It would be a lot easier to have a map to the gate than to play the guessing game they’d been doing by following the trail of the plat-eyes and other creatures released from it. Save them time. More than that, it would save human lives, and that was what Thorn wanted him to do.
They might actually make it to the Seraph before Vine killed him and absorbed his blood and its power. Or, as the Blackthorn had pointed out, Vine converted him into a tool they could use against them—which was the last thing any of them needed.
“Well?” Devyl asked him, even though it wasn’t in his nature to confer with anyone.
Thorn released an equally agitated breath. “I leave it up to you. Feel free to gut or burn her later, I suppose.”
Rafe let out a low whistle. “And they call me heartless?”
“Aye, well, you might want to stand back as I release her, or she might make that a literal statement instead of a figurative one.” Devyl headed for the cage.
He hesitated as he swept his gaze over her fragile appearance. She looked so harmless and weak, and yet she was one of the deadliest of creatures.
Like a rabbit possessed of a cobra’s venom and razor-sharp teeth.
She brushed at her dark, matted hair. Licking her lips, she reminded him of a street beggar. “I need sustenance, Majesty.”
“We have pig blood on the ship.”
Curling her lips to expose her fangs, she groaned in protest.
“There’s no living person there for you to feast on. We’re all Deadmen.”
She screwed her face up into a perfect expression of absolute horror. “What?”
“’Tis true. There’s not a living creature among us.” He didn’t make mention of Cameron, since the last thing the girl needed was to be singled out by this beast.
She groaned even louder. “Then leave me here.”
“Never.” Mona would only escape her cage and destroy Rafael and all his crew. “You go with me or Thorn. Your choice.”
Glancing to Thorn, she shook her head. “I’ll take me chances with you, Du.”
“Why do I feel so insulted?” Thorn asked.
“You? I think I’m the one most slighted by her choice.” Devyl was definitely the one most offended by her stench. Holding his breath, he opened the cage and tried not to think about the fact that she seemed to be rotting.
From the inside out. Gah, the bowels of hell had reeked less.
Mona smiled up at him as she followed Thorn toward the ladder. While this wasn’t the most ideal situation, at least she was getting off this ship and away from the crew that had captured her. Sooner or later, Du would have to make port and then she could feed. But first …
First she would find the Seraph medallion Vine had sent her after. Then she would tear the heart from the fetid beast and deliver them both to her mistress for reward.
Along with the souls of every member of Devyl Bane’s damned crew. And then they would all have their just rewards, and the world would finally be their playground.
6
“You know this is a trap and that creature is a liar?”
Devyl passed a smirk to Thorn. “Of course I do.”
Shaking his head, Thorn snorted. “Still letting the bitches catch up?”
“Best way to keep an eye on your enemy is to have them under your thumb. Learned that from you.”
“And here I thought you weren’t paying attention.” There was a light of respect in Thorn’s eyes as he watched Rafe’s men escorting Mona up the ladder.
“You sure you’re ready to take her?” Rafe hesitated before they completely released her.
