Page 5 of Dormeo
Startled by my sudden appearance, despite this being my inner sanctum, they jump back and blink up at me, looking confused.
Silence stretches on, and my patience wears thin. “Answer me, before I volunteer your services to my father to test his latest pet.”
Known for being ever creative with his methods of torture, my father takes great pride in his work. And practice makes perfect, especially when he decides to try something new.
“Rumour has it he’s sourced a vengeful dragon from the Nordics that likes to skewer its prey and roast them like a kebab with its fire before eating them alive.”
The diminutive red creatures before me, small but vicious, with narrow pointed teeth, baulk at the idea of being fed to the latest monster to join my father’s menagerie.
Speaking in dark Latin tongues, they jabber on, putting the blame on each other, shouldering and jabbing, with long, narrow fingers, even as they inch closer to my door again. Slamming a hand against the wall to block their way, I force their attention back to me.
“So, you don’t even know why you’re here? That’s the kind of incompetence I’m dealing with.” I cut through the din, not having the energy or the inclination to deal with these inbred abominations. Useful for death and destruction only, they’re not the smartest, but they follow orders and don’t ask questions. “Scram. There’s nothing for you here.”
Reluctantly, they melt back into the shadows, something covetous gleaming in their beady black eyes.
Without looking away from their retreating forms, I curl my hand around the black wrought iron door handle and push inside, Barghest hot on my heels. They may be smaller, but they’re governed by instinct, and three of them together could be a threat if they wanted something badly enough.
My hellhound companion immediately moves to the roaring fire and curls up in front of it on a black fur rug, his fearsome muzzle resting on his paws as he watches and waits. Just like me, he feels danger coming.
“They’ll be back. Get Bronx to help with the night watch for the next two weeks.”
A slow blink is the only acknowledgment I get that he’s heard my words, but it’s enough. Barghest has always been a loyal guard, not only to me, but to whoever needs it in this dark, deranged place.
If we have collateral to keep safe, he’ll do his duty to the last.
Rolling up my sleeves, I scan the expansive living area but see no sign ofher. She could be hiding. She wouldn’t be the first human to squeeze themselves into some tight spot, hoping to avoid their fate.
I have no idea why they think that will help them in the long run, but it's an innate survival response they can’t seem to suppress, even if it will only buy them a few extra minutes.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are. I promise, I’m not going to hurt you…yet.” I taunt, my curiosity piqued by the calm, steady heartbeat I can hear.
But she’s not terrified. Far from it. In fact, she seems relaxed and at ease.
Intriguing.
“Where the fuck are you?” I mutter to myself, getting annoyed at her defiance. The last thing I need is to damage this fragile human in a rage and listen to my father berating me. That could be the very point of this entire exercise. He could have sent the imps to distract me while he ensured my failure. There’s nothing I wouldn’t put past him.
Which is why I’ll be relieved when these two weeks are over, and I can return the troublesome human to her father, or give her to the devil, depending on what her fate turns out to be.
Coming to a stop in front of two heavy, dark wooden doors, I rest my hands against a set of intricate bronze doorknobs and push. As the doors widen, I step into the room and curse, staring at the scene in front of me.
For once, I’m stumped on how to proceed. My human charge is here alright, tucked up inmybed, sound asleep.
“They don’t usually sleep when they first arrive in hell,” I comment as Barghest trots to my side, his lethal claws tapping on stone as he walks. “Normally, they’re far too scared to even close their eyes.”
And rightly so.
There’s no lingering scent of blood in the air, and I don’t detect the recent presence of any malevolent beings. She’s definitely asleep rather than dying.
Slightly offended, I remain frozen in place, stunned that such a delicate being is willing to leave themselves so exposed.
“Come on, sleeping beauty. Wake up. I don’t know who told youthiswas a good idea, but you’re not sleeping in my fucking bed.”
Silence.
“GET UP.”
My shout echoes around the room, but still, the tiny human doesn’t stir.
