Page 106 of The Demon King's Destiny

“Nevin, the rider, said the rogues were about a mile out from the fortress, on foot, when he departed. They would have reached it in minutes, and that was almost eleven hours ago.”

Demons could move incredibly fast. Slower than the rider would have been on horseback, but not by much. The fortress would have been inundated by the sheer numbers shortly after Nevin exited the outer gates.

He prayed Lazlo had either escaped or had secured himself and the men in the secret rooms under the tombs. Marrok and a handful of trusted males had built the hiding space themselves shortly after he took up residence in Terenuskit. Few would think to look for the living underneath the dead.

Marrok’s head was already running through defense plans he and Favin had hammered out days ago. They’d started preparations for a worst-case scenario.

Evelyn worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “Marrok, how long until they can reach Patria?”

“A few hours at most.”

“At best?”

“Within the hour.”

Evelyn’s stomach rolled. They were about to be swarmed by rogues.

“I need to change.”

“What?” all three males look at her as though she’d lost her mind.

“If we’re to stand our ground, I’ll not be doing it in this flimsy dress. Get out so I canchange.”

Favin blinked. Danil smirked. Marrok frowned.

“You will not be fighting against rogues, little mate.”

Her eyes flashed, her hands pulling at the air inside the room. She created strong enough currents to push them back towards the door.

“I will not be a sitting target, either. If one of them gets past our defenses, I’ll need every advantage to protect myself. As the only female currently on the property, I would prefer to not be caught by a madman while wearing a dress with easy access to things he has no right to. My leathers will make it easier for me to move and better protect my skin from weapons, should they have any. If nothing else, I’ll feel covered and less vulnerable. Now, if you don’t want me to knock all three of you on your arses, get out.”

“Favin, Danil. Leave us.”

“I think I’m in love with your saatus, my liege.”

“Danil!” Marrok’s demon spirit thundered from deep within.

“Right. Apologies, Sire,” he bowed, backing out of the room.

The door clicked and Marrok turned to meet Evelyn’s heated glare.

“Go ahead, my little warrior. Change.”

“Why are you suddenly so accommodating?”

“Because you just gave me a reminder of how strong you are. You almost knocked three formidable demons to the floor, and you weren’t even exerting yourself. You’ve not used magic around me outside of the dreamworld, so it’s easy for me to forget you’re powerful in your own right.”

Evelyn beamed at his compliment.

“Now take off your dress.”

Her eyes widened and her smile disappeared with his change in demeanor. Now was not the time to be thinking of rolling around on the bed, as much as she would enjoy it.

“Are you just going to stand there and watch?” she mocked.

“Absolutely.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes, opening the armoire and pulling out what she needed. She made quick work of removing the dress, feeling her demon’s impassioned stare sliding over her curves.

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