“And I tell Meph everything,” Iris continued, “so I’m going to tell him this. And he’s going to tell his brothers because Murmur poses a potential threat they need to be prepared for.”
“What threat?”
“I mean, they can’t be forced back to Hell now that they have permission from Heaven to live on Earthandan angel on their side. But Murmur is dangerous. I don’t know what he’s up to, but it’s wise to be prepared. Plus, Bel owes him two favors, and I think they’re all waiting to see what those will be.”
Suyin winced. She knew what one of them was, but the vow prevented her from telling Iris about it.
She’d also learned today that Belial was Meph’s “brother”—along with Asmodeus, Raum, and Mishetsumephtai. Small world. Or something like that.
“He’s a backstabber, Su,” Iris continued. “I already told you how he sold me and Meph out. But he also swore another vow to Belial that he wouldn’t fuck with him, his brothers, or anyone important to them. And then not a month later, he showed up here and took you.”
“Did Belial specifically say my name in that bargain?”
“Well, no, but—”
Suyin had to laugh.
“Why is that funny?!”
“Murmur probably went into that negotiation already planning to take me and being careful to word it in a way that he could still do it without violating the terms. You have to respect that kind of forethought.”
Iris’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my god.”
“What?”
“You like him.”
“Well, yeah, like I said—”
“No, youlikelike him. You’re into him!”
There was an awkward pause.
“It’s not like that,” Suyin protested weakly. Except she was pretty sure it was.
“It so is. I can see it in your eyes. Oh my god, did you sleep with him?”
Suyin winced.
“Holy fucking shit!” Iris shouted so loud that someone walking past on the opposite sidewalk shot them a concerned look. “How could you—He’s creepy as hell. He looks like a vampire. He’s like a giant, undead goth elf, with that white hair and those freaky eyes, and—Okay, never mind. I totally get why you’re attracted to him. But still!”
Suyin shrugged. “It wasn’t planned, trust me.”
“Lemme get this straight. He knocked you out, dragged you to Hell, locked you in a dungeon … and then you slept with him.”
Suyin mentally added,Starved me, threatened me innumerable times, scared the living daylights out of me with his creepy soul army …
Instead of voicing that, however, she pinned Iris with a bland look. “Are you slut-shaming me?”
“What? Fuck no, I’m not slut-shaming you. I’m worried for your goddamn sanity!”
Suyin crossed her arms. “You don’t get to tell me it’s not hot to fuck a seven-foot-tall monster with horns. I don’t know what Meph’s demon form looks like, but I bet he’s not any prettier.”
Iris visibly winced.
“So don’t act all shocked that I would be attracted to Murmur.”
“I’m not, but—”
