“That makes sense,” I said. “Like going into the ocean and getting mad when a shark bites you.”
“Precisely.”
“But why are you and Bremloc still at war? The conflict started, like, a billion years ago, and the people who started it aren’t even alive anymore. Why continue centuries of pointless bloodshed because of something some asshole ancestor did ages ago? Can’t we all just sit down and make amends?”
“Make amends, you say.” A hard gleam touched his eyes. “You know nothing of the war. If you did, you wouldn’t voice such a naïve notion.”
“Then enlighten us,” I pressed him. “From what I’ve heard, the conflict started between your father and King Paris, a former king of Bremloc. Have you ever considered making peace? Or at least trying to?”
“My desire for revenge runs too deep for peace.”
“Revenge?” Lake asked. “Against the kingdom?”
“Against the king and his family. The entire royal bloodline.”
A chill squiggled down my spine. Why did Onyx want revenge against the royal family? Did he know I was part of that family? Was that the real reason he’d invited us into his realm—to finally take his revenge?
“I once felt the same,” Lake said, gaze dropping to his goblet. “I hated humans for what they did to my father. Knights killed him.”
“What was his crime?” Onyx asked.
“Existing.” Lake’s voice cracked. “He didn’t hurt anyone or commit any offenses. All he wanted was to buy meat from the butcher. And they dragged him to the center of town and beheaded him in front of everyone. No trial. No proof of wrongdoing. The people cheered as his head rolled across the dais.”
I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around him, wishing more than anything that I could take away that horrible memory. For him to know the details, he must’ve seen it happen. It was heartbreaking.
“Humans are vile creatures,” Onyx softly said. “They kill without thought. You must have wanted to avenge his death.”
Lake nodded. “At one time, yes.”
“But not now? You no longer wish to destroy your enemies?”
“I have no enemies,” Lake responded. “I held hatred in my heart for many years following my father’s murder but have since learned life is too precious to waste on vengeance. Two of the men I love are knights.”
My heart wobbled.
“Hatred once made me feel alive,” Onyx said in a wistful tone, gaze returning to the fire. “There was no greater motivation than the burning desire to slay my enemies. That fire eventually died down, and I sank into monotony. A truth that can be seen throughout my castle in its dilapidated state. The dwelling reflects the soul inhabiting it.”
“That doesn’t sound very ‘fierce demon lord’ of you,” I said, reaching for my glass of wine. “Just saying your name beyond this realm makes people shake in fear. I didn’t expect you to be so… gloomy.”
A ghost of a smile reflected on his mouth. “You try being trapped here for centuries and see if it doesn’t make you gloomy as well.”
“Trapped?”
Just like that, his expression changed. Hardened, like he’d thrown up a wall. “You have quite the curious nature, don’t you? I suggest you be more mindful. If you go around constantly looking for answers, you’ll eventually find them.”
Although I could be oblivious at times, I understood the underlying threat in his words all too well. Worried I was about to start rambling like I always did when nervous, I reached for the fruit bowl and bumped it too hard, starting an avalanche of grapes. A few rolled off the edge of the table and landed on the floor with a soft pat, pat, pat.
“Oops! Sorry. I’ll pick them up.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Onyx flicked his hand. “Messes are to be expected. The floor will be swept after dinner.”
Lake rubbed my thigh, no doubt trying to soothe the sudden rush of anxiety he felt coming from me. Poor guy had it rough being able to sense all my different emotions.
“Fane tells me you tried to escape earlier.”
My attention snapped back to Onyx. “Um… escape? No, no. We were just wanting to look around. Explore a little, you know?”
“I see,” Onyx said before sliding his tongue over his teeth. Warmth flooded my lower belly and gathered in a place it had no right to. “It’s understandable you’d wish to see more of the castle and the land beyond it.”
