ANIMA
Torque shows me how much he’s going to miss me two more times before we walk into the hall to see him off. He’s taking Mammon with him to the Bloodlands. Umbra and I will leave tomorrow via a portal. The quicker we can convince Caedis, the better.
They saddle two nuckelavees, waiting for us as we get into the courtyard. Pages are running back and forth, filling the saddlebags.
The Blood soldiers from the fight all wear a different seal on their chests, and the banners they hold are all changed to represent the new king. All traces of Scur were erased.
“How many men do you have left?” I ask, watching the rest line up on horses.
“About a hundred. They have the equipment, and Nox gave us provisions. Our journey won’t be as dangerous as last time. We should be there within a week.”
“I wish we had phones like at home. It would be great to know how you’re doing,” I say, mumbling so no one can hear me. I sound like a lovesick puppy.
“Don’t worry. It will all be fine. If there is an issue, I’ll send Ari to you. But I have protection, and I’m not exactly helpless.”
“I know. My big, strong biker man.” When I tug him toward me, he chuckles, causing a delicious vibration to go through me.
“Hmm… you think I’m big?” He kisses me like I’m the last woman on earth.
“I think you’re more than big, but you need to leave before I pull you into that shed and let this whole army know how strong I think you are. With loud, inappropriate noises.”
I can feel his hardness between us, and he pulls me in the shed’s direction. I let out a laugh, but an angry Mammon stops our banter.
“We need to leave,” he says gruffly.
“Mammon, when are you going to remove the stick from your ass? Doesn’t it hurt?” I ask.
Laughter sounds around me, and Mammon’s face turns purple. It’s my cue to leave.
I give Torque one more kiss before going to stand with my fathers and Umbra. Torque flings himself on the saddle and adjusts himself before turning and staring into my eyes.
That look says it all. How much he feels for me, what he wants to do to my body, and how much he’s going to miss me. I try to give him the same back, but a tear leaks from my eye.
It’s a foreign concept for me, so I wipe it away and blink back the rest. I hope no one saw the tough assassin cry.
Eighteen
ANIMA
It feels empty without Torque in my bed. The sheets next to me are cold. I blink my eyes open at the sun coming through the window and sigh. Today, I’m going to meet the Death king and hope that he won’t kill us.
A knock sounds on my door. Before I can get up, Umbra barges in with clothes and shoes in her arms. She’s dressed for battle with a gigantic smile.
“Morning! Rise and sunshine or whatever the humans say.”
“You’re cheery for someone who might die today.”
She shrugs before placing the clothes on my bed. I get up and pad to the window, opening up the curtains fully. The courtyard is busy, demons running back and forth carrying various things. They tack nuckelavees up, ready to go.
“We won’t die. I’m sure you’ll win him over with your charm.” She laughs, coming to stand with me at the window. She places a hand on my shoulder and turns to me.
“You may not know all about court life, but you’re a warrior. A kindred spirit. We’ll get him to agree, and then we’ll stop this witch from uniting the realms. All will be well.”
I need some of her confidence. This is all so foreign to me, but the one thing I understand is selfishness. And if Caedis is as bad as they say, he won’t want anyone coming in to shape his realm.
“What’s that you’ve brought me?” I indicate to the bunch of cloth and leather on the bed.
“I had it made special. Fighting leathers in the Demon Realm are a sign of status. I couldn’t let you go if you didn’t look your best.”
I laugh and kiss her cheek. It’s something I would do with Shelley, a sign of affection, but I feel like Umbra is becoming something more than an aunt in name only.
“Thank you. I’m sure they’ll be a wonderful asset in battle.”
I slip into the bathroom and do my morning routine, taking care to brush out my long hair. Taking a deep breath, I go into the room and look at the clothes on the bed.
Soft leather pants, the color of Nox’s smoke, are so dark they looks like they could blend into the shadows. A tunic and leather chest plate are next, each molding to my body perfectly.
There are sheaths built in for my knives and a clasp to hold Hubris’s scabbard. She even put a holster on my hip for my SIG. I slip on the boots before glancing in the mirror.
Nox’s crest stares back at me, but there’s something on my left breast right above my heart. It’s a smoking crown, but the color of the smoke is like mine, the darkest purple tinged with gold. I run my fingers over it.
“It’s your symbol. The symbol of the heir to the Dark crown.”
I try to interrupt, but she holds out her hand and comes to stand behind me, looking at us both in the mirror.
“This shows your status. Even if you don’t want to live this life, it will get you out of tough spots. People will respect you because of it. Play the part until we’re all safe.”
I nod and take her hand. She’s right. I need to sacrifice my own feelings for a while. Taking down Rahna is more important than my choices at this moment. Later, I can
