by G. K. DeRosa
Another male approached the bars, his short stature eliciting a lost memory I couldn’t quite hold onto. “Quiet, you idiot. Don’t you know who this is?” His yellow eyes raked over me. “It’s the dark lord’s newest paramour.”
Bleh. Better they thought I was his lover than the truth.
“What are you doing down here, pretty? The dark lord isn’t keeping you satisfied?” The tall guy thrust his pelvis forward in a vile gesture.
“I can satisfy myself just fine, a-hole.”
“Enough, Birmus,” said the demon dwarf. “What brings you down here, my lady?”
Now, that’s what I’m talking about. I stepped closer to the cell and called on my demon. I needed her close by in case things got out of control. “I need some information.”
The guy’s egg-shaped eyes widened. “That can be arranged. At a price, of course.”
“Of course.”
“Ask your question, and I’ll tell you if I can provide the info requested and what it’ll cost you.”
A few of the other demons were listening now. All eyes were on us. I’d come this far, I couldn’t back out now. “There was a dragon shifter at the house last night. Was he part of Delacroix’s gang like the rest of you?” I balled my hands into fists hoping I’d guessed right. I had to at least sound like I knew what I was talking about.
The tall guy barked out a laugh. “No, he’s definitely not on Delacroix’s payroll.”
“Shut your trap, Birmus,” the little demon snapped then turned to me, a wry smile twisting his lips. “I know exactly who you’re talking about, but before I continue, why should I trust you?”
“Because I want out of here as badly as you do.”
His wild brows knitted together. “I need more of an assurance than that.”
“I swear to it. I’ll take the demon blood oath if that’s what you want.”
“Now, that is interesting.” He glanced over at his friend. “I’d hate to shed the blood of the dark lord’s paramour. Gods know he’d surely have my head if he found out.” His oval eyes fixed on mine, risky considering what I was, and he smiled. “I’ve always been a good judge of character, and I believe you, my lady. Now all that stands in the way of your information is the most important question: what’s in it for me?”
“What do you want?”
He gripped the iron bars and flashed me a row of sharp teeth. “What do you think?”
Shitzu. How would I break this guy out of here? We’ll find a way, Azara. My inner demon hissed in my head. We don’t belong locked up down here anymore than he does.
I rolled my eyes internally. Besides hunger, my she-demon only had one thing on her mind: power—and occasionally sex. “It’s a deal,” I spat before I could chicken out. I’d get him out somehow. “Now tell me everything you know.”
He beckoned me closer with a pointed nail. “You’re lucky you met me, my lady. The name’s Sark by the way, and I just so happen to be the source of all information for Darkblood Prison. Rumor has it that the dragon shifter you saw is the leader of the Triad. They’re infamous at the penitentiary, second only to the great Delacroix, of course.”
That made no sense. “How could he be imprisoned if I saw him at that house?”
“There are tunnels under the jail. Only a select few know their way around them. He must be one of them.”
“If he could get out whenever he wanted then why would he stay?”
The male shrugged. “There are reasons why someone may want to remain imprisoned. As for his, I cannot pretend to know.”
I shook my head. This guy had to be full of it.
He pressed his head further between the iron bars. “I can prove it. Send word to Marterus in the fifth realm. Tell him I sent you to him for confirmation of an inmate. He’ll provide you with video proof of your dragon shifter.”
My heart flipflopped for no apparent reason. “Okay,” I finally forced out. The smack of approaching footfalls spun my attention to the doorway. “I’ll be back when I get my proof.”
“I’m counting on it, my lady.” He shot me another toothy smile.
I darted out of the enclosure and slammed the door behind me, dragging the metal bolt over the thick wood. A second later, two narkins appeared from around the corner.
“About time you showed up,” I barked as I shot by them and darted up the stairs. Now I had to figure out how to send a message to this Marterus guy without Thax finding out.
Chapter Five
I stared at the tablet the servant held with my heart lodged in my throat. My memories might have been hazy from that night four days ago, but I’d never forget those eyes. I couldn’t. They starred in my dreams nightly.
