He catches my forearm and portals us to the fae realm. It’s the same, looking all angelic on the outside, but once you’re past the gates, you can smell the violence and distraction that these people wreak.
“Remember, quiet.”
I want to roll my eyes, but the truth is that this realm is scary in its own right. I’m not going to be the one to stir the pot and become a victim of whatever this place is capable of.Now that I think of it, can I die?This is an important question to ask, but as I watch the stony expression taking over Lucifer’s face, I know now isn’t the time to ask.
He doesn’t knock but instead walks right into the same room as before. The giant and terrifying fae leader is sitting on his throne. Only this time, he has a small woman sitting in front of him on the floor. She looks human, pretty, but terrified. Drugon yanks slightly on a chain that’s connected to a collar circling her neck and pulls her closer to him. She is basically sitting on top of his massive feet while wrapping her arms around his calves.
I wish I had my fucking dagger. I’d stab the ugly massive fae right in the heart and get her out of here. As much as I try, I can’t keep my eyes off her, even as Lucifer holds a conversation with the fae king.
“Lucifer, do you accept my terms?”
“How many fae souls would I be taking to my realm?” he asks. I can see him in my peripheral vision, but my eyes still don’t leave the girl. She’s trying to look anywhere but directly at me. Does she think I would hurt her? I try to relax and hope that maybe some of that energy will radiate over to her.
“Easily two hundred.”
“And they know of this agreement?” Lucifer asks.
“They follow under my rule; what I say goes.”
“So you’re bargaining with souls that aren’t yours to bargain with?”
“I heard that you needed some strength in Hell, is it all gossip?” That juicy tid-bit of information has me looking away from the girl and back at Lucifer. He smirks, completely letting what the fae king says slide off his shoulders.
“Where did you hear such gossip, Drugon?” Lucifer takes a few steps closer to him. I watch as the king becomes uncomfortable, his grip around the chain loosening enough for the girl to crawl to the side of his throne.
“I can’t remember the demon’s name,” Drugon deflects.
“That’s very inconvenient.”
Drugon starts to backtrack. I’m not sure if it’s the calmness on Lucifer’s face or just how intimidating his presence is as he continues to get closer. Drugon is bigger than Lucifer, which is saying something, but Lucifer’s power makes up for any size difference they may have. It’s nearly rolling off of him in waves. I can see how uncomfortable all of the fae in the room are getting.
For some reason, his power has the opposite effect on me. I find myself leaning closer to him, wanting to taste the power for myself.
“I meant no offense, Lucifer.”
He smirks as the fae king says his name.
“No?” he replies. It’s condescending and fucking hot, the confidence he has in this realm. “Drugon, I’m tempted to kill you and everyone in this castle right now.”
“I, uh, I have a demon you can take.”
“And the girl,” I chime in, pointing at the girl in chains. Lucifer doesn’t reprimand me, just nods his head.
“Which demon?”
Drugon holds his large fist up. “Bring him.”
A blond male demon is dragged through the court and put on his knees before us. Lucifer tilts his head and looks down at the demon in recognition.
“Asmodeus.”
“My lord.”
“How was your stay in the fae realm?”
Asmodeus grimaces and groans. “Unpleasant.”
“I find it interesting that you’ve had one of my demons for so long and never told me. You know, Drugon, the basis of a good friendship is honesty.”
