by J. S. Scott
Usually, she rarely left the area where she slept, but when she’d heard that the Sentinel Demon King was Goran’s prisoner, Sophie had wanted and needed to see him. The compulsion had been so strong; she hadn’t been able to fight it. Risking punishment if she was caught, she’d snuck into the dungeon, the one place where she knew she couldn’t wander. Especially when prisoners were being held.
Kristoff’s appearance had shocked her. Although she’d seen human women, he was the first male she remembered seeing who appeared to be human. Sure, he was actually a Sentinel demon and a demigod, but from what she’d heard, most Sentinels were once human, and they stayed in the same physical form after they became a Sentinel.
Even confused, Kristoff had been so handsome, so different from the male Evils. It had been a shock when she’d realized that she could hear his thoughts, and that she could speak to him in her mind. Following her instincts, she’d followed him into his dreams, and been able to block his usual nightmares, let him sleep a dreamless sleep.
She’d had to leave him or risk discovery. There was no way for her to free him. But after the visit, Sophie had tried to protect him every chance she had. Unfortunately, she’d been out of it for a while because Goran had drained her, and she wasn’t even certain how long she’d been unconscious.
I’m here. I’m sorry. My energy was taken from me. But I’m back now.
Sophie sent the message through the channel that she knew instinctively only she and Kristoff shared.
There was silence for a moment before he answered.
You were drained? Are you one of the captive radiants? Are you here in the demon realm?
He sounded lost and confused. Sophie’s heart ached for the pain he’d been through, and it was one of the only emotions she’d let touch her in a very long time.
Yes. I’m the only one who ever survives for very long. I don’t know why.
He answered quicker this time.
I know why. You’re a special radiant, one with a latent power. Are you alone now?
She nodded sadly and swallowed hard, even though she knew Kristoff couldn’t see her.
Yes. The other women are all…gone.
His answer came back stronger.
Fuck! Damn Goran to Hell!
She replied drily.
He’s already in demon Hell.
Kristoff was quiet for a moment before he answered with a slightly amused reply.
Are you really here, or am I so damn lost to reality that I’m hallucinating?
Sophie knew what the demons were capable of, and she knew they wanted Kristoff as weak and as close to dead as he could possibly get. He was a powerful Sentinel, the king with the powers of a demigod, and he was a threat unless he was totally incapacitated.
However, having the Sentinel king was a valuable asset to the Evils until they totally won the wars that was going on in the human realm. With no leader, no demigod to help them, the Sentinels were bound to lose their fight.
I’m real, Kristoff. The room where I stay lies just above you. I visited you briefly, but you were exhausted. You didn’t know I was there. For some reason, I can speak to you now telepathically. I can guard you from some of the mental torment the demons are bombarding you with. But once I was drained by Goran, I was unconscious. I don’t know how long I was out. I’m sorry I left you.
He sent his next message quickly.
It’s not your fault. How long have you been here?
Sophie shuddered as she replied.
Forever. I don’t remember my life in the human realm. All I know is what I’ve been able to overhear from the demons and from the poor radiants who are brought here to die.
His tone was gruff as he sent a reply.
Don’t. Don’t feel responsible. You’re a prisoner just like they were. I wish there was some way for me to get the hell out of here and help my Sentinels.
The fact that he appeared to want out of the demon realm just to help his men with the battle didn’t escape her notice.
“But the other women always die and I don’t,” Sophie muttered to herself, unwilling to put anything more on Kristoff by sending the words telepathically.
She wanted him to live.
She wanted him to escape.
She wanted him to get back to where he belonged so the Sentinels had a chance to win against the Evils.
Sophie might not remember the human realm, but she did know it had to be a hell of a lot nicer than the demon’s domain. Evil was evil. The Sentinels were the good guys. Somehow, Kristoff had to live and return to his own dimension.
Here, he was helpless.
Tell me what I can do to help you.
Her request was desperate. She didn’t have enough knowledge to know exactly how she could return him to his own world.
Nothing. I traded my life for my daughter and her mate. Even if I had the power to leave, I can’t. I sealed my fate. I gave my vow.
The frustration in Kristoff’s voice was clear, but Sophie didn’t have much time to think about his words before all hell broke loose.
All Sophie could do was gape as a beautiful woman with flame-colored hair appeared out of thin air, followed by a female with dark hair, and then another behind her. The last one was a woman with hair a similar color to Kristoff’s, a light, gorgeous blonde with a ferocious expression that brought Sophie to a halt as she started walking toward them.
There are no Evils accompanying them into the demon realm!
These women weren’t new arrivals for Goran to drain. They were here by choice for some reason, able to descend into the realm without the help of the Evils, and judging from the blonde woman’s expression, they were obviously pretty damn angry.
Sophie could sense that these women were radiants, but they were unlike any other Sentinel demon mate she’d ever encountered.
Because they’re already mated!
Sophie could feel the difference. These women exuded more confidence and power than the unclaimed radiants, yet they still had the same essence as the women who had perished here in the demon realm.
