What a sweetheart.I’m about to tell him as much when Nyx speaks out, breaking my train of thought.
“Please. You just wanted her to pay attention to you.”
Rhune’s smile dims as he turns to narrow his eyes at his brother. “Maybe I wanted both.”
I let out a small laugh, reaching out to tousle the hair between Rhune’s horns. “You have my attention now. What will you do with it?”
“I have a few ideas…” His eyes burn with hunger as he leans in, swiping his tongue over his lower lip. The sight doessomething to my insides, and I drop my gaze, unable to face the intensity.
Clearing my throat, I turn my attention to Nyx, who has placed his own book down and is watching the interaction with rapt attention. “Any word from Dravik on the storm?”
“Not recently. I’m sure he’ll let you know as soon as it’s safe to travel.”
I nod, turning back to my book, though now I can’t seem to focus on the words.
It’s been four days since Dravik promised he would bring me back to earth—at least, I assume that’s how long it’s been. According to Nyx, time doesn’t work the same way in The Far Place as it does on earth. There are no days of the week, no months or real seasons. They measure in cycles of light and dark—times when the silver sun is high in the sky, and times when the land is bathed in moon and shadow. Day, and night.
It’s inconsistent, almost random, and for all I know, a month could have passed on earth while it feels like I’ve been here for a week.
That thought should give me cause for concern, but I just don’t feel it. It’s strange to admit, but my time here has actually been enjoyable. Nyx and Rhune pamper me constantly, and while it made me uneasy at first—I’ve never had any human man treat me in such a way—I quickly adapted, and now, it’s hard to think of my life without two handsome demons answering to my beck and call.
The interesting part is that they both seem to gain intense pleasure from taking care of me. Making me happy is all they want to do from the second I wake until the moment I fall asleep, nestled between their warm bodies in the furs.
The sense of safety I feel when I’m wrapped up in them is unmatched, and with every passing moment, I fall deeper under their spell. I’m not sure what it means for me when the timecomes for me to go home, but right now, I’m just going to enjoy myself and go where the fates take me.
As for the other two brothers…
I haven’t seen Cin at all since the day he went alldemon-modeand tried to eat me. Apparently, Nyx let him free from his chains yesterday, but he’s been holed up in his room, and won’t let anyone near. Dravik comes and goes, and I always notice his stare burning into my profile—but we haven’t had a single conversation.
I’m beginning to realize that each brother—each soul piece—represents something unique. Rhune is the gentle caretaker with a heart as big as he is. Nyx is a relentless sweet-talking flirt with a cunning side. Dravik is clearly the brooding warrior, with an iron-clad honor and a need to protect his family. And Cin… well, Cin is a mystery. A dangerous one, because I’m determined to figure him out.
I’m a little alarmed at how fast my heart seems willing to move on from what happened with Nathan and Kimberly. It’s only been a week, but when I think about it, it feels like a lifetime ago. Even when I try to imagine their faces, they’re blurred at the edges, and the memories we made are harder and harder to grasp as the minutes tick by.
I don’t know if it has something to do with this strange world I’m in, or if something fundamental in me is changing. It’s concerning, and a little exciting. I had felt stifled in my previous life, and never noticed until now, which is ironic, because I’m currently trapped underground with a bunch of possessive demons.
Still… For some reason, I feel lighter just being around them. It’s like something inside me had been missing all along, and I’ve finally found it.
In the back of my mind, I’m mindful that the storm will cease eventually, and when it does, I will have to go home and leave them behind.
“What’s wrong, pup?”
“Nothing,” I say. “Just thinking.”
Rhune presses up on his elbows, holding his chin in his palms as he stares up at me like a lovestricken teenager. “You can share your thoughts with me. I promise to keep them safe.”
I giggle, reaching forward and booping the tip of his nose. “You’re sweet. You know that?”
A low growl sounds behind me, and I look over my shoulder to find Nyx’s expression caught between roiling jealousy and an aching longing.
“You’re sweet too, Nyx,” I say with a teasing smile. “Sweet and spicy.”
Nyx’s growl is replaced with a rumbling purr, and his eyes brighten as a smirk tugs at his kissable lips. “You hear that, Rhune? I get anextradescriptor. Clearly, her affection for me is superior to yours.”
“Not so!” Rhune turns his attention to me, his gaze softening with a hint of insecurity. “Do you… do you like him more than me, my Willow? I can survive it if you do…”
I take in his crumbling expression, and decide he’s being completely honest. Luckily, I’m able to speak the truth when I tell him, “I like you both equally, in different ways. There’s no need for competition.”
“Because I am winning,” Nyx mutters with a grin.
