Page 8 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart
Kalel might be a devourer. I suppose other demons could have fangs, though. He was eating normal food when we met in the woods, but there’s nothing in our books that say a devourer can’t consume other things as we do.
The Blood Knight is one. That, I’m certain of. On the account of many demigods that have narrowly evaded him, they shared that it was only because the Blood Knight was trying to bite them that they were able to escape his blade.
I firm my lips into a flat line when I think of that knight. He’s recognized to be one of the last devourers. His ability is unknown. Some say that his curse is to paralyze his prey with his gaze alone. Others say he is a thousand years old and immortal by the blood of the gods he steals from us.
I know rumors can’t be fully trusted, but it’s frightening to even imagine it.
Is it too ambitious to hope that I never cross paths with him again?
I slam the book shut.
It wasn’tuntil the fourth day after the dove took the letter that we finally received one back.
On the day the demons are set to raid our kingdom.
A black hawk, as large as a cat, perches itself on King Borlin’s windowpane—left open wide, allowing the fresh winter air to freeze my nerves as the awful news is read to me.
“They accept our offer.”
The king’s words bring me relief and horror all the same. A cold pit sinks into my stomach and puts a chill into my bones.
That was all it took? This entire time? It seems too easy after all the bloodshed I’ve endured.
I let my eyes find the mirror at King Borlin’s back and look at myself. My silver hair is tied back into a tight, high ponytail that reaches my mid-back, and my purple eyes are filled with misery.
My life is over. Sworn to the demons and the man they’ll choose as my husband, well, assuming that I can make it past the day I’ve died on for almost half a year. But if it means that the war will end then… it’s worth it.
It has to be.
I nod rigidly. “Will the Demon King send a high lord to collect me?” I ask and try to keep my expression as neutral as possible.
King Borlin’s brows pinch together. “Yes, you will be marrying his favored royal knight, Duke Lornhelm.”
Why does he make it sound like this guy is the worst of the dukes?
“A royal knight?” I echo and let my gaze drift toward the open window. The hawk stares at me intently, like it’s been sent to study me to ensure this isn’t another trick. I don’t blame them for being careful. I’d do the same. I didn’t expect the duke to also be a favored knight, the likelihood of us getting along just plummeted.
“Yes, and he will be here this evening with his army to collect you.”
Oh gods.My heart dashes a beat and I take one staggered step back. That’s not enough time to say my goodbyes. It’s already almost sundown.
The king stands and walks steadily across the tiles until he is before me. Then he lowers to his knee.What is he doing?I quickly look at the knights standing guard around the room and they look just as perplexed as I feel.
“My king,please stand,” I say gently as I offer him my hand to help him up.
He takes my hand but remains on his knee. “Alira, you’ve saved Alzhor and the remaining demigods with your sacrifice. You will be hailed as a hero for the rest of time,” he proclaims.
He makes it sound like I’m going to die and never be seen again. It makes my stomach curl. Is the duke really that awful? I worry my lower lip and try my best to keep the fears at bay.
“Tonight, we will send you off with the song of the gods.” He finally stands, and I can breathe again. “Go collect what little you have in the barracks. Say your farewells. I will prepare a witness to travel with you to Devicit in order to verify the wedding takes place.”
“Yes, my king.” I dip my head to him respectfully. The song of the gods has not been sung for years. The last time I heard it was as a child.Please let them hear our plea for peace,I pray.
The walk down to the barracks is hazy. My mind overflooded with the reality that this is happening. Well, considering that I actually live through this night. If I wake up tomorrow, then fate truly has been altered, and I’ll finally be able to live again.
As a demon’s wife.
Chapter Three
