Page 152 of Demon Touched

Very diplomatic, I think with a wry smile.

Strickland enters from the far end, and I catch a glimpse of rows of wardens through the doors.

“They’ll be here any minute,” Strickland says. “The wardens will escort them in. I told them no entourages. They’ll come alone.”

He seems keyed up, fidgety to the point of pacing back and forth between three of the chairs, tapping a finger on the backs of them. It’s a little amusing to see him so rattled, but Strickland’s never hosted four demon lords before—nor have most of his predecessors. This is new territory.

“Relax, Mr. Strickland,” I say with a smile. “They’re not as terrifying as they’d have you believe.”

The assemblyman stops pacing with a polite nod, though he still looks tense.

Footsteps sound outside, and I brace myself, rolling out my shoulders and stretching my wings. I don’t expect this to be a simple discussion, or even a very civil one at first, but getting us all in the same room is a good start.

The doors open and Damein, Jing, and Midane stride through them, followed by a small army of wardens who fan out around the room, lining the perimeter. Midane is wearing his customary black armor, Damein their swirling robes, while Jing’s braids are even more elaborate than usual today, her long leather coat fanning out as she approaches.

“Good to see you all again,” I incline my head in greeting but keep my hand near the hilt of my sword, noting the blade at Midane’s own hip and the twin axes strapped high across Lady Jing’s shoulders.

The lords say nothing, but each comes to a stop outside the circle of chairs, watching me.

“What?” I ask lightly. “No hello before you ask me why I visited Aradis? Or did you lose your tongues as well as all your quills? It would certainly explain the lack of response to all my letters over the last few weeks.”

I expect them to be angry, but this silent treatment feels juvenile. I notice movement out of the corner of my eye, and see Strickland being enclosed by a crowd of wardens. I understand his security perhaps being a touch overzealous, but why put out a chair for himself if he didn’t intend to use it?

“Lord Syrus,” Lady Jing intones. “You are being apprehended on behalf of Infernum for the crime of treachery against the realm. Submit to being escorted back to Infernum, or you will be taken there by force.”

Like an idiot, I actually huff in surprise, looking over to Strickland. The wall of wardens around him suddenly takes on a new flavor, and anger smolders in my stomach. I don’t let it catch fully alight, however. Not yet.

“Did Mr. Strickland not make the terms of this meeting clear?” I ask the lords. “We’re here to discuss my return to Infernum.”

“Precisely,” Lady Jing says, showing her fangs. “You will return to Infernum in our custody so you can be punished for your arrogant, traitorous⁠—”

“Mr. Strickland,” I interrupt, cutting off what will undoubtedly be a long list of my failings, turning once more to the assemblyman. One look at his face, wary but defiant, tells me all I need to know.

There were never going to be any peace talks or negotiations. The lords are here to take me, and Strickland organized the whole thing.

“What made you change your mind?” I ask the assemblyman, my hand sliding around the hilt of my sword.

Strickland’s eyes are cold when he answers. “This is Infernum business. Strata would rather be allies of the demon majority than of a lone, rogue lord.”

It’s a lie. I can see it in the way he’s trying to flatten his gaze, hiding the truth behind it.

When he offered us sanctuary, he meant it. So why the about-turn when it comes to us?

Not us, me, I realize. I’m being kicked out of Strata because I’m not Strickland’s concern. On the contrary, I’m now in the way of what he truly wants.

I let the rage ignite at last, and I can’t help but laugh. The bitter, hollow sound rises up from my throat, echoing in the hall.

“So that’s the plan, is it?” I spit at Strickland. “Sell me out to the lords and keep Leah and her powers for yourself? You’re a damned fool if you think she’ll ever help you after this.”

Strickland’s eyes narrow. “I think she’ll find I can be a very good negotiator, Lord Syrus. After all, I negotiated you right into this room, didn’t I?”

The wave of my fury crests and breaks, shadows exploding from my palms and spiraling toward him.

I pull them up short a foot away from the nearest warden.

“Don’t you dare lay a fucking finger on her,” I snarl. Strickland’s eyes briefly widen in fear, but then they settle into a smug, satisfied stare.

The Concords are still protecting him. I cannot deliberately harm any of the humans in the room or I risk breaking the pact on behalf of all Infernum. If I were to shatter the agreement now, it could set a ball rolling that would eventually ruin us all.