Page 117 of Dark Rival

ALONE IN HER CHAMBER, Allie put the gown on and paused before a looking glass. It had a low, square neckline and then fell softly to the floor, skimming her body, and it fit very well. The color made her appear radiant. But then, she had been well loved—and she was in love. And there was no more doubt that Royce loved her in return.

He could deny it and pretend whatever he wanted, but his actions, his behavior, his concern, said it all. Her heart ballooned. She would treasure this dress forever…her very first gift from him. Then she tensed, fear stabbing at her, and she looked up into the mirror.

Moffat smiled at her.

Allie froze. Her heart beat hard, swiftly. In real alarm, she slowly turned—but the golden demon did not stand behind her.

She glanced at the mirror again. Only her own reflection greeted her.

She inhaled and began to shake. Had Moffat just tried to communicate with her?

Elasaid was in great danger, and she couldn’t go on this way.

The beauty and joy of what she had just shared with Royce had vanished, slipping into a cherished memory. Allie felt ill. She loved Royce with all of her heart and all of her soul, but he wasn’t going to agree to a trade, even if it was a trick. He was simply too protective.

She hated defying him. She had even given her word to obey him. But he hadn’t forbidden her from finding her mother.

He was going to be very angry if she did what she felt she had to do.

Allie went to the window and focused on the devil’s right hand. Instantly Moffat’s smug, smiling image filled her mind, as if he had been waiting for her. He stood in the same room she’d seen before, but he looked out a window that faced south.

She instantly understood that Moffat was to the north of where she now stood.

Hallo a Ailios.

Allie breathed hard. Royce would be so angry, but this wasn’t a betrayal—this was a necessity. Hallo a Thormond.

His smile flickered with surprise. You know my given name?

She hadn’t. His name had simply come to mind. Where is my mother?

Come to me tonight and you’ll learn what you wish.

Allie tensed, acutely aware of his lust. Was there any point in asking what he’d do with her? He would either use her for his pleasure or not, but he would certainly try to use her as a Healer—that much was clear. I will come to you if you release my mother.

He smiled widely. Ah, beauty, t’is easily done.

Demons lied. Demons cheated. No demon could be trusted. If you give me your word, if you keep it, I will heal for you—once.

You have my word.

Allie was violently ill now. Their bargain was almost sealed. This was the best she could do, as she had nothing else to offer. Besides, Moffat didn’t want Elasaid; he wanted her. The gods only really knew why.

Speke will meet you after midnight outside the south wall. He will bring you to me.

Allie hesitated. Speke was depraved and evil, and she had no wish to go anywhere with him. But Moffat was even worse, and if she couldn’t bear to be led to him by Speke, how would she face the bishop in the end? And while she desperately wanted to find her mother and be reunited with her, maybe she shouldn’t be bargaining with the devil’s own. Maybe she shouldn’t go through with this plan.

And suddenly she heard her mother sobbing.

Allie jerked and saw Elasaid on a stone floor, naked and hurt. Bruises mottled her back. She wept in despair, but she was in physical pain.

“Damn you!” Allie shouted.

Moffat smiled cruelly, locking gazes with her. Tonight. And then his image vanished.

Allie began to shake. What she had just seen was proof that she had no choice now. She hugged herself.

She had just made a pact with the devil.