Page 13 of Demonic Affliction

Just before she reaches the door, something flickers across her face. It’s there and gone so fast I almost convince myself I imagined that, too. But I didn't. I’m sure of it.

Dagny is afraid. But of what? Or, maybe the better question is, of who?

I'll have to ask her when we have our talk later.

5

Willow

I’m snuggling in bed with my mates when there’s a familiar knock on the door.

Tucked between them with my head on Rhune's chest, and Nyx's arm slung heavy across my waist, I’m so comfortable that for a moment, I consider ignoring it so we can waste the day like this.

The knock comes again, followed by a distinctly female voice. “Is everyone decent?” she asks.

With a lot of effort, I manage to disentangle myself from my mate's limbs. Sitting upright in bed, I shove the hair back off my face and clear my throat. “We’re decent! Come in!”

A moment later, the door swings open, and Dagny steps inside, all smiles and comforting energy. She's got her long hair pulled back in a braid today, and the style shows off her striking features and highlights her strange, silver-ringed eyes.

“Feeling better?” she asks, giving me a once-over. “You look better.”

“I feel great.” I nod, not having to fake the smile I give her. After a good meal and a long dip in the healing pools, my legs are fully functioning, and my body aches are practically nonexistent. Even the tiredness plaguing me since I came to this land seems to have been chased away with the extra TLC.

“Perfect,” she says. “Can I steal her away for a few minutes to give Willow a little tour?”

“I suppose.” Rhune sounds unsure. “You will be okay, pup?”

Nyx snorts from his side of the bed, not bothering to open his eyes. "She survived an ice wyrm attack, an arachnyx horde, and fought off the bloodthirsty entity parasitizing her soul. I think she can manage a house tour."

Rhune's wings droop slightly as a familiar whine builds in his throat. I squeeze his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine, Rhune. You and Nyx get some rest.”

“You promise?”

“I promise, promise. I will call you if I need anything.” I squeeze his hand again, give him and Nyx a quick kiss, then crawl off the bed.

“Ready?” she asks.

“Ready.”

Kevin rises from where he was resting on the floor, blinking sleepily and letting out a soft bleat, as if asking if he can come with.

“You can come, Kevin.” I laugh. “You never have to ask.”

I walk beside Dagny as we traverse the mazelike tunnel system, trying and failing to gain my bearings as she points out different rooms and landmarks.

Once she’s shown me the main layout, she leads me to a room at the back of the tunnels. It’s small and cozy, filled with books and trinkets, and it makes me feel at home.

I sit in the fur-covered armchair across from Dagny, marveling at how soft it is.

“My mates made that for me,” she says. “Anything I want, they somehow find a way to make it.”

Reminds me of my own mates. I wonder if acts of service is a demon thing…

Kevin trots over, stretches, and curls up at my feet.

Dagny watches his little dance, grinning. “I think it’s so cool that you have a pet baby antethorpe. I had a kleptak years ago, but he was not nearly as adorable as Kevin.”

“Kleptak?” I try to remember if any of my mates have mentioned that creature. “It sounds… creepy.”