Dominic’s impressive stature seemed even more pronounced, his skin a deep, obsidian hue that shimmered with an iridescent sheen, reflecting the room’s erratic light.
From his back, two large, raven-black wings unfurled, their span wide and imposing. At first glance, they appeared feathered, but a closer look revealed their true nature—more akin to the wings of a bat, structured yet fluid. His eyes, the same captivating green, now glowed with an intensified luminescence that illuminated the dimly lit room.
Dominic’s physique, already muscular in his human form, now seemed sculpted from the night itself, each muscle defined and accentuated. Around his waist, a simple loincloth made of dark, ethereal fabric fluttered with his movements as if alive. But it was his jet-black hair that captivated me. It cascaded down to his lower back and seemed to emit small wisps of dark smoke that disappeared into the air.
In short, he was beautiful.
“Beautiful,” Talon whispered, echoing the awe that held me spellbound.
Dominic focused his gaze on Talon. “You’re not afraid?”
Talon shook his head, but I was the one who answered, “No, you’re not scary. Talon is right, you’re beautiful.”
Dominic opened his mouth to reply, but the wind and banging outside stopped his words. Shit, I’d forgotten about the hurricane. Our phone alerts shrieked from the other room. The sound of the train was back. Fuck, did we have to fight again?
Dominic growled softly before raising his hand and snapping. Light enveloped us once again and squeezed my eyes shut. I felt myself moving, being lifted, but I was too scared to look.
“You can open your eyes,” Dominic’s deep voice coaxed.
I slowly opened my eyes, and they widened on their own accord. “Holy shit!”
We were in a large room which could only be described as opulent. Gold trimmed the dark obsidian walls. Orange lights seemed to filter on the giant golden chandlers. I looked down, and I was dressed in a black and gold tunic but seated on a large black chair. I glanced at Talon, and he was dressed like me and, like me, was also seated on a black chair—no, not a chair, a throne.
“Where….” Words failed me as I took in the surroundings that seemed straight out of a myth or a dream.
“We’re in my—” Dominic’s words were cut off as the large door to the room banged in, and several creatures poured in.
The room was suddenly filled with an eclectic and vibrant crowd of creatures, each one unique in form and hue. They ranged from small, wiry figures with sharp, angular horns protruding from their foreheads to larger, more imposing figures draped in scales that shimmered under the chamber’s ornate lighting. Some had wings—ethereal, feathered appendages that fluttered excitedly; others sported leathery wings that folded neatly against their backs.
Their skin tones were a palette of the supernatural: deep purples, vibrant greens, fiery reds, and earthy browns. Their eyes, glowing with various shades of neon, scanned the room eagerly until they landed on Dominic. A ripple of excitement passed through them as murmurs and whispers filled the air.
Their expressions were animated with joy, and as they approached, their excitement was palpable. Some bowed deeply, others spread their wings in grand gestures of welcome, and a few of the smaller ones bounced on their toes, unable to contain their delight at seeing Dominic restored to his true form. Each minion, in their own unique way, expressed fervent loyalty and joy at the return of their prince.
One of the demons, the one that bounced on his toes, stepped forward. He bowed low before squealing, “My Lord, you’ve returned. We’re so happy to see you!”
“Who are they?” Asked another one as he pointed to Talon and me.
“Oh…. Are they for everyone?” The bouncing one asked.
Dominic roared, and I jerked back in my seat as the sound reverberated across the great hall.
The chatter and joy that had filled the room seconds before ceased immediately.
The two creatures that spoke dropped to the floor, prostrating themselves before their master.
“These men are my Duša,” Dominic growled through clenched teeth. “Any that even thinks of touching them will die.”
A chorus of “Yes, master” quickly filled the room.
Dominic opened his mouth to continue, but stopped as another man entered the room. This, a human man or at least in the form of one.
“Jorin,” Dominic said regally.
The man, Jorin, went to his knee and brought a fist to his chest. “My Lord, congratulations on your return and mating.”
Dominic tilted his head. “Rise, my faithful minion.”
Jorin rose to his feet, and I could swear I could see tears forming in his pale eyes. Why was he crying? What was his deal? Shit, was he in love with Dominic?