They were radiants, but definitely not alone and not undefended like the radiants who came here and died here.
Sentinel demons followed one by one, the dark-haired female touching each one of them, which seemed to make them come alive with energy. Every male and the blonde female manifested a very wicked-looking sword, turning just in time to engage the swarm of Evils that came running from the hallway and into the large cavern.
Every Sentinel was formidable, easily divesting the lesser Evils of their heads, sometimes slaying several with one powerful swing of their weapons. Their numbers were small, but their determination and courage seemed endless.
Sophie watched, her heart in her throat, silently hoping that the Sentinels would be victorious. She didn’t have any sympathy for the dying Evils. They’d been tormenting her forever, and had killed more human females than she could count. Honestly, she was hoping that all of the Evils’ victims would be avenged. It wouldn’t bring them back, but they deserved champions to slay the Evils that had murdered them.
“I need to find Kristoff,” the blonde woman yelled in order to be heard among the chaos.
“Go. We can handle this,” one of the dark-haired men growled loudly. “We’ll find Goran and have him here for you when you return.”
Sophie didn’t miss the quick look the fierce man sent to the female who had said she needed to find Kristoff. It was an expression that promised if she wasn’t back soon, he’d be coming for her.
Were they mated? Sophie couldn’t say for sure, but the protective look on the Sentinel’s face pretty much spoke volumes.
Propelling herself forward, Sophie quickly approached the angelic-looking woman who was making her way to the exit of the large room in her quest to find Kristoff. Evils were still advancing, b
ut the male Sentinels were holding their own.
“I know where Kristoff is being held,” Sophie told the woman breathlessly. “I’ll take you there.”
Sophie found herself under close scrutiny as she was examined by the intelligent blue-eyed gaze of the dainty angel who was still wearing a murderous expression.
“Interesting,” the woman rasped, turning her attention to mowing down more Evils. “Where is he?”
“We have to get through this hallway and down to the dungeon,” Sophie instructed, following close behind the woman and her sword. “He’s being held right beneath this room.”
“You’re one of the special radiants. What’s your name, child?”
Sophie wasn’t special in any way, and she didn’t understand the woman’s comment, but she kept following the mesmerizing blonde, convinced that this was Kristoff’s rescue team. His chance to get free and return to the human realm.
By now, the dirt floor was piling up with the remains of the demons who were quickly meeting their demise and turning from goo to ash. Sophie just continued to plow through it, feeling nothing but relief as each Evil fell. Whoever this earthly female was, she wasn’t anything like the others who had died. In fact, her strength was almost palpable.
“I’m Sophie, and I haven’t been a child for a very long time.” She’d grown up here in the demon realm, and although she hadn’t aged much once she’d reached adulthood, she was far from young, and she definitely wasn’t innocent. “Who are you?” she asked hurriedly as she reached the door of the dungeon, turned the large metal key and yanked to get it open.
“I’m Athena. Even though you’re an adult now, I assure you I’m old enough to call you a child,” she answered with certainty. “Do you already know you belong to Kristoff?”
“I belong to no one,” Sophie shot back at her angrily. “I might be a prisoner, but nobody will ever own me.”
Athena ducked through the door as soon as there was a lull of oncoming Evils and followed Sophie down the black, concrete stairs.
“How did you know he was here?” Athena asked as she followed close behind Sophie’s rapid movement.
“We…communicate. I know it sounds strange, but we can actually mind-speak.”
“Not so weird since you have a rather important connection. Unusual perhaps, and it hasn’t happened this way in the past. But Kristoff is…different,” Athena answered. “It’s hard to tell how his mating experience will differ from other Sentinels since he’s a demigod, the first of his kind, and the king.”
Mating experience? Had Kristoff found his mate only to be torn away from her and into the demon realm?
Sophie didn’t understand much of what Athena was saying, so she focused more on finding and rescuing Kristoff. For some reason, it was critical to her that he lived and got back to the human realm where he belonged.
“This way,” Sophie instructed as she led Athena down a dark hallway once they reached the bottom of the stairs.
Athena made short work of the guards, lopping off their ugly heads, hardly hesitating in her determination to get to the demon king.
Sophie sent Kristoff a mental message so he wasn’t taken by surprise.
I’m with a woman named Athena. We’re coming to release you.
Sophie’s steps faltered as Kristoff roared.
She’s not a woman. She’s a goddamn goddess. What in the hell is she doing here? Is she alone? Dammit! The last thing I want is for her to die on a suicide mission.
Athena was a goddess? No wonder she was kicking ass against the lesser Evils.
She isn’t alone. I’m showing her where you are, and your Sentinels are doing battle with the Evils.
Pointing Athena down another dark tunnel, the goddess turned left as instructed.
Goddammit! They can’t be here. The toxins will kill them, and they have no powers. They’ll all be slaughtered.
While most people would be relieved that rescue was in sight, Kristoff sounded angry that anybody had risked their life for him. Sophie thought it was admirable that he’d rather die than see any of his Sentinels and friends perish. She answered as she reached his cell, “They seem to be doing just fine,” she spoke aloud, getting her first glimpse of Kristoff since soon after he’d arrived.