The raven black hair, sculpted jaw, broad shoulders, and those smoldering silver irises. That dragon shifter really was an inmate at Darkblood Prison. Then how did he know me? I had to find out. My gut told me he was the key to everything—to my lost memories, to reclaiming my life, to finally feeling something.
“Thanks, Resik.” I nodded at the demon and forced my gaze away from the image on the tablet. It had been easier than I thought to bribe one of the servants to send word to the demon in the fifth realm. Apparently, most of them preferred me to their dark lord.
Now I had to figure out how to get my new friend in the dungeon out. Me too, for that matter. If this dragon shifter resided in Darkblood Prison, I had to get there somehow. Thax rarely let me out of his sight, or that of his demon guards at least. Even if I succeeded in escaping the underground compound, I still had to infiltrate the prison. Again, one of those ingrained truths fluttered across my mind. Darkblood Prison was located in Draeko, the dragon realm and it was impenetrable. It held the worst of the worst in the supernatural world.
Those silver eyes danced across my vision once more. The storm of emotions that brewed below the glimmering surface squeezed my lungs, nearly stealing my breath. What was he doing there?
I shook the haunting image from my mind and headed down the corridor in the opposite direction of the servants’ quarters. It was time I visited my prisoner friend. I needed to find out how much he knew about those tunnels beneath Darkblood.
As I walked the dark halls before sunup, I pulled the scrap of paper from my pocket. In the days waiting for a response from the demon in the fifth realm, I’d spent every spare moment in the library. It was time to visit Sark in the dungeon and put my burgeoning magic to the test.
Once I reached the lower level, I whispered the words of the invisibility spell. The moment the foreign words left my lips, my tattoo tingled to life. The warm lavender glow lit up the recesses of the dark tunnel. A wave of magic tingled over my skin, and the hole in my gut didn’t feel quite as empty as usual.
Did it work?
I brought my hands to my face, and my hopes plummeted. Ten fingers wiggled before my eyes. Dammit.
The door to the staircase whipped open and nearly slammed into my face. I jerked back just in time as a narkin guard barreled by me. Without sparing me a glance. I stepped out into the stairwell as he rushed up the steps, my soft footfalls scraping the cement. The soldier’s head spun back, and his beady eyes ran over me. A second later, he shook his head and continued up the stairs.
Yes! It had worked. I was a freakin’ magic prodigy. What demon learned the mystical arts in a few days? That strange feeling in the pit of my stomach confirmed I was still missing a large chunk of my past, and my cousin was keeping it from me.
Without wasting another minute, I dashed down the passageway to the jail cells to find my new best friend, Sark. I had a deal to offer him. Once I got the demon out of my cousin’s clutches, I needed him to take me to Darkblood Prison.
Like before, a narkin guard sat in front of the entrance to the dungeon, but this time I lucked out. Not only was the guy dozing away, but the door was ajar. With my new invisibility, getting in would be a snap. I tiptoed past the drowsy soldier and snuck into the prison chamber. The dark lord really needed to upgrade his security team.
I pulled out another scrap of paper and scribbled a quick note as I crept toward Sark’s cell. I ducked in front of it and slid the note between the iron bars. The tall, lanky demon noticed it first and ticked his head at his friend.
Sark grabbed it before any of the other demons could get their hands on it. He scanned the slip of paper and scowled. After a brief pause, in which my heart hammered out an erratic staccato, he nodded. “Deal,” he mouthed.
A huge smile split my lips, and a sliver of joy ignited in the emptiness of my core. Now I just had to figure out how to break out of here.
Either it was the best plan ever or the most stupid and dangerous one. Either way, I had to try. Drayax had been begging my cousin for a night alone with me, which I of course had adamantly refused. Until now.
Luckily, Thax’s paranoia was going to play right into my plan. My cousin had agreed on a private meeting, but the stipulation was that it be held in his underground castle. Drayax had countered with an empty castle—no Thax, no guards, not even servants. Perfect for me, but I was shocked he’d agreed. Either my cousin didn’t value my life that much, or he thought I could take on the dark lord if necessary. I hoped it was the latter.
