Page 118 of Fated to the Demon Lord

“She chose a healing potion.”

I frowned. “Did she copy it down?”

“No, the deal was she could have it, so I let her take it.”

“Will you join me? I just want you close.” Part of me was still coming to terms that we had made it through this alive and having Vaelor nearby would be proof of all we had accomplished.

He slid onto the table, his wings splayed and hanging off the side.

“Are you uncomfortable?” I asked.

He tugged me near, his warmth surrounding me. His embrace on my body tightened. “You are all I need.”

I awoke the next morning in Vaelor’s arms. The events of yesterday felt surreal. I was the leader of an army of Spiritu Malignos demons.

I shifted, expecting soreness, but no pain reverberated through me. Gods, that female was a miracle worker.

Vaelor’s eyes cracked open. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

“As good as new. How are you?” I asked, remembering that the day before, he’d been poisoned and he had fought several horrible, deadly fights.

“A little sore, but not too bad.”

I reached up and touched his jaw and ran my fingers over it. “I’m glad. How did you split your spirit from your body?”

“When I gave in and accepted that I would have to risk everything, including you, for the chance to be with you… I… I don’t know. I finally understood you and Pixa. I see why she was willing to gamble all she had for love. And even though my fear remained, I was able to let go and allow my determination to take over.”

“You freed yourself.”

“No,” he murmured, his hands brushing hair from my face. “You freed me. Tell me, Commander, what are we to do with the army of demons waiting outside my door?”

I’d been thinking about this as I fell asleep last night. The answer was obvious. “Misophae doesn’t have a standing army and will always be vulnerable to attack.”

He nodded. “Then to Misophae we go.”

“Vaelor,” I said. “You are not my underling. You can refuse to follow any command I give you.”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“I mean it,” I said. “I don’t want to control you.”

Warmth filled his eyes. “As you say, Commander.”

It was wild to think how quickly my feelings had changed for this demon I had once considered a monster. I traced the black lines on his skin. “Did it hurt when you took over your brother’s body and forced yourself to bond with it?”

“Yes.”

“We both carry marks.” I leaned forward and kissed his jaw and then his chest. “But we made it through.”

“Denara,” he said, exasperated.

“I’m fine, Vaelor.” I met his mouth, pressing my body against him, and his hands came to my hips as he responded to my kiss. Pulling back, I pressed my forehead to his as I ran my hand under his shirt. “I am more than fine.”

“I’m glad. It is best that we leave anyway. The king of Aeria will soon find out what happened here, and he will not be happy. Our wisest course is to go to Misophae where we can protect the nation and your family and—” He sucked in a sharp breath as my hand slipped to his trousers, tugging to loosen them. “Are you toying with me, human?”

“You should know by now, my lord. I don’t toy.”

He growled, then leaned up over me. His clawed finger slid gently against my wrappings, and I heard them snap.