Page 22 of Demonic Affliction

“You sure?”

“Positive.” A shudder goes through him. “It’s easier to control when I’m alone.”

My heart breaks for him. All of this isolation must be killing him. But it’s not like either of us can do anything about it.

All I can do is obey his wishes.

“Call if you need me. Okay?”

Cin nods, but I know he won’t.

I leave the room and stop just outside the door. The plant is heavy in my hands, and I stand there staring down at it. I stay like that for a long while, only raising my head to gaze down the passage, back toward the room where Willow sleeps between my brothers.

I don't understand how someone so small could have such a big impact on us all. I want her more than I know what to do with, and no amount of fighting it has made it easier. If there's one thing I hate more than anything, it's losing control of myself. But I'm starting to think losing her would be worse. Far, far worse.

So I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe.

And maybe, one day, I’ll make her mine.

7

Willow

I wake up wedged between Rhune and Nyx, one of Rhune's wings draped heavy over me like a blanket, and Nyx’s arm curled possessively around my waist. Sasu and Kevin are curled up together at the foot of the bed, Sasu’s small body tucked comfortably in the crook of Kevin’s chest. Rufus and Circe moved to the floor sometime during the night. Circe is stretched out near the door, while Rufus is sprawled on his side in the center of the room, snoring loudly. It makes me smile to know they all feel safe.

The voice in my head is blissfully silent this morning, and I'm glad, but a part of me also feels… lonely. I try not to think about that too much, though. Instead, I stare up at the ceiling, trying my best to enjoy the cuddles, the warmth, and the comforting thump of my mates’ heartbeats.

I should be content, but for some reason, I find my mind wandering to Dravik. It feels like he should be here. The fact that he’s not makes my chest ache, and I don’t know why. I try to relax, but the cord in my chest has started tugging, insisting I rise from the bed and investigate.

Careful not to disturb my slumbering mates, I slowly ease myself out of bed and maneuver past the sprawled bodies of the familiars. Taking one last glance over my shoulder to ensure they’re sleeping soundly, I slip out into the hallway, letting the thread in my chest lead me wherever it wants to go.

I find Dravik in what I assume is the living room, hunched over something on the coffee table. His massive frame blocks it from view, and no matter how I try, I can’t make out what it is.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I silently creep up behind him, glancing over his shoulder to get a good look at whatever’s holding his attention.

Clutched tenderly between his palms is a carved plant pot, and a strange and beautiful flower grows from it. The long, thin stalk is surrounded by tiny, iridescent flowers spiraling upward. The blooms themselves are pale silver with a shift of pink running through them, and the petals are many, growing outward and curved. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Dravik carefully pours Welwig sap into the pot, and wherever it flows, it stains the snow a beautiful dark-blue color.

“What do you have there?”

Dravik startles, jumping at least an inch off his seat. He whips around, his eyes flashing with surprise a moment before embarrassment settles into the creases of his mouth.

“Willow. I didn’t hear you come in.” None so slyly, Dravik attempts to cover the beautiful flower from my view, but I haven’t the faintest idea why.

“What is that?” I ask again, pointing at the exposed part of the plant.

Dravik lets out a sigh. “It’s a Sweetfrost root.”

“Where did it come from?” I ask. “I haven’t ever seen one.”

“Yes… they’re incredibly rare, and it takes great care and attention to get them to bloom.” He lowers his gaze, refusing to meet mine. “I brought it back from the forest.”

“Oh.” I raise my brow, wondering why he’s being so cagey about it. “Any reason?”

His gaze is heated as he looks at me. He stays silent for so long I don't think he's going to answer. “I brought it back for you.”

“For me?” My breath catches. “W-why?”