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I’d been blaming my terrible headache on all the stress of it all, but I’m starting to realize that my dizziness and the weakness of my limbs have less to do with fear and more to do with desperate hunger.
It’s been so long since I’ve eaten.
The demons forgot to feed me before I was taken away. More like they didn’t see the point in wasting food, I think bitterly. Still, I need to eat eventually, and as afraid as I am, I don’t think my new master will like it very much if I pass out from hunger.
With my heart pounding in my chest, I pry my limbs out of the uncomfortable position. They’re shaking, and again, I can’t tell if it’s from how badly my body needs food or how terrified I am at the demon’s reaction.
Both, most likely.
Gritting my teeth, I cross the room and ease open the door. I half expect to see him on the other side, demanding to know what I’m doing. But as I linger in the doorway and hear no one approaching, I take a chance and step out.
I creep down the stairs, and only once I start to curve toward what must be the main living area, I hear voices. I can’t quite make out what they’re saying as I freeze on the bottom step, close enough to realize that whoever it is, it’s not him.
I edge closer, keeping my steps silent as I take note that it’s not just one female. It sounds like two or three. How many women does this demon have?
“...no, no, no. I don’t think you saw-”
“Oh, I saw.”
“Clearly not if you don’t agree. You must be absolutely blind–”
“Or you’re just idiotic.”
I make it to the edge of the hall, and with a daring gulp, I peek around the corner. I’m shocked at the sight before me.
There are three girls–not demon women, but actually girls that look younger than me–lounging in the living space. There’s food piled on the table between them that they are devouring. I wince involuntarily at the sight of more demons.
“Oh, hush, you two! You both are pushing it too far.” I haven’t heard this one speak, but she has an air about her that tells me she is the eldest. Her back is to me, and somehow, the other two don’t seem to notice as they continue to shout over each other.
“You weren’t even there–”
“Why do you always think you’re right?”
The oldest relaxes into the chaise she’s on. “Aren’t you more intrigued about what Re’chel said?”
One of the others rolls her eyes. “You believe her?”
The third one sits up, leaning toward the others. I think they’re sisters. They all look alike, but maybe that’s just because I’ve never seen a female demon before. “You don’t? Re’chel always has the best gossip. I hear her sister is in with one of the King’s soz’garoths.”
“Either way, I don’t doubt the King is looking to land on Protheka. I just wonder what he’ll do after the attack.” The oldest one’s answers are so measured.
“Enslave the dark elves!” the one with yellow eyes shouts, crashing back and giggling as she says it.
“Who knows?” the third one huffs as she lounges back. “I’m ready to be on the ground, though. Imagine having a whole world! It must be so much better than this boring island.”
I have to stifle a scoff.
These girls are lounging in a lavish home eating what looks to be delectable food that makes my stomach growl again, and they are complaining about the boredom?
My mouth waters as I watch the yellow eyed one pluck another slice of bread and jam off a platter. I want to eat so bad, but my body quakes at the idea of stepping forward. I know that I will faint at the rate I’m going, but it seems to be better than facing the three of them.
I suck in a deep breath, forcing my foot up, and just as it touches the ground, I spin around. There’s no way that I’m going in that room with them, and I’m in such a rush to get away, I don’t even pay attention to my surroundings.
I make it two steps before I slam into something solid that I swear wasn’t there before. Stumbling back, I realize why.
There’s a massive body in front of me. I swallow hard as I glance up to see the face of the very demon I’ve been avoiding. A shudder rushes through me, and I have no idea what to do, not that I have much time to figure it out.
He catches my shoulders when I try to put distance between us, and at first, I fear he’s trying to grab me. When I register the surprise on his face, just before the mask of irritation returns, I realize he was trying to steady me.
