Page 29 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled
We knew the execution was coming, and if they weren't out there yet, they would be very soon—
“Fuck,” Balor cursed. “They’re bringing the prince out now.”
I suppressed a growl. If I didn't get to commit some cold-blooded violence soon, I might explode. I stepped back, allowing the trio of mages to look out of the window, and I felt a wave of what I could only describe as sympathy. Despite the fact that our loss was so long ago, being back here, in this nearly identical circumstance, the past was rising with each second, and I knew that wasn't a place that any of my brothers wanted to go. History could not repeat itself.
As though he read my mind, Ashland spoke. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road. We’re going to need to move quickly.”
“Fischer, tell them what they need to know so they can meet up with Sloane and Saige," Cam instructed, and Fischer nodded.
We listened intently as Fischer began to explain where we needed to meet Sloane and Saige. His voice was tinged with urgency as he described a small village situated just beyond the capital’s eastern border. We knew exactly where to go.
Felix spoke to Fischer as we prepared to jump. “Once we free them, we’ll meet you in the courtyard. Don’t worry, we’ll find you. I hope you’re ready to spill blood.” Sinister and unhinged cackling echoed as we were sucked through time and space.
This was happening. There was so much riding on everything coming together perfectly, but I had an overwhelming sense of calm. We’d waited, been patient. This was a day of reckoning.
We landed from our jump just outside of the castle walls and immediately launched into the dark sky, heading for the village. The energy coursing between us was electric.
Nobody spoke. That was shocking. We were all so lost in our own thoughts and plans, but that was perfect. I always said a little silence would be good for those fools.
Palmer’s face flashed in my mind, but her navy blue eyes were full of fear. What the fuck? I shook my head, and the memory faded as though it had never been there. It was a look I’d never seen on her face, though. How could it have been a memory then?
What was she doing right now? The thought suddenly overwhelmed all others, and I couldn’t shake it, even when our boots hit the ground. Were the others thinking about her? How could they not? I couldn’t wait to get this shit over with so I could go fucking find her.
I bent over, tightening my holsters and blades, when a wolf whistle halted my progress and the thoughts of Palmer. I stood up straight and turned around, snarling, coming face to face with a smiling Talon.
"Okay, okay, big boy. No need to get defensive." He patted my chest with both hands as though calming a wild beast. He shook his head. "Next time, I think we should get you a bear mask with all of your"—he held his hands up, imitating a bear—"rawr-rawr type behavior you like to do."
I was ready to grab his throat when he suddenly jumped and spun three times in the air, like a sadistic ballerina, before landing ten feet away from me.
“Let’s go, Misha,” he called out, running to catch up with the others. “We are on a deadline here.”
I grunted and followed. He was going to be in trouble when we got back home.
Chapter seven
Felix
Iwatched the village come into view, its quaint buildings and winding streets a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind. As we approached, my thoughts drifted back to Palmer, her absence a gaping wound in my chest. The others chattered around me, their voices a distant hum as I retreated into my own head.
We were so close now. After years of waiting, planning, and dreaming of this moment, we were finally on the cusp of our revenge. The taste of it was bittersweet on my tongue, tainted by her leaving.
"Felix?" Talon's voice cut through my reverie, his concern echoing in my mind. "You okay?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice. How could I explain that in the midst of this crucial mission, my heart was torn? That while part of me burned with the desire for vengeance, another part ached for the woman who had fled from us? I supposed if I were honest with myself—and my brothers were honest with themselves—we all probably felt the exact same way. Fortunately for us, we had gotten very skilled at pushing down painful things.
As we approached the village, my eyes scanned for signs of Sloane and Saige, but my mind replayed memories of Palmer. The way she'd always seen me. How she could see past the splashes of color and intricate lines to the pain hidden beneath.
Our connection had felt so real, so profound. I'd opened myself to her in ways I never had before, believing that she understood me, accepted me. And yet, she'd run. As though our time together, the intimacy we'd shared, meant nothing.
The timing couldn't have been worse. Just when we needed unity; when we were about to face our greatest challenge, she'd torn herself away. I felt raw, exposed, like an open wound that no amount of paint or ink would heal.
"There they are," Ash's voice pulled me back to the present. I followed his gaze to see a mage and a demoness waiting for us near the large oak tree.
As we approached them, I forced myself to focus. This was bigger than my personal pain. We had a mission to complete, a wrong to right. But even as I steeled myself for what was to come, I couldn't shake it away completely. It frustrated me, infuriated me, and my hands fisted against my side.
I took a deep breath, pushing down the conflicting emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I had to get a grip on myself. Revenge was at hand, the culmination of years of planning and sacrifice. We were the gods damned Exiled, and we were back—back in Besmet, and about to right wrongs that should've been righted long ago.
I hung back, my fingers wrapping around Ash's arm before he could follow the others. His skin was cool beneath my touch, and I felt the tension radiating through his muscles. The others continued forward, leaving us in a moment of privacy beneath the swaying branches of nearby trees.
