"Hey. You okay, Boo?" I ask.
She moves out of my lap to stand as the news anchor signs off. Everett takes the remote from me and turns off the TV, standing as he gauges Maven's reaction.
"If you're worried about the humans knowing your name now?—"
She shakes her head but is still clammed up.
"Is this about the new threat?" I ask, gently pulling her closer so I can wrap my arms around her hips and look up at her. "I'm guessing you know what it is?"
Maven seems to debate what to say before rubbing her face. "There are a few shadow fiends that could cause that. I have a call to make. I'll be right back."
"Who are you calling?" Everett asks.
"The demon I mentioned. Hopefully, he'll answer this time. If not, I'll still call Kenzie and let her know we're leaving. She threatened to tell me explicit details of her past sex life if she doesn’t get regular updates to let her know I'm still alive."
She starts to leave and then pauses, glancing at Silas. "Heal Crypt."
He nods. "When he returns?—"
"He's been here for a while," she mutters before slipping into the room on the right.
It’s still trippy as fuck that she can sense him in Limbo. For a second, I wonder why he's staying unseen, and then I remember how upset Maven was the last time he came back injured.
On cue, the moment she's out of the room, Crypt appears collapsed on the other couch with a soft wheeze.
Damn, that's a lot of blood. He's covered in so many tiny lacerations, his clothing torn to shreds, that he looks more likeSwiss cheese than a powerful incubus. He's missing most of an eye, and one of his arms is seriously fucked up. I'm pretty sure that's a bone sticking out of it.
No wonder he was staying out of sight.
Crypt drops his head back over the armrest, grimacing as his markings light up briefly. His voice is strained but sarcastic.
"While all this staring is overwhelmingly helpful, either listen to our keeper and heal me or fuck off."
"What the hell happened to you?" Everett gawks.
Crypt tries to flip him off but ends up coughing hoarsely, gritting his teeth. Incubi are supposed to heal as fast as shifters, but since his body isn't healing, it must mean he needs to feed ASAP.
I overheard Crypt and Maven talking. I know he's basically in charge of Limbo. The others don't know, but they should—we might not like each other, but we're still a quintet.
I hesitate, not sure if I should spill on his curse. Ever since we were young, I've always hated Crypt DeLune. He was cruel and way too much like a full-blooded monster. He had no empathy, emotions, or any redeeming qualities.
At least, that's what I'd thought.
Now I know he was watching out for me in his own fucked-up way. He's still a creep, but…I owe him. Hell, I can even say I respect him. Partly for the way he had my back before I knew I needed it, but mostly because it's clear he would do anything for Maven.
We all would, and we all know it. Which is why Silas doesn't say a word as he starts patching up the incubus he's spent years hating far more than I ever did.
As expected, Everett doesn't let Crypt off easily. "Where did you go?"
"Caroling."
"Spit it the fuck out, DeLune," the elemental demands.
"You will mind your tone with me."
That prick is going to fight this tooth and nail, but it's time to clear the air.
"He went to deal with shit happening in Limbo. That's his curse. He's the steward of the dream realm, so he has to deal with wisps and shades before they can affect the mortal plane of existence," I explain.