As Lumi primped and prettied me, I went over the plan in my head. Soul-sucking the warlord was too risky a move. If he saw me coming, he’d put up a fight and I didn’t want to deal with that. I’d have to take a more subtle approach.
My latest research had found me in the magical potions section of the library. Fortunately, Thax’s kitchen was fully stocked with eye of newt, toe of frog, etcetera, etcetera. I patted the tiny vial hidden within the folds of my lacey dress as Lumi curled the last tendril of my dark hair.
“I’m so excited for you, my lady. All the female staff is aflutter with the arrival of Drayax. I’m only sorry I can’t stay to see him in person.” She sighed dramatically.
Oh, brother.
She tugged open the vanity drawer and pulled out a velvet pouch. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she handed me the small sack. “Take this. Only one pill and you can pleasure the dark lord all night long without worry of consequences.”
Oh, puke. I wasn’t letting the dark lord anywhere near my lady. But I plastered on a smile and thanked her. I had to start working on my acting skills before he arrived anyway.
Two sharp knocks at the door pulled me from my musings. “Come in,” Lumi singsonged.
Thax strode in, a frown playing on his thin lips. “I hope you will be civil to Drayax this evening. I’d like to finalize this arrangement before I’m ejected from my own castle again.”
I shrugged. “No promises, cuz.”
Lumi tittered nervously. “Of course, she will, my lord. Lady Azara is thrilled to welcome the fine lord into your abode. She’s assured me she will do her best to ensure he finds her pleasing.”
I rolled my eyes. Poor Lumi. She tried so hard.
“I should hope so, Azara. Trust me when I say this is what you’ve always wanted.”
I found that hard to believe. Unless he was talking about eating the soul of a dark lord. My she-demon chuckled as I slapped my hands on my hips. “Don’t worry, cuz, I’m sure the night will go off without a hitch.” And come tomorrow I’d be realms away from this godforsaken underground prison.
Thax yanked his pocket watch from the chain and stared at the gaudy gold trinket. “It’s time. Come along, Lumi. We must vacate the premises.” He shoved the servant toward the door and craned his neck back. “Remember how important this is, Azara.”
I gritted my teeth and flashed him a smile. Damned right it was. “Of course. I look forward to pleasing the dark lord’s every desire.” Bleh.
“You know, I’ve heard Drayax has a penchant for whips—”
I lifted my hand cutting off my cousin as nausea crawled up my esophagus. “I’ll handle it. Now get out of here already.”
As soon as the door slammed, I released the breath I’d been holding. Part one of the plan was complete, now I only hoped Drayax would cooperate. I hurried out of my chambers to make a quick stop at the dining room before the warlord arrived. Lumi assured me the servants had prepared a sumptuous meal for our honored guest. If I could slip the potion in his drink now, it would save me the trouble later.
I reached the final step into the sweeping foyer and called out, “Anyone in here? Hello?” I waited at the threshold of the dining room, the massive banquet table filled with platters. My stomach growled as the savory aroma filled the air. “Hello?” Nothing.
They really all left. I crept to the head of the table and yanked up my full skirt, digging around for the hidden vial. Gotcha! I uncorked the magical sleeping concoction and tipped the glass vessel into the gilded goblet. Now I just had to be sure I sat at the opposite end of the table.
Loud banging at the door swept my attention to the entrance. Here goes nothing. I swung the door open, and a towering wall of man loomed in the threshold. I glanced up for a second, and silver irises danced across my vision. I blinked, and they were gone. In their place remained soulless black ones, ringed by dark, shaggy hair.
“Lady Azara, finally.” Drayax grinned and stepped forward, extending a meaty paw. Wearing a black leather jerkin with matching pants and a sword hung low at his hip, he was in his best warlord attire. Behind him, I could make out the slim figure of Thax’s warlock friend, Jasper. He must’ve provided the dark lord’s transportation down here. From behind massive shoulders, the warlock waggled his fingers at me and disappeared.