The punishment he’d taken made Sophie sick to her stomach.
“Oh, gods!” Athena exclaimed with alarm, raising her hand to the bars of the cell. “You don’t look good, Kristoff. We need to get you out of here quickly.”
The supposedly impenetrable cage disintegrated at the will of the goddess.
“What are you doing here, Athena? How in the hell did you leave your mansion?” Kristoff asked angrily, but the weakness in his voice spoke of how depleted he was in his current state.
Sophie bit back a gasp as she saw that his face was now nearly unrecognizable, the blood and injuries making his features distorted and disguised. Flesh had been torn from the rest of his body, and the cell floor was running red with Kristoff’s blood.
Looking like she was concentrating as she broke each shackle on his limbs, Athena answered sharply, “You should be glad I’m here. You weren’t going to last much longer. Luckily, it appears that you had your radiant here to keep you from completely losing your mind.” As Kristoff tried to sit up, Athena ordered, “Don’t try to move. I’m sending you and Sophie back to your home. I know she’ll watch over you. I need to confront Goran and strip him of his stolen power. I don’t have time to explain right now, but we’ll fill you in when we get back.”
Sophie flinched when Athena put one hand on top of her head, and the other on Kristoff’s. Giving her a stern look, the goddess demanded, “Take care of him. We’ll follow you shortly.”
Sophie felt her whole world tilt on its axis before she could reply, the spinning dizziness turning into a darkness that consumed her until she was no longer able to think or reason, the blackness surrounding her and swallowing her whole.
The first thing Sophie noticed when she woke was that wherever Kristoff lived, it smelled a whole lot better than the demon realm. Looking around, still dazed, she was momentarily awed by how clean the enormous room was, and how there wasn’t a single pile of bones and refuse in sight.
It had to be some kind of sitting room, with chairs and sofas directed toward a big black screen. The floor they’d landed on was covered in plush fabric.
“Kristoff?” He was right next to her, and he appeared to be out cold.
The goddess must have somehow fixed most of his injuries. He was lying on his back, naked, his flesh returned to his body and his features normal again.
“God, you’re so handsome,” Sophie mused as she cupped his cheek, noticing he was cool to the touch. Running her hand down his chest, she discovered he was cold everywhere. When she reached the bottom of his stomach, she stopped, her face red with embarrassment as she stared at his male member. Part of her wanted to touch it, but she didn’t want to violate Kristoff when he wasn’t aware.
Standing up slowly, she felt a little bit dizzy, but otherwise normal. She shook off her lightheadedness, her focus on Kristoff’s cold body.
“He needs to get warm,” she mumbled to herself, watching the regular rise and fall of his breathing. He was obviously not in any distress, but maybe he needed a period of healing sleep.
Glancing across the enormous room, she spotted a door leading into another area of his house, and she started toward it, determined to find something to cover Kristoff, a blanket or two if she could locate where he kept them.
Slipping out the door, she hesitated as she took in the grand surroundings. Twinkling chandeliers hung high from the hand-painted ceilings, and all of the fixtures appeared to be gold. Still, she vaguely observed that the mansion was startlingly masculine and classic without being gaudy. Taking the stairs to her right, she gaped at the lavish furnishings as she walked into room
after room of the upper level, grabbing covers from a few of the beds before sprinting back down the flight of steps again.
What did I expect? He’s the Sentinel King. Of course he has an impressive home.
The large house just seemed so temptingly inviting, and so clean. Where the demon realm was dark and ugly, the human realm was light and colorful, so bright it almost hurt her eyes.
Kneeling next to Kristoff, she covered him with the blankets she’d found and sat next to him to keep watch. His skin was still cool, but was it just a little bit warmer than it had been—or was it just wishful thinking?
Part of her desperately wanted him to open his eyes, look at her without the cover of darkness to hide her. But there was some relief that he hadn’t seen her face yet.
He’s so beautiful, so perfect.
And I’m…not.
Would he flinch with horror when he saw her in the light of the human daytime?
More than likely, he would. Most of the human female radiants had looked at her in sympathy, but a few had blatantly avoided her because of the way she looked. Sophie had gotten to the point where she ignored the women who were afraid of her physical appearance, even though she’d assured them she wasn’t contagious and hadn’t been for a very long time.
However, for some reason, Kristoff’s reaction would matter to her. She couldn’t quite figure out why since she hardly knew him.
Remembering what the goddess had said about belonging to Kristoff, she wondered what exactly Athena had meant. How could she belong to him unless…?
The goddess had said something about Kristoff’s mating experience, but all of Sophie’s focus had been on the danger they were facing, and her urgency to save Kristoff.
“Was she possibly trying to hint that I’m his radiant?” she wondered aloud. “There’s no way that’s possible.”
Kristoff was strong, powerful and wise. He was also physically perfect in every way. He’d have a beauty for a mate, probably a female who looked like Athena.