“Hm,” Ena said shortly. She certainly did not like the idea of witches being forced into sexual servitude, but given that it was the only recourse for a witch to be in the Underworld, she couldn’t help but wonder…were all witches who came here forced into it? Or had there been others, like her, who came here willingly for…personal reasons? Somehow, the idea thatshe might not be the only witch who chose to endure this for someone they had feelings for was comforting.
The timekeeper finished lighting the last lantern in the room and quietly slipped out, leaving them alone again.
“That timekeeper was wearing animperaecollar too. Are they…?”
“No, they’re not a witch. There are no other witches here besides you. They’re a mortal.”
That explained why her Knowing had sensed the person when they first entered the room, but it was uncomfortable to think of mortals being forced into servitude here too.
“How many mortals are being kept here asimperi?”
“I think about a dozen, last I checked. Most of them were taken by Cole or some of the other upper-level daemons as punishment. Usually for uncovering their identities while out on a mission, or sometimes for more…nefarious reasons.”
Ena swallowed. She didn’t like thinking about what these poor mortals had been put through, all in the name of keeping daemonic activity a secret.
“That’s horrible,” Ena said, her brow wrinkling in concern.
Ty looked away, as if ashamed. “I know,” he said. “It wasn’t always that way, though. Cole has been ramping up the practice over the last fifteen years since my father died. He thinks it’s what mortals deserve for shunning us and choosing witches.”
“Do others think that too? Or just him?”
“Others do…but not everyone. Not the majority, I don’t think.”
Ena nodded, still feeling troubled by the information.
“I promise we’ll change things, Ena,” Ty said earnestly, sensing her discomfort. “It all starts with breaking the bond. If we do that, it will pave the way for other changes. Do you understand?”
Ena nodded again. “I do,” she said assuredly. “I’m glad you want to change things, and I’m glad to help you.”
Ty smiled at her then, that one corner of his mouth lifting in that charming way it did as he brushed some hair away from her brow, tucking it behind her ear.
He leaned in slowly and kissed her. The kiss was gentle and sweet, but still, Ena felt that spot between her legs ache instantly at the contact. Heat spread throughout her body as she opened her mouth wider, inviting him in. The smell of cedar, stone, and honey surrounded her, and she found herself scooching further into him, lining up their bodies as they lay on their sides so they were touching from toes to chests.
It reminded her of all those mornings traveling that they’d awoken next to each other. She could never admit it then, but she had wished fervently to do exactly this. To wake next to him, peacefully, feeling content, and kiss him. Have him hold her in his big, strong arms and make her feel safe and loved. She could admit it now, though, and she thought if she could wake this way every day of her life, she’d die happy.
The kiss escalated as Ty slipped his tongue into her mouth. His hand dragged down her front to land on her breast, where he stroked her nipple through her thin shift. Wetness instantly pooled between her legs as she reached between them, fumbling with the hem of his shirt. She moved to lift it up, wanting desperately to stroke his increasingly hard cock where she could feel it against her stomach, but he stopped her.
“Uh-uh, viper,” he tsked. “You first.”
“What do you mean?” she asked breathlessly, feeling a little indignant that he had stopped her from her explorations.
He leaned forward to whisper, his lips grazing over the shell of her ear. “I bet your cunt tastes so fucking sweet in the morning. Be a good girl and spread those legs for me so I can find out.”
Fuck. She had no idea why, but the way he said that had possibly made her more turned on than she’d ever been in her entire life.
“Yes, Master,” she whispered seductively in reply, remembering how much he’d liked it when she called him that.
Her heart was pounding as he threw the furs and blankets off her and pulled her to the edge of the bed, lowering himself between her legs.
As she pulled up her shift, bunching it around her waist, and let her knees fall apart for him, she realized what it was about this feeling that mesmerized her.
Doing what she was told, letting him take command, letting go of her control—it made her feel sofree. Anything could happen, and while that thought normally scared her, when she was with Ty, where she felt safe, it felt…addictive. She knew without a doubt that she’d do anything he told her to, and that she’d be happier for it.
Ty pulled his own shirt over his head, tossing it to the side, revealing his muscled chest and arms, covered inonatatattoos. Then he stared down at her sex and breathed in deeply. “Fucking Iblis,” he said, and with no hesitation, he lowered his head and licked her from entrance to clit.
“Shit,” Ena said involuntarily, her whole body lighting up with the exquisite feel of his tongue against her.
“Did you like that?” he asked, looking up at her, his piercing green eyes alight with glee and lust.