I finally accepted Drayax’s outstretched palm, and the warlord surprised me by dipping into a bow. He pressed his lips to the back of my hand and before I could pull it away, his tongue snaked out. Wet, rough sandpaper dragged across my skin. Making out with this guy would be like torture. I suppressed the gagging noise threatening to sneak out and forced a smile. I had to play nice until we sat down at the table. Then it was nappy time.
I motioned toward the candle-lit dining room and again the scent of roasted meat and vegetables filled my nostrils. This time the smile that crept across my face was real. “Right this way—”
Drayax tightened his hold on my hand and spun me away from the delectable aroma. “I’d prefer a conversation in front of the fireplace before the meal. Perhaps a drink to whet the appetite.” He licked his lips, and a mischievous gleam sparkled in his fathomless eyes.
Crap. I’d been too hasty to pre-fill his goblet with the sleeping potion. “Okay,” I muttered as he tugged me toward the damp, sprawling sitting room. I stared up at the shadowed rafters, half expecting a surveillance camera tucked away in a corner. For an underground castle, the place had ridiculously high ceilings.
Drayax pulled me down to the couch in front of the roaring fireplace, and I curled into a ball, tucking my knees to my chest. Luckily, the dress Lumi had forced on me had full, trailing skirts.
The warlord quirked a wild brow at me and scooted closer. “Don’t be frightened. I don’t bite unless provoked.” He winked, and a gold hoop danced along his eyebrow. It gleamed beneath the flickering flames and seemed strikingly un-warlord like.
“I’m not frightened of you,” my inner demon snapped. I could devour you before you unsheathed your sword. I reined her in and lightened my tone. “I simply don’t like my cousin interfering with my life—romantic or otherwise.”
Drayax puffed out his chest, his caramel skin peeking through the leather armor. “You don’t find me pleasing?”
Gods, did I hurt the big, bad warlord’s feelings? “You’re fine. Like I said, this is an issue with Thax.”
His dark brows furrowed, the crease between his eyes deepening. “Do you know how many females would kill to be in your position? I am desired by women across the six realms of the Underworld. Lucifer himself has toted my merits as dark lord.”
I bit my tongue to keep a nasty retort from slipping out. By all means, get with one of the many. And as for Lucifer, I may not remember my grandfather, but a warm and fuzzy feeling filled my chest ev
ery time his name was mentioned. “How wonderful for you,” I finally muttered.
“Azara…” He inched closer, and I scooted back. My butt hit the end of the couch as Drayax loomed over me. “Perhaps I haven’t been clear. The purpose of this evening is to come to a mutual agreement but understand this: I will have you one way or another.”
The sparkle in his eyes from earlier vanished, replaced by two pits of bottomless black. His hand snaked out and gripped the back of my neck, tangling his thick fingers through my hair.
“Let go of me,” I hissed.
“Not until you submit.”
What am I a hell-hound? My she-demon’s voice echoed across my mind.
He bored down on top of me, caging me in with one arm while the other hand kept a tight hold on my head. The weight of his hardness brushed against my knees as I curled into a tighter ball. This guy was getting off on this. “I’ll never submit to you, you demon douche.”
Drayax’s eyes widened, and a snarl curled his lips. “Then it’s time I teach you a lesson.” Releasing my head, he pawed at the corset top of my dress. He threaded his fingers through the laces and yanked. My boobs spilled out, and rage exploded in my core.
With one knee, he drove his leg between my thighs, but darkness had already started to blanket my vision. My she-demon was coming, and I was too pissed to stop her.
I rammed my knee up for a direct hit to his nether regions. Drayax fell back, curses spewing from his clenched jaw. As soon as his suffocating weight was off, I jumped up and fastened my corset as best I could.
The big, bad warlord lay on the floor in the fetal position. He glanced up at me, still muttering curses. “You will regret this. Thax will never rise without my help, and now you’ve obliterated his chances.”
I could barely hold my demon back, she was scraping her way to the surface. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to shove her down. I couldn’t risk losing control, not when I was this close to freedom.
But she was pissed—and hungry.