Page 39 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart
The tents stretch out far into the valley. Lanterns start to light the field with a warm glow as the sun sets over the distant tree line.
“Tessa.”
My spine straightens as Kalel’s voice rings through my ears. My heart beats faster, both from the pain and pleasure he invoked in me last night.
She gives me a worried look before leaving my side to speak with him. They talk in low voices, so I don’t bother trying to eavesdrop. I continue to stare out in the direction of Thornhall until Kalel approaches me alone.
I ignore him, and after a few agonizing minutes, he breaks the silence.
“Nikolai visited you?”
I nod and keep the indifference smoothed over my features. I can’t even bring my eyes to meet his.
“Let me see your arm.” He holds out his gloved hand. I hesitantly extend my wrist to him. He doesn’t miss the fear in my slow response. “I won’t hurt you, Alira.”
But you have.I narrow my eyes at the ground.
He pushes up my coat sleeve and examines my arm for good measure, and then gently lets it fall to my side.
“We are passing through Thornhall tomorrow,” he starts.
I flex my jaw with discomfort. “I know.”
Kalel side glances at me. “Our kingdom, a few days after.”
“Is there a chance your king will want to kill me and continue with the war?” I ask with an empty tone. He shifts and stares out into the misty forest.
“What would you do if he ordered it?” He makes it sound like a test.
I let out a short breath. “I’d want you to do it. At least I know you kill swiftly.” His brow quirks. “I’ve heard as much,” I add. We’ve never met in battle before the time loops. If we had, he would’ve killed me long ago.
“You have my word. It will be by my sword or no one’s, little godling.”
I findNikolai slumped up against a tree, warming his feet by the fire as several other demons share stories over dinner. He grins and welcomes me with ease.
I don’t know why I feel so comfortable around him. Maybe it’s because he looks the most like a demigod, with little features that would point to him being a demon. But I think it has more to do with his contagious smile. It’s too kind and inviting. Not in a way that draws doubt, but in a way that tells me he harbors pain from his past and yearns for a person to take solace in. A twin flame.
I relate to that.
“Alira, there you are. Here, have a mug of ale!” Nikolai already has an extra one, like he's been waiting for me this entire time. He thrusts it into my hands. I take it and give him an awkward smile.
“Ale?”
His jaw drops open, and he gawks at me. “Demigods don’t have ale?No. What do you drink for fun then?” He sounds utterly mortified.
I take a sip of the bitter liquid and wrinkle my nose at the alcohol sting. “Oh, we have wine.”
That earns me a savage eye roll. “Gods and their fucking wine.”
“It’s much smoother than this.” I lift the iron mug, spilling a little. Tessa plops down on my other side with a laugh. Her breath is heavy with alcohol.
“Nikolai, is this godling giving you trouble?” she jests, nudging her elbow into my side and making me scowl. “Oh,come on, you’re always so serious. Let loose. Have some fun while you can.” She lifts her mug and takes a few gulps.
She’s already plenty drunk, but Nikolai hands her another. “Cheers!” They say together with wry grins, looking pointedly at me. I relent and clink my mug with theirs, then down the entire thing, only feeling the burn after it’s all gone.
My cheeks instantly flush warm, and a loose smile lifts the corners of my lips.
“Strong, isn’t it?” Nikolai smiles, chuckling as he pats me on the back. Tessa laughs and bumps her shoulder into me again. I take them both in, feeling a sense of belonging and happiness. They’re embracing me like I’m one of their own. Like they can forgive me for what I’ve done.
