wolf is resting and should not be disturbed.”
“But—”
“Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” He stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him.
Though faint, I heard the click of the lock.
I sighed. Yep. Definitely a prisoner. But one who had food. The two apples hadn’t stayed with me long, and I was starving. Eager, I waddled over to the table with my blanket and peeked under the cloche.
Two sunny-up eggs, bread, and a potato and sausage hash with red bell peppers and onion. Grapes and strawberries on the side, along with a cup of milk and a small dish of warm honey.
But as hungry as I’d been seconds earlier, a knot formed in my stomach. Normally, I would’ve been at the cottage, having breakfast with my men right now. There’d be a table full of food, warmth, and laughter as we all sat together.
