Page 59 of Realm of the Wicked

I blinked again, rubbing at my eyes with the palm of my hand, waiting for the vision to change into something far more terrifying than Damien crouching in front of me, brushing my hair away from my face with a sad smile.

‘You look a little lost, Bambi.’

21

DAMIEN

‘Damien,’ she breathed. ‘How… how are you here? I don’t understand.’

I shook my head, checking her over in the darkness to make sure she was unharmed, attempting to reassure my racing heart that she was intact. ‘The Fringe is mine, Stella. Did you really think I wouldn’t be able to find you?’

‘I didn’t think you’d come.’ Stella’s voice was quiet and sad, shaking from the cold. ‘I couldn’t even blame you if you didn’t. I’m sorry.’

‘You’re sorry?’ I spluttered. ‘I’m sorry you had to see that. I’m sorry I didn’t figure out where you were sooner.’

She shook her head, trying to get to her feet, but her arms were stiff.

‘You’re freezing. Let’s get you home. Come on.’ I shrugged off my coat, wrapping it around her trembling frame. The cold was deep within her bones, and pulling her to her feet was impossible. ‘Fuck. New plan. Wrap your arms around my neck.’

Stella did as I asked, and I swung her up into my arms. I pulled her as close to my chest as I could, telling myself she wasn’t pressing herself into me deeper for any reason other than being cold. The rough wool of my coat scratched against my neck.

‘I didn’t realize I had gone so far. I tried to make my way back and⁠—’

‘Shush. Save your energy. It’s no one’s fault other than mine. I should’ve known where you were. I shouldn’t have scared you off in the first place.’ I squeezed her tighter. I’m sorry. ‘The forest is enchanted. Like most other things here. You wouldn’t have been able to get out on your own once you entered. You’re lucky you weren’t deeper when it grew dark.’

‘What was that thing?’ she whispered.

‘What thing?’ I looked around the forest, seeing nothing.

‘It was a big stag. Made of bone. Covered in moss and ivy.’ Her voice was soft against my neck. ‘Didn’t you see it?’

I frowned. ‘A Fallow. I haven’t seen one in a long time.’

My blood froze, imagining not getting to her in time. The Fallow were one of the oldest creatures in the Fringe. I didn’t bother them, and they didn’t bother me. Usually. If I’d been even a few minutes later… I couldn’t think about it.

‘Thank you,’ she whispered.

She must’ve fallen asleep in my arms, because she said nothing else. I’ll protect you. I’ll always protect you. Whether you want me to or not.

I moved to carry her inside, but before I could enter the doors, she stopped me with a soft touch on my arm. ‘Don’t take me inside. I don’t want to go in yet.’

‘Stella, you’re freezing. Where do you think I’m going to take you?’ I huffed, holding her tighter to my body.

‘So warm me up. You’re the Devil, after all.’ She squeezed herself closer into my chest, and it cracked something open inside me. ‘Take me to the rose garden. Please.’

I found myself unable to say no to her. So I carried her to the rose garden and sat her on the grass, wrapped up in my coat. Pulling some of the stones together into a makeshift firepit, I snapped my fingers, bringing the fire alive. I kept my distance; I was afraid of what I would do if I were any closer. My restraint had been waning by the minute since I’d brought her here. She admired the roses, half-asleep, leaning closer to the fire. When she shivered, I snapped my fingers, sending more warmth in her direction, and she sighed contentedly.

‘What else can you do?’

It took me a moment to realize she was speaking to me. ‘Hm?’

‘You light all the candles on the estate. Smoke appears when you’re angry. What else am I missing?’

I smiled, realizing she’d been keeping track. ‘I can control a lot of things with the smoke you see. Watch.’

I sent a trail of smoke toward her, letting it wrap around Stella’s shoulders like a blanket. She sighed and leaned into it. ‘It smells like you.’

My heart pounded. There was that annoying feeling again. Hope.