Page 14 of Taken to the Deadlands

“Water, electricity, warmth, food, servants. I have prepared everything.”

Even though the inside was still basked in dark grays and blacks, it was almost… cozy. The light was dim, and the main entrance opened into a foyer where there was a large staircase that led up to what were probably other wings. Decorative dark rugs were strewn about, and frames covered the walls, though none of them had any portraits.

I caught sight of another demon off to the side.

She was dressed similarly to Aris, though her robe was much less extravagant. It was black and somewhat plain. Her white hair and black horns were in stark contrast to each other. Black veins lined her forehead, and her nostrils flared. Her eyes slowly started to turn red.

“Leave.” Aris’s voice caused me to jump.

The demon bowed and turned back toward the right side of the house, disappearing into what I assumed was another living space or even a dining area, though I couldn’t be sure because of the lighting.

Aris’s gentle hand glided across my back. Only then did I realize how warm it was in the house. Her action only caused heat to fill me even more.

“Will she eat me?” I asked.

“No one here will touch you,” she vowed.

I nodded shakily. After what happened in the auction house, I had no reason to doubt her ability, but somehow living in a demon realm with demons I had no idea would be able to control themselves enough not to eat me left me feeling less than secure.

“You sure know a lot about humans, huh?”

Her hand left my back so quickly I had to turn to make sure it wasn’t yanked away.

“All demons do,” she said, though her tone had turned hard. “Let’s get you to your room, and we can discuss what I need from you.”

What she needs from me.My stomach flipped and heat rushed through me.

I had a moment to take her in, and it was hard not to notice how lean and well-built her body seemed under those robes. Monstrous or not, I was attracted to her.

So, hopefully, this will be enjoyable for the both of us.

Even though my instincts told me it would be more than just that.

I couldn’t speak as she led me to the wide staircase and to the second floor. The hallways were filled with open-doored rooms, but when I peeked in, not one soul was lingering.

We stopped at a closed door, and she pushed it open, giving me a look into the biggest room I had ever laid eyes on. It was even bigger than the shitty apartment I had above the shop.

The entire first room had large, albeit cracked, windows. A bed that could easily fit three people.

Or maybe a human and large clawed demon.

There was a seating area off to the side and two doors to the right, which I guessed led to the bathroom and closet. Oddly enough, there was a bookshelf to the left filled with old, battered books. From my position, I couldn’t tell if they were in English.

“So, what do you… need from me?” I asked, trying to swallow the knot in my throat.

“Sit down.” She motioned toward the bed. “You must be weak from everything.”

I rolled my shoulders and moved to sit on the bed with my hands in my lap. I didn’t know why I expected her to do something as human as sit beside me, but she moved to stand in front of me instead.

Sitting down, I had to strain my neck to look up at her. She said nothing for what seemed like a long time.

What is she going to do to me? How is this going to happen?

“I had a human before,” she finally said softly.

So, she knows how this works.It makes sense that the entire place was “ready” for a human then.

I nodded, and with a shaky hand, I reached out to grab her clawed one. She jerked away at first, but after a moment, she relaxed and let me take it.

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