Page 12 of Dormeo
A giant beast, black with an aura of flames, lies on the huge leather sofa, watching my every move.
Shit.
Sharp teeth glisten in the light as he pulls his lips back in a warning snarl, and I back away, edging around the wall rather than risking getting too close to those jaws.
“Nice boy. Don’t eat me. I’m your new friend.” My sing-song voice is ridiculous, but the beast is huge, with his ears pricked up, and his attention fixed squarely on me. It’s terrifying. I want him to know I’m not stupid enough to try and harm him. When I increase the distance between us, he tilts his head, and then drops his chin back to his paws, and I sigh in relief. It looks like I’m not going to be his dinner, today at least, as long as I can stay well away from him.
“Is there anyone here?” I shout, moving toward the kitchen, where slick black marble glistens, so clean, I doubt it’s ever been used, and the huge sink screams that it’s all for show.
When there’s no answer, I dare to have a look around the surprisingly cosy space. It might be all blacks and greys, but the warm fire and lighting soften the atmosphere.
The hellhound watches as I continue my explorations and climb the steps to the balcony. I peer out through the glass double doors, not quite brave enough to open them and venture outside. There’s nothing to see but a vast rocky landscape, broken only in places by the odd slash of lava bubbling to the surface through a crack in the crust. Smoke and steam billow into the air in tall columns, and the sky is painted orange and red from the fires I can see burning in the distance.
It’s beautiful and desolate, all at the same time.
To the west, a violent black sea rages, crashing up against tall cliffs below us. I’m guessing that’s how we got here, though howa boat managed to dock in such conditions is beyond me. Rocks protrude from the water, and a ship sags, broken against the jagged stone. This isn't an easy place to get to, by land or sea, it appears.
On the balcony railing, a large gargoyle keeps watch over the ground below, his stone body chiselled to perfection as he crouches and stares out over the unforgiving vista.
“It looks unforgiving out there. And hot. No chance of escape then?” I ask him, watching as a sharp breeze throws up dust and ash. “I’m glad you’re out there to protect me, because this place looks scary as hell, excuse the pun.”
The artwork is spectacular, though. I'm surprised anyone spent the time to create him in such a stark place. I doubt interior design is high on the list of priorities for those that live here.
“It’s not that bad once you get used to it.”
I jump when I hear a deep voice behind me.
Spinning, I gather my nightgown in front of me, suddenly feeling very naked as I stare up at the massive demon from last night.
His dark skin gleams, showing off every tendon and muscle moving beneath the surface. I’ve never seen anyone in such good shape. Anyone who comes to visit Father is wrinkly and soft, nothing like this magnificent, if terrifying, specimen.
I finally gather the courage to look up into his face, taking in his strong features, the sharp jaw, the full lips, and those mesmerising eyes.
If he weren’t a demon, and likely to eat me alive, I’d almost say he was handsome.
I only realise that he’s openly staring at the thin satin nightgown covering my body. When he licks his lips, his red eyes darken, and his nostrils flare.
“Don’t get any ideas. There is no escape,” he says, answering my earlier question. “And nobody here will help you. To defy my father is to wish for death. Even for me.”
Shuddering, I make sure my clothing covers me as much as possible before staring out at the darkness once more.
“I… I… is this really hell?” I whisper, gesturing to the dramatic landscape. "Am I really stuck here?"
He nods, looking unsympathetic to my plight.
“Yes. Your father has done a deal with the devil.” With a chuckle, he continues on, amused by my horrified expression. “Until we see how that plays out, you’ll remain here, for your own safety. You’ve created quite a stir. I’m afraid there will be no sight-seeing excursions.”
Looking at the flames burning in the distance, it’s easy to believe nowhere here is safe for me. I’m not a dare-devil like Clara. I’ll happily stay put if it keeps me alive.
“You’ll get used to the view. If you want to go home, you’ll just have to pray your father delivers on his end of the bargain.”
I bite my bottom lip. My father has never been good at delivering on his promises, but I’m not going to admit that to anyone here.
“And what am I supposed to do until then?” I ask, looking around the sparsely decorated shelves. Ash shrugs, like he couldn't care less how I keep myself entertained.
“Read? Knit? I don’t care. Just stay in here and keep out of trouble.”
He drags his eyes away from my exposed cleavage and stares at me, moving closer until I’m forced to take a step back and crane my neck to meet his eye.
