With an adorable gape, she gently fingered his abdomen. “It’s a miracle.”
It was something he didn’t understand. “Have you any powers?”
She was aghast at his question. “No. Why?”
Not wanting to let her know how much control she had over him, he cleared his throat. “The humans who were after me… they had a sorcerer in their midst.”
“Orus.”
“You know him?”
“Only by reputation. He’s a fierce warrior. Feared by everyone.”
Malphas bit back a snort. “I only wondered if you had such powers, too.”
“My only power is irritating my father.” Suddenly, she was nervous. “And speaking of, I’d best head home before he starts searching for me.”
Something inside him screamed out a denial at the thought of her leaving. Especially when she spoke her next sentence. “I guess you’ll be leaving now, huh?”
Made sense. He had no reason to stay. But there was a foreign ache inside him he didn’t understand. The thought of leaving actually caused him pain.
And by the sadness in her eyes, he wondered if she felt it, too.
“I’m sure you’ll be glad to see me gone.”
Lilliana shook her head as her eyes became glassy. “I think I’ll miss you, Caleb. I wish you could stay.”
Those words should anger him. Make him curse her. Instead, he brushed the pale hair back from her cheek. “What if I could?”
Her eyes widened, then her entire face lit up. “Really? Could you?”
You’re a fool. Don’t even think it!
Malphas had always hated that inner voice that constantly nagged and berated him.
This time, it was right. He shouldn’t have any of the thoughts that were in his head. He had an army to command. A war to fight.
And a beautiful woman in front of him who caused the strangest feelings inside him.
There will always be a battle and war.
True. It was the nature of the gods to fight. Man even more so. Demons lived for conflict. Nature of the beasts.
But how often would he have a gentle woman staring up at him like this?
Screw it. If he had to die, he’d rather it be with Lilliana than fighting for a cause he didn’t believe in or care about. Rising to his feet, he dressed himself like the humans who’d been chasing after him, then held his hand out for her. “Can I walk you home?”
Taking his hand, she allowed him to pull her to her feet. “Of course, you can, kind sir.” Her gaze went to his sword. “But that might beg more questions than either of us can answer.”
Malphas used his telekinesis to pick up and strap it to this back.
“Where did it go?”
Malphas grinned. “It’s still here. Hidden in plain sight.”
Lilliana just stared at him.
“What?” he asked, curious about the expression on her face.
