Concern flashed across his expression. “You're bleeding again.”
“Oh,” Lori replied, dumbly. She raised a hand to her head and stared blankly at the sticky crimson that coated her fingertips.
The demon rocked forwards onto his knees towards her. He paused, seeming unsure.
“What?” Lori asked.
Haros frowned, conflicted.
“I can fix it, if you want me to?”
“You know healing majick?” she asked curiously.
“You'd better not make me regret telling you this, Little Dove,” Haros responded with a short laugh. “Yes, I know a few handy tricks.”
“But... That's forbidden? Lephas–”
“Lephas probably thought he was doing me a favour by keeping it quiet. He's considerate like that. Alas, I'm a grown lad and I can take care of myself.” The demon eyed her thoughtfully. “However,should Daddy ever want to know about your holiday in Banesteppe, I ask that you conveniently forget the demon that put his neck on the block to heal you.”
“I think I could manage that.” Lori nodded.
“There's a good girl. Now, sit up.” Haros turned his attention to her head.
Lori obediently pushed herself up on her arms. Chains jangled and she glanced down at the manacles. She had almost forgotten she had them on. She carefully sat forwards and tucked her chained legs beneath herself. Haros knelt in front of her, a delicate ethereal glow growing in his palm.
“Impressive...” Lori murmured as Haros placed his hand over her wound. “You can do that on command, without any of the chanting and shit.”
He kept his eyes trained on her, concentrating. “This is nothing – you should meet a friend of mine. The guy disappears into thin air as easy as breathing.”
The demon hesitated, glancing down at her.
“...Though you should probably conveniently forget to mention him too.”
Lori grinned and nodded.
As quickly as it had come, the sharp pain in her temple subsided. Lori sighed with relief.
“Better?” Haros asked, moving away.
She smiled. “Much. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” The demon winked, getting to his feet and brushing his hands off.
Fully awake and feeling unusually invigorated, Lori glanced around. There was no sign of Lephas. She was unnervingly keen to put her eyes on him again.
“Looking for Lephas?” Haros asked, watching her curiously.
“Who?” Lori played dumb,earning a laugh from the demon.
“Ouch – now that was mean. He's catching some sleep. You've just got me for now, I'm afraid.” Haros said with a grin, ignoring her nonchalance.
Lori didn't respond as she turned to watch the fire, pulling her knees up to her chest. There was a creak as the demon sat in the wooden chair behind her.
“Can I ask you something?” Haros asked, breaking the momentary silence.
“Depends.”
“Why were you running away from home? Just between the two of us – I swear it. I can't imagine anyone ever running away from all those riches on a whim. You must have had a good reason to need to get out of there.”
