Page 13 of The Demon King's Destiny

Chapter 3

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Nora asked from where she was perched next to Eden at the foot of Evelyn’s bed.

“I’m fine. Really. I only wish I’d given Jasper some injury to match.”

“Oh, I think you injured him plenty by rebuffing his … encroachment into your personal space.”

“Ha! Encroachment? That’s perfect, Eden. Yes, I do believe he was launching an invasion, encroaching on my face like that.”

“Well, he’s lucky Father hasn’t paid him a visit. Or that I haven’t.”

Nora, wanting to be helpful in her own way, had offered to try some of her new combat moves on the male, but was quickly shot down. Evelyn thought it was a grand idea. Their father had not. No, he wanted to deal with the situation himself.

Edward was, to say the least, furious with young Jasper. Evelyn’s insistence the male hadn’t technically knocked her off the rock had only calmed him enough to where he’d promised not to have Jasper flogged.

Eden nodded. “Oh, I think he’ll confront him eventually. He’s giving Jasper time enough to let the guilt build. Father is good at messing with people’s minds.”

Evelyn’s hand instinctivelyreached for the chain around her neck. It was under her nightgown, but she could feel it through the thin material.

“Well it serves him right,” Nora agreed. “At least you didn’t break any teeth. Or your eye socket. You just look like you’ve been in a fight.”

“One I lost.”

Nora patted Evelyn’s feet, which were snuggled under the covers in front of her. “There, there. Not many can fight the mighty boulder and walk away intact.”

Evelyn pointed to the massive puff of purple flesh on her face. “Do I really look like I’m intact?”

Nora shook her head solemnly. “No. You look positively dreadful, which is good. You should hope for some permanent damage so the fool won’t try to kiss you again.”

Eden slapped Nora’s arm and Evelyn grinned, wincing when her cheek protested the action. It was typically Evelyn’s job to lighten the mood. She was thankful Nora’s wit had improved with her age.

“Okay, mother hens. You can see I’m in no danger of anything more than the possibility of a scar. The elixir Father gave me is kicking in and I’d like to close my eyes. Off you go.”

Eden scooted off the bed and started adjusting the blankets snugly around Evelyn’s body. She ran a hand over her sister’s head in the mothering way she always did. “Good night, Evie.”

“G’night.”

“Come on, Nora. Let’s let Evie get some rest.”

Begrudgingly, Nora slid off the bed. She approached Evelyn for a goodnight hug, unable to hide her grimace at the sight of the damage from the fall. Faces weren’t meant to take impact. She averted her stare.

A hint of silver caught the light near Evelyn’s collarbone. Nora leaned forward, drawn to it. “Evie …”

The world blanked and rapid-fire images flashed in front of Nora’s face. Her body remained suspended in motion until the onslaught of mental pictures ended.

“Nora!” Eden whisper-yelled, not wanting to draw attention from any of the guards in the house. She grabbed Nora’s biceps, trying to pull her out of her trance.

“Stop shaking me,” the youngest droned.

“Sorry.”

Evelyn’s eyes lifted to Eden’s. Nora occasionally saw things—visions—as had their mother, Elora. Unlike their mother, when Nora’s came, they were quick and she zoned out until they passed.

“Can I let go of you?”

“Yes. I’m steady.”

Nora took several deep breaths, concentrating on what she’d seen. She rarely was able to make sense of anything she saw in her visions. It was like she was being teased with power she couldn’t use, which was appalling to a Gwydion who could not wield magic.

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