I rolled my eyes, and she laughed. I knew Aubrey well enough to know that wasn’t it at all. He’d infused the fake artifact with his power, enough that it fooled the demons who were watching the sentry “sneak” it close to them. Samael had told me that the demon hadwantedto die, but the sight of him losing his head still played in my mind over and over again whenever I closed my eyes.
I sent her a sidelong glance. “So, you and Aubrey, huh?” I wassureI’d picked up on vibes last night over dinner.
She raised one eyebrow. “I think you have quite enough to do without needing to spend time matchmaking, your majesty.”
I smirked. “Aubrey once told me the same thing about playing kingmaker.” And yet, I was ready to help him take down his king whenever he decided to make his move.
“I need to get back.” Selina raised her hand and clasped my shoulder. “It hurts you, that everyone is leaving.”
“Yeah. I missed everyone while I was down here, but I’m reminding myself it’s much different when I can walk through a portal at any time.”
“Other than that sadness, how are you?”
“I’m… hopeful. And grateful. So many people came, Selina. They came to fight with us, to join with us. I never could have imagined…” my voice broke, and she wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“You will be an incredible queen, Danica.”
“Thank you.”
I’d be learning on the job, but things were going to change for the demons who lived in the underworld. Our council would introduce the first whiff of democracy to this place. Everyone here would have a voice.
“Will you show me your wings?”
I concentrated, narrowing my eyes in a way that I was sure made me look constipated. But my wings appeared, splaying wide behind me.
“They’re beautiful.”
“I know,” I said. “I want to fly, but Samael insists that I’ll need practice and refuses to let anyone else teach me.”
She laughed. “And what did you say to that?”
I shrugged, tucking my wings away. “I get it. We haven’t had enough time together, you know? We bonded when Samael was hit by the Spell of Three, and then, not long after he woke up, I was taken. We need time to ourselves. Time to fight and snark and laugh and all the things normal couples do. So if he wants this to be just for us, I understand, and I’m fine with it.”
“That’s lovely.” Her beautiful blue eyes shimmered, and she wiped away a tear. “I better be going. Look after yourself and let me know if you need anything.”
I nodded, throat tight, and watched as she walked away. Then I took a deep, steadying breath. It was time to find Vas.
Samael had allowed him to hunt the black witches. Lucifer had kept them hidden out of sight, but close enough to do some damage. The last I’d seen of Vas, he’d been stalking away, face blank and eyes promising death to anyone who got in his way.
He hadn’t returned once they were all dead. But I had a pretty good feeling I knew where he was.
I made my way to the dilapidated building behind the palace, clomping down the steps. I found Vas standing where I’d stood just days ago, his eyes dark as he stared down at the wyverns who’d been caught in Hannah’s net.
They roared, furious at being chained once more. Samael was already speaking to experts to determine whether they could be rehabilitated and set free. If we allowed them their freedom right now, we had no doubt that they would destroy towns in their rage, and hunt innocent civilians.
If they couldn’t be rehabilitated, Samael would at least grant them a quick death. No more would they know that the sky was so close and yet lost to them.
Vas shifted his wing so I could step up next to him. “How are you doing?”
He shrugged. I didn’t press, merely leant into him. He’d talk when he was ready.
“I’m okay,” he said finally. “How are you doing?”
I turned and buried my face in his chest, wishing my father were here. Wishing he could see his people freed.
“I’m okay,” I managed to get out when I was done wetting his shirt. His chest shook with silent laughter, and I pinched him.
“I need you to tell me before you go after Daimonion.”
