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“And you really think they’re going to go for me? Where do I fall in this hierarchy?”
I look at her seriously. “I think you probably know,” I answer. “But I guess I’ll tell you anyway. You’re just below the zonak and ur’gin demons.”
“And those are?”
“Pets and slaves.”
Immediately, I see the spirit lift from her body, her face growing suddenly gaunt.
“I see…”
For a moment, there’s an uncomfortable silence.
“But just as you don’t see that many demons in New Solas, we don’t see many humans. Which—”
“...means that I’m even more likely to stand out?”
I sigh. “Don’t interrupt me,” I say, clenching my jaw. “I was going to say that they’ll probably take care of you, regardless of your social status. Demons have a funny way of valuing novelty. They don’t see many humans, so they’ll be more enamored with you. Especially if they believe I’ve chosen you as a mate.”
At that realization, I feel a pain in my chest, however subtle. Is this jealousy I’m feeling? It’s been so long, that I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.
Somehow, the thought of other demons looking at her the same way I do makes me deeply uncomfortable, though I can’t put my finger on why. I might have to table that thought for later.
It seems so utterly inconsequential right now and could only be a distraction.
“...But I’m still going to be under a magnifying glass,” she says. “Meaning that I can’t draw too much more attention to myself.”
I nod.
I think of the eyes upon both of us as we make our union public and apparently official. How many will gaze upon my choice of partner and scold me for it? How many will exoticize her, treating her as a pet?
These are all misgivings Hanna mentioned. And I rightfully dismissed them.
Our scheme still needs to develop beyond the planning stages. I’d like to be looking ahead, figuring out Zathex’s plans before he does. But so much of it is still dependent on context I don’t have.
I can’t let this human girl blind me to my goals. Hanna could either be integral to my revenge, or she could be a solid distraction that obstructs my path. What role she serves is partly up to her but mostly up to me.
As I look at her, trying to conceal my admiration, I try to avert my eyes. I need to remember that this arrangement is strictly professional and could dissolve at any given moment.
“Still a long way yet,” she says.
I hum, looking out at the distant horizon. In several more hours, we’ll reach Ikoth, where I have little idea what to expect.
I still believe she’ll be welcomed with open arms and that I have no reason to worry. But the idea of something going wrong still has me somewhat concerned.
In business, you have to be prepared for any eventuality or threat.
“It’ll be over before you know it,” I reply.
13
HANNA
Iwish I could say I had a good night’s rest, but the truth is that I couldn’t catch a single wink despite the comfort of the bedding. That, and the ocean’s waves make it difficult to remain asleep.
The whole night consisted of turning over in bed in worry about my father’s well-being. Not only that, but I’m worried about what all of this means for my future.
The perfect plan for my life was laid out right in front of me. All it took was one xaphan to turn it upside down. I find it ironic that my quest for wings has led me to unite with a volvath demon. How strange things seem to turn out sometimes.
