Page 14 of To Dwell in Shadows
Vanthee looked at Queen Thema as though she had just noticed there were others in the room. She studied her for a moment, as if trying to decipher what sort of creature she was. Queen Thema only stood at eye level with Vanthee’s impressive breasts, but her imposing presence made the demoness take a step back.
“And you are?” Vanthee asked, flexing her wings. Despite their delicate webbing, they looked powerful enough to deliver a black eye with a single thwack. Selene thought she saw the tattoo around Vanthee’s arm move, too, but she could have imagined it.
Queen Thema’s back straightened. “I am Queen Thema, ruler of Malkina in the glorious realm of Aurelia. Also known as Lady of the Flame. The Devouring One. Mother Protector and She of the Change. Most importantly, the favorite sister of your queen. Surely she has mentioned me.”
“Not once.” Vanthee sniffed, then turned to gaze adoringly at Sam. But the moment Selene entered her line of sight, her eyes narrowed, then widened with disgust.
“Is that human… alive?” Her words dripped with disbelief. She pointed a finger at Selene. “Why is she here?”
Sam’s expression turned dark. “Thishumanis my fated mate, Selene. And you will treat her with respect.” He took Selene’s hands to help her stand. She was grateful that his strong arms kept her vertical. “She is the one responsible for bringing me back to the Underworld.”
For a split second, Selene saw Vanthee’s eyes widen with shock before she let out a haughty laugh. “Demons can’t mate with humans. Especially one so… ” She trailed off, her lips curling in distaste as she gave Selene a slow, once-over.
Selene’s jaw tightened. Since claiming Sam as her mate, she had become far more in touch with her anger. And right now, she couldthink of nothing more satisfying than slapping that smug look off Vanthee’s face.
But since the customs of the Underworld were a mystery to her, diplomacy seemed the wiser choice. Maybe Vanthee was royalty, and it would be an insult to be rude to her. Or she could be a demon of Conflict or Insecurity who fed on negative reactions. Selene had dealt with her fair share of narcissists and bullies and knew not to take their bait.
Pasting on a sunny smile, she said, “Hello, Vanthee, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry but Sam isn’t your fated mate—I’ve already claimed him.”
“You’re mistaken,” Vanthee retorted sweetly. She tilted her head up at Sam. “My prince, you didn’t need to bring these… others along with you. You would have been more than welcome on your own.”
Queen Thema placed her hands on her hips. “I beg your pardon, but Selene and I are esteemedguests.Come now, girl, we are quite weary. Will you not summon your rulers? Or must I do it myself?” She moved past Vanthee to peer down the hall. “I’m sure Queen Lamia would not want our reunion delayed by your ramblings.”
Thema’s words seemed to startle Vanthee into action. “All right. I will take you to the king and queen. Their son’s return will bring much joy to our kingdom.”
Vanthee bent to retrieve the torch she had brought. Instantly, the end blazed with fire. “Follow me.”
“Are you able to walk?” Sam whispered into Selene’s hair.
As much as she loved their stairway routine at Queen Thema’s, Selene had a feeling this was not the time to show weakness. “Sure,” she said with false enthusiasm, forcing her legs not to wobble. Sam kept hold of her hand.
They followed Vanthee out of the room and into a dark, narrow hallway. Vanthee led the way, followed by Thema, with Selene, and Sam bring up the rear. The smell of dank earth, sulfur, and smoke made Selene’s eyes water. Vanthee’s torch was the only source of light Selene could see, but she heard lots of scurrying and scrapingsounds from the walls they passed. A hubcap-sized red spider was visible when they turned a corner, and Selene stifled a yelp when something both furry and slimy brushed against her arm.
They passed many closed doors and empty hallways until Sam said, “Why is the east wing abandoned?”
Vanthee paused to face him, her long lashes casting shadows against her cheek. “Because of you, my prince.”
“Me?”
“After you disappeared, the queen and king relocated their personal chambers and closed this part of the palace. It was too difficult for them to pass your bedroom, your playroom, and other quarters dedicated to your amusement.”
“And why were you here?” Queen Thema asked. “Are you a servant?”
Vanthee seemed offended by the question. “I am the Underworld’s Guide. I come to this wing when I wish to be alone and take a break from my duties, if you must know.”
“And what do Guides do?” Queen Thema asked.
Vanthee pulled back her shoulders. “I lead souls who have passed on through our realm by lighting their way with my torch. Then I send them through the doors of their destiny with guidance from my key.” She held out her tattooed forearm.
“Ah, so you’ve been trained as an enchantress,” Queen Thema said.
“No. But I grew up learning a few things about magick,” Vanthee answered vaguely.
Selene estimated Vanthee to be about twenty-five in human years, and wondered how old that was in demon terms.
Queen Thema snorted. “In my realm, one cannot dabble in such arts. Years of dedication and training are required to cast enchantments. And even then, one must be approved by a council of crones before practicing in the community.”
“How quaint,” Vanthee said, turning away to continue their journey.
