Page 36 of Demonic Cage
Darya laughs, almost dropping me. I cling to him with a scream.
“You almost killed me!” I shout at him, pulling even closer. “And yet, what’s so funny?”
“Of course, they’re your real parents,” he answers with a smile. His tone makes me feel incredibly foolish. “Most demons come from earthly humans.”
“Then what’s so special about me? Why did you say I bring hope to you?”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to ask, my little champion?”
“What else should I ask? And why do you call me a champion?”
“You came here so they wouldn’t lock you up anymore. I told you how you can free yourself. Isn’t that what really interests you?”
Suddenly, I become very aware that he’s holding me and his fingers are gently moving on my skin.
“You said I need to get stronger. That’s why I have to train with Kripot?”
He nods.
“When will you tell me everything?”
“When you’re ready.”
“And when will that be? What benefit do you get from this? What if I refuse the training?”
“Why would you refuse?”
I bite my lip, and Darya’s gaze slides to my mouth.
“I don’t think I could ever get strong enough to stand against the demons.”
“I know you’re capable,” he says, smiling confidently. Leaning closer to my ear, he whispers, “I’ve been watching you for a long time. Whenever I can.”
His breath tickles my neck. Now I can’t escape, unlike when I turned away from the mirror showing me and Kraldem in skimpy outfits. Actually, without outfits. I shake my head.
“Still… Still, how would I find motivation for this…?”
“You have to defeat a monster within fourmoonturns. Either you die, or you survive.” He smiles darkly. “Seems like motivation enough, Lotte?”
Choking laughter bursts from me.
I have to fight a monster?Me?
“Now I’m sure you dragged the wrong person into the abyss.”
Darya looks at me, amused.
“But if this isn’t motivation enough,” he says, his mouth gently touching the thin skin under my ear. “What if I promise that, after you do what you’re meant to, and if you survive, not only can you stop taking your medication, but bad dreams will never haunt you again? No more suffering. No more psychiatry. They’ll never lock you up again because you won’t need it. You’ll be stronger than you can imagine right now. What do you say to that, Lotte?”
No more psychiatry.
Could that really be possible? Could I stop taking my medication? If I do what he asks of me and…
Wait a minute!
“IfI survive?!” I ask incredulously.
“Don’t worry, my little champion,” says the Demon King, and his black wings envelop us. “I will do everything in my power to keep you alive.”
