Something both terribly wrong and right resonated within Saer at her declaration.Tumultuous, the same as everything else he’d felt since observing her alongside humanity.
“Are their souls with you?”Saer asked.
Neyu made a soft noise like a humorless laugh.“I haven’t killed any humans this day, no.”
“They burn easily—”
“Saer.”
The leash on his temper snapped.“What,Neyuukhan?”
In answer, Neyu shifted to stand directly in front of him, her hands raising to caress either side of his face so he had no choice but to gaze upon her or shut his eyes.He looked daggers at the demoness, but she kept her voice steady.“What do you think happened?”
His growl halted at the unexpected question, though ire persisted.“You would know that better than I.”
“And yet, it seems whatever your mind has come up with—in place of reality—plagues you.”
The soft skin of her palms tempted a sense of peace as they curled under his sensitive jawline.Saer fought to ignore it, focusing on her words.“It doesn’t matter.”He pulled away from her touch and stepped around the demoness to show her his back.
Neyu didn’t let him get one full step before snagging his elbow.“Talk to me.”
Pride didn’t bother to quell an aggressive sound erupting from his mouth as he whirled around, breaking her hold.“I won’t be manipulated.”
The demoness’s eyes widened.“Manipulated?”
“Yes.”His fury spilled over, the accusations pouring out before Saer could think twice.“Every touch, every word, every look.You make the ones who want you feel special.Everyone.Which meansnone of us are.”
Neyu’s rage surged to meet his, eyes flashing with a heat that had nothing to do with the sin she embodied.“How dare you?”
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
“Would you believe me if I did?”Neyu’s voice raised to match his furious holler.
“Was it all a lie?”
“I’veneverlied to you.”
“Am I just a necessary part of your plan?”
“You’re not listening to me!”
“How many of the others have you called ‘Dearest?’”
“Are you—?”Neyu closed the distance between them until her face spanned a breath from his.One of Lust’s fingers jabbed over Pride’s heart, her teeth bared in an expression more ferocious than he’d ever seen on her.“If I weren’t in love with you, I’d be scraping your face out of my fingernails right now!”
Saer’s snarl faltered.
“Hellsfire.”Neyu dropped her hand and moved to pull away.
He stepped forward when she shifted, giving the demoness no course other than to shuffle backwards.Neyu backed into the tree, catching her breath when her shoulder blades touched the barrier.
A deep rumble of a different and warmer flavor settled in Saer’s throat when he leaned over Neyu, the crescents of their hair brushing against one another.“I’m listening now,” he said in a low and cautious tone.
Neyu lifted a hand to push it between their bodies, her palm on his sternum.“I won’t be bullied,” she whispered.
The corner of Saer’s mouth twitched, despite himself.He glanced down at her hand, then back to her drowning-deep eyes.“I won’t stop you if you wish to move.”
A long, slow breath left her, but she stayed in place.“I didn’t expect to tell you this way.”
