Page 82 of Demonic Cage
“We will meet here again, same location. You drink demon blood before taking it, and its effect wears off in ten minutes. You’ll be fine. I promise. I’m sorry that we have to resort to this.”
“Please don’t do this, Lavian…” I beg, but I can’t hide my anger. Take a pill that will kill me, just so I can talk to him. Is he even serious? But henods.
“I know you’re angry, and I understand. But we can’t let them win, and you’re our only chance. You have to find the right path, Lotte. You know deep down what’s right and…”
“Why are you trying to convince me?” I interrupt. “Do you seriously think I ever considered becoming a demon? To be their subject? Darya kills innocent children! He toys with them, and he breaks them! He plans to do the same to me!”
He ponders my words, surveying me. I feel like he’s delving into the depths of my soul.
“It crossed our minds.”
Lightning roars in the sky, and the rain now pouring down on us is a signal to depart. I relax my muscles as I sink more and more into his lap.
I have nothing else to say to Lavian; I already know my pleas won’t sway him.
The angel holds me steady, wordless, until slowly I realize what he’s waiting for. My consent. I look up at him, his bronze eyes shining disturbingly close to mine. He’s terribly handsome, but frightening. I stare at him for too long for it to be comfortable.
Blushing, I lay in his arms, gazing into his eyes, weak. He’s still waiting. Surely, it wasn’t his plan. Perhaps he was commanded, and now he’s trying to figure out my decision. I give him what he wants.
“If I help you, can we destroy him?”
“We can.”
“Are you sure you can get me out of there?”
He doesn’t hesitate.
“Wewill.”
“Then tell me what to do,” I sigh, my strength drained. Resting my head in Lavian’s lap, I listen to the angels’ desire to destroy the demon world. How a girl from Sweden can help sweep away the demons. I want to smile, but I can’t. Sleep overwhelms me in the arms of an angel.
Cold hands touch my face.
“Kindra, look at me!” Darya’s voice rings tautly.
“My name is Lotte,” I whisper.
The Demon King smiles.
“You’ll be fine,” he declares, then kisses my neck. If I had any strength, I’d push him away.
The dream overwhelms me again.
When I wake up, I feel refreshed. I’m not in my room, but in Darya’s. The stab in my heart only slightly throbs, and my chest rises and falls evenly. I move my fingers. My arm isn’t broken, my ribs are intact. I press my hand to my head.
“Little Flower!” Nárs tears my fingers away from my forehead and intertwines them with his own.
“How long… how long was I asleep?”
“For two days, Lily Girl!” Nárs says, squeezing my hand encouragingly. “I was so worried about you!” he continues. “I hoped nothing had happened to you!”
“Youhoped?” I speak hoarsely. “You cheered for Kripot!”
Nárs waves his hand dismissively.
“Well, he was divine! But you! You were marvelous! I thought you’d hold out for two minutes! Of course, I only gave you that much time out of friendly kindness, because I wanted to reciprocate the loving gazes you threw at me every day. No, little girl, don’t deny it. I’m too good an observer!”
I roll my eyes.
