Page 12 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart
“Helmet too.”
I swallow and carefully take my helmet off. My silver hair slips over my shoulders. It’s easily the longest few seconds ofmy life. I feel completely exposed to the world with no armor between my skin and him.
He’s going to recognize me… and I don’t know why that matters to me so much. If only I didn’t meet him in the forest last week. Why was he even there, in that specific spot? A place that should only have meaning to me.
I set the helmet on the bed and sit down on the edge.
Kalel’s eyes are still focused on the paintings of gods when he lets out a deep breath and drags his hand through his dark hair with reluctance. I don’t think he wants to do this either.
My lower lip is trapped between my teeth as I wait for him to look at me.
“What is your na—” he cuts himself off as he finally turns and stares at me. He takes me in, jaw slacking and eyes widening with recognition.
For a moment, his amber eyes aren’t cold and hard like they were a second ago. His facade breaks and the torment in his features is evident. A pained frown that tells me what he has in store for me truly is as terrible as he said, and that perhaps he wishes it was any other demigod but me sitting here before him.
Wishful thinking.
He wastes no time blinking away the shock and resuming his cold expression.
“Alira,” he says my name without a hint of the kind demon I met several days ago.
“Kalel,” I echo his callous front.
His eyes dull as he approaches me and lowers to his knees. His alder wood scent washes over me. I can’t help but notice how soft his hair looks this close. My pulse leaps as his cold hands brush the tender skin of my inner thighs.
Please find the mark quickly.I swallow the knot in my throat.
Contrary to his expression and intimidating appearance, he touches me with gentle hands. Searching respectfully and stopping once he spots it.
“It’s here,” he says so quietly that it almost sounds like disappointment. “You really are the daughter of Venus.”
My heart hammers in my chest. I was sure of it, but hearing it confirmed only makes it more real. I let my eyes move down to where his thumb is set to the notch of my thigh that leads to my core. He’s an inch away from my center. I silently thank the gods that he let me keep my undergarments on.
Kalel keeps his hand on me for a moment longer before resigning without another word. He stares at me coldly. “Get dressed. We’re leaving immediately.”
I do as he says and quickly redress. He moves to open the door but stops abruptly before turning the knob.
Kalel’s amber eyes find me over his shoulder and the softness in them flickers as the muscles in his jaw feather.
“I wish it wasn’t you, little godling.”
His words travel through me as we exit the castle.
I don’t hear the song of the gods and hymns for safe passage as my kingdom sends me off with the army of demons. I don’t hear them thanking me for sacrificing myself for them.
I only agonize in the fear that Kalel’s words instilled in my heart.
Chapter Four
ALIRA
Once we reachthe edge of the kingdom’s gates, Kalel finally whistles for his horse. One of his soldiers guides the black stallion to us. He made me walk through the streets beside him so that every demigod could watch as their king surrendered to the demons. There would be no tricks this time—he’s ensuring it.
“Hop on,” Kalel orders mundanely.
I assess the horse, it’s far too tall for me to climb up, but I try anyway. My hands snag on the horse’s saddle as I attempt to jump and pull myself up. I fail miserably. Armor is exceedingly heavy, and this horse is enormous.
The second my ass hits the ground a roar of laughter rolls through the army and a hot blush races over my cheeks.
