He shrugs, his usually bright smile faltering. “Eh, I ended up going home early.”
That’s strange. I figured he’d be indulging with the rest of us, maybe hanging out with Macen. He once told me he didn’t know of any other gay demons, but that’s bullshit. From what I’ve seen, there doesn’t seem to be a sexual preference at all. “I thought you said there weren’t other gay demons here?”
He snorts. “As far as I’m concerned, there aren’t any.”
“What about Macen?”
Something tightens around his smile. It’s small, but I catch it. “He’s engaged.”
“Engaged?” I blink at him. “I thought demons didn’t believe in marriage.”
“We don't. Not really.” His voice thins a little. “It’s more of an alliance.”
My heart aches for him. He said it so casually, but I know it has to hurt. I hate how lonely he must be. “Well, I don’t know what’s going on tonight, but we should all hang out.”
He gives me a grin. “Maybe we can invite Sable. I heard you’ve gotten pretty good at putting her in her place.”
Oh, God. If I never see her again it’ll be too soon. “I can’t believe Zarreth dated her, and why does Graven bother? He doesn’t even seem to like her.”
“Believe it or not, she wasn’t always this bad. As far as Graven goes, I think he just gets bored, and she’s easy.” He shrugs like the reason is obvious.
Footsteps rush across the packed dirt behind us. A demon jogs toward us, eyes locked on Ronin. “Commander,” he says, stopping short. “You need to see something.”
Ronin’s expression sharpens. “Show me.”
We follow him to the treeline, moving quickly, until we reach a small clearing. My stomach climbs into my throat when I spot a demon kneeling, gaze fixed on the ground. He doesn’t look up, only raises his hand. The air ripples, pulling everything slightly out of focus before snapping back. A shape takes form and my lungs forget to work. It’s a body.
A small body. He’s young. Too young. Barely into his change. Bruises bloom across his ribs. Bite marks score his skin.
Dante. The name forms in my mind as my knees hit the ground beside the boy. My fingers shake while I rub my hands together, trying to summon heat, a spark…anything.
“Please,” I whisper, but when I press my palms to his chest, nothing happens. Not even a flicker. Come on! You were just there this morning. Don’t leave me now! “Come on, work!”
The body doesn’t move. Dammit!
A hand settles on my shoulder, but I shrug it off and try again. I have to save him. He’s too young for this. It isn’t fair.
“Frankie.” Ronin’s grip is firmer this time when he eases me back.
I want to stay here, want to keep trying until his little chest moves, but I know the truth. He’s gone. There’s no coming back. The look in Ronin’s eyes only confirms it.
The demon kneeling on the other side of the body lifts his hand again. The glamour returns and the boy disappears.
I finally push myself up. “He’ll answer for this.”
Ronin nods. “He will.”
Zarreth adjusts the clasp on his arm guard when I step inside. He’s steady, but there’s a tightness in his movements while he gets ready.
“He’s pushing,” I say, unable to shake the image of the boy on the ground. The marks, the bruises. “He wanted us to find the body.”
Amber eyes meet mine. “He wants us unsteady.”
“I won’t be,” I say softly.
“I know.” He crosses the room and adjusts a piece of fabric on my shoulder, smoothing it so it falls the way it’s supposed to. “Stay near me tonight. If Dante tries anything, he’ll do it where the entire horde can see. You know he likes an audience.”
Unfortunately, I know all too well how he likes an audience. “Maybe Jess should stay behind. I worry about her.”
