“He’ll be lonely!”
Princess, whether it was from the arguing or just because he’d finished his treat and wanted more, whined pitifully.
“I honestly believe he’ll be no threat,” Zach chimed in.
Kensington threw his hands in the air. “Not you too!”
“If I may offer my opinion,” Lucifer said to Kensington. “I have never seen an urco be tamed before. Before today, I would have been in complete agreement with you; however, I believe this urco is not a danger to anyone.”
“Anyone who isn’t threatening one of us,” Kensington corrected. “He was quick to jump into the fray before. What if Andras gets into an argument with someone and the urco decides to defend him?”
“I can manage him,” Andras said.
The Grand Master glared at them all, but he was beginning to crack. “Fine! Bring him with us, but at the first sign of aggression, he’s coming straight back! And I expect you to keep him glamoured at all times. No excuses.”
“I swear,” Andras said, smiling. “Thank you.”
Kensington turned away, muttering to himself.
“I want to thank you, Drew Phillips,” Lucifer said, offering his hand to him. “For saving Orias.”
Drew stood up from the chair and shook Lucifer’s hand. “I’m glad he’ll be okay.” He paused, and then decided to be brave. “I hopebothof you will be okay.”
Lucifer nodded. “This has opened my eyes to new possibilities.”
Drew grinned, overjoyed. Then he remembered. “Oh! Um, Orias has something of mine that I’d like back, please. It’s what I came back for.”
“You’ll need to take that up with him,” Lucifer told him.
Drew nodded and began to walk towards the dais, and Zach followed. “Oh, um, do you mind waiting here?” he asked.
Zach frowned. “Why?”
“Because it’s a surprise.” Drew knew he was going to argue, so he added softly, “Please?”
Zach sighed but then nodded, allowing Drew to approach the demon alone.
Orias watched as Drew climbed the steps of the dais and inclined his head. “I owe you my life,” he said.
“You picked up a ring, black with a red ruby in it,” Drew whispered. “It’s mine. If you give it back to me, I’ll consider us even.”
Orias looked down at his hand to where the ring was circling his pinky finger. “I see,” he said. “It’s beautiful. You have good taste, Mr. Phillips.”
“I hope so,” Drew said.
Orias tugged the ring off his finger and held it out. “I wish you well.”
“Same. I hope things work out with you and Lucifer.”
Orias looked bashful. “I am not deserving of him.”
“Yes you are. Treat each other well,” Drew said, and reached out to squeeze his shoulder.
“What should we do with the body?” Cavendish was asking Kensington when Drew returned to the group, ignoring the curious look Zach was shooting his way.
“I don’t believe he has any family to return it to,” Kensington said. “Do you want to bury him?”
Cavendish looked sad but resolute. “No. He’s a traitor. He can rot for all I care.”
