Chapter Two
Cold. Everything was so incredibly cold with the kind of chill that snuck in through the thickest winter clothes and made its way right into my bones. At some point, I must have slipped off the patio chair and landed on the ground. The chair hadn’t had sharp edges, not like the ones I now lay on, which poked into me as I breathed. I groaned, already knowing from my pounding headache that this hangover would be one for the ages.
Recalling last night’s events was a struggle. I’d gone to the party, started with shots, and then…
A jolt of panic coursed through me as the memories flooded back. My eyes shot open. I no longer sat on the balcony overlooking a beautiful sunrise. Darkness enveloped me on all sides. The same darkness that had devoured me. The same darkness I’d known the day I methim.
I jolted upright faster than I’d ever sat up before. As my senses came into focus, I assessed my situation. I was naked, and my bare body invited the cold to collect on my skin. The air carried a thick scent of smoke. Every breath stung my lungs. Flashes like lightning struck on the distanthorizon, revealing the outlines of stone hills and otherworldly structures. Echoed wails and crashes followed in their stead. The unmistakable sound of violence.
My hand shot to my chest. My heart still beat, but its rhythm was unfamiliar. Wrong, somehow. My body carried on in its earthly dance, refusing to admit the truth that I knew all too well.
Before I could wrap my mind around that truth, an itch set in on my left shoulder. It quickly became a searing pain too great to ignore. I bit down on my lip and stifled a cry. Warm metallic liquid oozed into my mouth.Blood—a chilling realization I shoved aside for now.
Emerald light flickered at my side, and I turned my head to look. What I saw there made my stomach lurch. Green flames sprang to life on my skin, turning me into their fuel. My breath hitched, my muscles tightened as the fire spread along my shoulder.
Panic tore through me in waves. Without water to douse it, I’d have to smother the flames. I released my lip and slammed my arm into the ground. The force of the impact against my wound tore a tortured wail from my throat.
It seemed to have done the trick. Once the dull ache wore off, only the discomfort of fresh-seared flesh lingered. I pushed myself upright on trembling hands. Though the fire had gone, an emerald glow remained on my shoulder. It came from the symbol branded into my arm, resembling a winged castle. A heart sat atop it, a cross hung beneath it, and the whole thing was encased in a pair of concentric circles. I ran my fingers over the symbol, and the raised, welt-like lines stung under my touch. The sight of the sigil alone made me nauseous.
I’d never seen that mark before, but green flames? I knew those, knew who summoned them. This mark was Vapula’s doing.
“Here,” a soft voice whispered from somewhere in the dark. “Put these on. Once you have dressed, I will give us some light.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin. I staggered to my feet and stumbled away from its source, balling my hands into fists. Whatever lurked outthere, I wouldn’t let it take me without a fight.
“Stay back, I’m warning you!”
Silky fabric pressed against my palms. I flinched, but no pain or struggle followed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Humans don’t often come here with their worldly possessions, and I assumed you would want to protect your modesty.”
I forced myself to take a deep breath. Terror wouldn’t serve me, and I had to drive it out before it swallowed me whole. I took the fabric. Whoever was holding it released it, and its weight sagged in my hand.
“Thank you,” I muttered, struggling to unfold the clothes in the dark. It was a near-impossible task. I stumbled trying to step into the pants. Even after I twisted the shirt around three times, I was sure I’d put it on backward. The heavy, silk-like fabric they’d been sewn from slipped in my hands as I dressed. Though there were no shoes or undergarments, I was still grateful for the layer of insulation. The crisp air reminded me of an early winter day. Chilling, especially when naked. Not quite dangerous, but not far from it, either.
“Alright, I’m dressed,” I said. “You can turn the lights on now.”
Once I’d spoken the final word, a lantern came alight, casting a warm glow over the surrounding area. I could make out the shimmery orange stone that made up the rough ground, as well as the figure who had come to my aid.
Before me stood a tall man with dark skin and black hair that glinted like obsidian in the firelight. A band of shining cobalt sat crooked atop his head. A crown. It matched his twinkling indigo eyes and the deep blue gambeson he wore.
Then he smiled, showing his fangs.
He was a demon.
The realization broke whatever spell he had me under, pulling me back to my senses. Everything I knew about demons painted them asterrible, scheming things that take advantage of humans to further their evil agendas. Vapula certainly matched that description, but this one seemed different. Some instinct deep inside told me he meant no harm, even as dread crept into my veins.
He didn’t encroach on me, didn’t try to intimidate or attack me. He stood perfectly still and let me take him in.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said, as if he had read my thoughts. “I want to help you. Come; this place won’t be safe for long. We’d best get moving.”
I grimaced, not knowing whether to trust him. If the demon noticed my reluctance, he didn’t show it. He turned his back on me, striding off into the dark and taking our limited light with him. Even as the darkness encroached, I held my ground, unwilling to follow him blindly.
“Where is ‘this place’?” I asked. “Who are you? Give me a reason to trust you, and I’ll consider it.”
The demon halted in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder. “I would be honored if you called me Zaleos. I am one of Hell’s Dukes, and I preside over peace and love. It is my honor to make your acquaintance.”
“A demon of peace and love?” The words tasted wrong in my mouth, almost paradoxical.
