“It seemed perfect, and for many years, it was. The female demons birthed only more females, and with their increasing numbers, they had the strength to fight against the Lords. The upheaval among the demon race meant they lost their focus in their war with us. But after decades of dwindling numbers and lost battles, they opened negotiations. And we had to act.”
Bealith reached out to grasp Selma’s hand between her palms. The buzz of her touch was oddly exhilarating—like drinking too much Irish coffee.
“That’s when I lost my children, the Seers. I was always so proud of you—the gentle souls who carry the light within you. You spread joy and hope among the people you lived with, and were revered as wise women and shamans.
“Unfortunately, the demons have always favored you—they cannot resist the light you hold, even though they shun goodness in most other forms. They tricked or captured many o you into servings lifetimes by their sides, and that is how Mattla got the idea to grant the male demons sons birthed by humans—but only Seers. It would greatly reduce their rate of procreation, seeing how rare you are, but it would break the negotiations between the males and females, ensuring that the demons would not unite and overrun us.
“I tried everything to plead for my children, but the other gods had already decided. Because the demons favored you, you were selected, and the only way I am allowed to interfere is by ensuring that there is a sanctuary on each continent where those who cannot endure their fate can seek refuge.”
Selma stared at her. “I’m sorry… I’m some sort of a… shaman? I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I’ve never been accused of being particularly wise. And I haven’t given a whole lot to charity, either. No beacon of light within me, no superpowers of any sort. I can just see demons.”
Bealith smiled. When she spoke, her voice pitched with sorrow.
“It was the trade-off for ensuring you could reproduce with demons. Naught but an echo remains of what you were—the light in you had to be dimmed to make room for a demon’s claim. But your sacrifice has meant the world isn’t overrun with their darkness.”
Sacrifice? Something about that phrasing made it sound awfully willing, and Selma didn’t remember being asked to swap magical powers for the ability to be impregnated by demons.
“Why are you telling me all this? If you can’t protect me, then… then I will need to go back to them.” To Kain. There was a distinct lack of despair at that thought. Then she remembered what—or who—else she would be bringing, and anxiety finally nestled in the pit of her gut.
She was pregnant. With a demon’s offspring. Kain’s offspring. He was going to lose whatever control he still had over his temper once he found out. Noble intentions or not, he’d made it clear he never wanted a mate, and even though he’d sacrificed his beliefs to save her, she didn’t think he would be particularly happy with adding a baby to the mix.
Not to mention how she’d cope once she allowed the knowledge to take root, which wasn’t something she could do just yet—not when she had to focus on getting enough information out of the goddess in front of her to ensure her survival.
Swiftly she pushed away the hazy image of a white picket fence and sunny afternoons on a porch swing, even as her hand found and rested against her lower belly of its own accord.
Bealith smiled softly. “I am telling you this because I believe you have a chance at breaking this cycle of abuse and despair. Most demons who claim a mate will walk through fire to keep her, but the one who brought you here? He sacrificed his own needs for your benefit—no one’s ever thought these beasts were capable of selfless love, but this might be proof that the seed is in there. If you can nurture it and spread it to your children… my daughter, you could be the catalyst who finally defeats evil.”
Selma’s mouth dropped open. “Whoa there! Kain was capable of love from when he was a child. I have nothing to do with that—and I think love is a fairly strong word for what’s between us! We’re doped up on each other’s pheromones, and he’s a good guy. That’s why he’s helping me.
“As for this catalyst nonsense? If what you’ve told me is true, then I’ve had quite enough of being a tool for gods to play with. All I want is to live in peace!”
To her frustration, all her minor rant got her was a chuckle from the glowing woman in front of her.
“My dear, you’re the only woman in history to call a demon a ‘good guy’ while knowing his true nature. Even Breeders who grow content with their fate would never claim he is good. That guy on the other side of this shield has crushed many humans' lives—it’s in his very nature. Yet you see kindness where others see evil.
“Deny your heart if you wish, my daughter. When you have given birth to the demon in your womb, you will be able to live behind my walls—assuming you wish to turn your back on your mate and his son.
“But if you don’t—if you can find it in your heart to nurture the love and gentleness within them both—then no one’s to say that you cannot have the peaceful life you desire, along with helping light spread throughout a race that’s been ruled by darkness since the very beginning. The choice is yours.”
With a final glance in Selma’s direction, Bealith got up and turned to the wall, looking at the demon glaring at them.
“I can tell you that love is the way to connect to the power you were meant to have. You are so much more than a Breeder, so much more than a damaged woman defined by the monsters who want to use you. It’s up to you if you want to take that power.”
She turned her head to look at Selma over her shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips. “I am needed elsewhere tonight, my child. Please do make sure your demon doesn’t wreak any more havoc on my sanctuary’s wards—he has already done damage that will take weeks to repair, and terrified your sisters residing here.”
Selma frowned, the weight of the goddess’ words making her fold her arms protectively over her midriff. Just the thought of leaving a child behind, even a demon child she couldn’t even face the reality of just yet, sent cold shivers down her back.
“Choose wisely, daughter.”
A flourish of golden light and shining fabric made Selma squint to protect her eyes, and when she looked back up, the goddess was gone. So was the golden shield that had separated her from Kain.
“Selma.” He wrapped his arms around her before she fully realized she was alone with him again, and she gasped at the strength that crushed her against his hard chest. “I swear, I’m going to kill that fucking bitch! Are you all right? What happened? Ew, you reek of her!”
Selma laughed at his disgusted expression as he pulled his nose away from where he’d buried it in her hair. “I thought she smelled pretty nice. Like flowers and sunshine.”
The dark-eyed demon sent her a look which suggested that he was considering dunking her in the nearest river to lose the scent. “What happened to you? And what did that deceitful hag tell you? Whatever it was, you need to know that none of them are to be trusted. They are as dangerous and tricky as demons—they just go about it differently.”
She was pretty sure he was unable to be objective about the trustworthiness of gods, but ironically, if she did take the goddess’ words for truth, then he had a point.
