Those who wanted to spread poison for the sake of harming the innocent. They lied to make themselves look important or to steal what they weren’t entitled to.
People like Edred were what she feared even more than Belial. Because they, unlike the demon, couldn’t be reasoned with. Nor were they brave enough to attack on their own. They were insidious and unfeeling. Pretending to be friendly while plotting and lying behind the backs of those they called friends.
Like the dogs they were, they would come in giant packs to rip others to shreds.
Without mercy or compassion.
Those were the ones who’d preyed upon her husband when he’d been a helpless boy, and she refused to let them persecute him for another minute.
“I will keep you safe, Valteri.”
From all the demons out to get him.
Human and otherwise.
She had no idea how. But somehow, she’d find a way.
There had to be some way to break the curse and find a bloodless solution for all of them.
CHAPTER22
Belial hovered in the shadows of the stable, his body translucent as he floated around the rafters. At last he could again convert to his demonic form on his own. He threw his head back and laughed, reveling in his growing power.
A flash of brown caught his eye.
Drifting to the top of the stable so that he could peer more closely out the crack between the chinks, he spied Edred crossing the yard. The fat little friar cast a furtive glance around as if seeking someone, or mayhap avoiding someone.
Belial frowned, an uneasy twinge settling in his belly. Something was amiss.
“What are you up to…”
He lowered himself to the floor, returned to his human body, and nonchalantly made his way outside.
“Lord Belial!” the friar called.
Stifling his smile, Belial walked over to him. “Greetings, brother. What duties have you this day?”
The friar seized his arm and quickly pulled him off to the small garden beside the hall. He scanned the garden like a fearful mouse looking for a cat.
Belial longed to claw the tight grip from his elbow, but he tolerated it, knowing that eventually he’d find out what had the little man so distraught.
“I’ve just spoken with your sister.” Edred kept his tone low.
Belial cocked his brow in expectation. Could the fat little mouse have fondled the wrong piece of cheese? “Did you now?”
“Aye, milord.” His eyes grew large and round in fear. “And she spoke of demons among us!”
Belial gave him a patient, chiding smile. “Of course. Lord Valteri—”
“Nay. She said ’twas another. That we must be vigilant!”
“Another?” He gasped, feigning fright as he leaned nearer. “Did she name the beast?”
Edred shook his head, his gaze wistful. He wrung his pudgy hands. “I’d give aught if she had, but alas, she said only that she’d seen signs.”
Belial tsked. “Oh dear.”
“Indeed.”
