Page 50 of Demonic Affliction

“Me either.” A deep whine builds in Rhune’s chest. “I do not like the thought that you will be in danger, pup.”

“I know.” I reach up to touch his cheek. “But I have you and Nyx and Dravik. I have Cin. And I know I am safe as long as I am with you.”

“You are,” he promises. “We will always protect you, Willow.”

“I know.” I close my eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips despite everything that’s happened. “I know.”

I close my eyes, hoping sleep eventually claims me. Wishing this moment would never end.

I don’t know if either will come true.

16

Willow

I wake up sometime in the night, the sleeping chamber quiet except for the slow rhythm of my mates’ breathing. I lie there a moment, waiting for sleep to pull me back under. Only it doesn’t.

I think about how Dagny's mates don't appear to sleep the way mine do. They’re always alert and watching, seemingly never needing to rest. I wonder if it's their altered physiology—another side effect of being born from an incomplete resurrection. Unwhole, in Cin's words.

I like that mine sleep, though. I like that they trust me enough to let their guard down and slumber as deeply as they do. Those moments give me time alone to think.

Suddenly in the mood for some fresh air, I carefully untangle myself from my mates’ limbs and crawl out of our bed. Leaving the safety of the sleeping chamber, I head out to the main cave exit, stopping at the ledge. One more step, and I’d be free-falling down the side of the cliff.

I take a deep breath and lower myself to the edge, letting my feet dangle over open air as I look out over the frozen landscape. This is nice. Peaceful. Calming.

And that’s when the serafyn makes its appearance.

Hey, girl.

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling my anger spike at its voice. “Go away, Spoon,” I grumble. “I’m mad at you.”

Mad? Why?

I scoff, shaking my head. “I called for you earlier. When those mutated things were attacking us, I asked for your help. You didn’t answer.”

I was resting.

“I could have died.”

You did not. I fail to see the problem.

“The problem is that you weren’t there for me in my time of need. Apparently, a nap is more important than protecting your vessel.”

Once more, I would like to reiterate that you are fine.

“You know what?” I cross my arms. “Just leave me alone.”

How? There is nowhere for me to go.

“Go back to sleep, then!”

I am not tired. And I do not appreciate you trying to order me⁠—

I push my fingers into my ears, closing my eyes and humming as loudly as I can, in hopes of drowning out her voice.

You are acting like a petulant child!

“And you’re acting like a shit-smeared asshole. Oh wait, you’re not acting," I snap, dropping my hands back to my sides. “Dammit. I was hoping that would work.”