Magic Undying (Dragon's Gift: The Seeker #1)(14)
“She’s the best at what she does,” Nix said. “Best Seeker I’ve ever seen.”
Cass said nothing, but I could see the worry in her eyes. She didn’t want me to work with him, I’d bet.
The Warden’s thoughtful gaze skimmed me as he considered. I tried not to fidget, but I wasn’t often the recipient of such an intense stare.
He stepped closer to me, his eyes widening. “What’s wrong with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I can sense demon magic on you.” His gaze traveled over me, landing on my upper chest.
Shit. I hadn’t zippered my jacket.
His brows drew together over his eyes. “Your shirt is covered in your blood and…” He sniffed the air. “Ubilaz poison.”
I said nothing. What was there to say?
“Damn it.” His brow creased. “It scratched you, didn’t it?”
Reluctantly, I nodded.
“You’re going to have to come with me. You need the demon’s blood for the antidote. I can’t have another Ubilaz demon on my hands. You’d spend eternity in the Underworld as a Cat 5 demon. That’s the last thing I need.”
“Okay, I’ll help you. But what about my requests?”
“Undecided. But if you get the demon back, I’ll give you your sword.”
“What about the other stuff? I’m not going back to the Underworld.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
“That doesn’t sound promising.”
He shrugged. “You haven’t got much choice. Your first priority needs to be getting the antidote.”
He was right. And he held all the cards.
“Fine.” I nodded sharply. “How do I contact you once I have the demon? Through your comms charm?”
“Why would you need to contact me?” He smiled, too handsome for my own well-being. “I’m going with you.”
Chapter Four
Great. I’d have to spend who knew how long with this guy.
But maybe it wasn’t all bad. I needed to convince him I was trustworthy and shouldn’t be dragged back to the Underworld. This was the perfect opportunity.
“Okay.” I tried not to sound begrudging. “We work together.”
Cass and Nix glared at the Warden. If they’d been dogs, they’d have growled. We’d never been any good with honey instead of vinegar.
“Del will help you,” Nix said. “But don’t even think about trying to take her back to the Underworld. She doesn’t belong there.”
Cass’s green eyes blazed. “We’ll stop you if you try.”
The Warden said nothing, which was no surprise. He was definitely the strong, silent type. He turned to me. “We should get started.”
“We’ll come,” Cass said. She and Nix stepped forward.
“No,” the warden said. “I can only take one when I hunt the demon.”
“I’m hunting the demon,” I said.
“You’re leading me to it. I’ll do the hunting. He’s escaped my Underworld, so he’s my responsibility.”
“We can still come,” Cass said.
“If we need you, we’ll ask.” The Warden’s tone made it clear that would be a cold day in hell.
I glanced at the Warden. “It’s fine, guys.”
If he wanted to take me back to hell, he would—it wasn’t like we could kill the Warden of the Underworld. Even if we could manage it, how would we cover it up? And I didn’t want to get into the cold-blooded murder game, anyway. Demons were one thing. They just went back to their Underworld when you offed them. Supernaturals—that came with more guilt. It was why I’d never stolen another’s power, even though my FireSoul gift would allow me to. I’d have to kill to take the power, and that was something I wasn’t interested in.
“Fine,” Cass said. “But give her any trouble, and we’re coming after you.”
He nodded sharply. At first glance, one might think it silly that someone as physically slight as Cass and Nix would threaten the Warden. But they were massively powerful supernaturals. I was glad the Warden respected that. Respected them.
“What’s your first step in finding the demon?” The Warden raised his wrist as if indicating a watch. His dark brows rose. “Time is ticking.”
No kidding.
“First, I need to wash the poison off myself. I’m a mess. Then, I’ll use my seeker sense to find the demon. It’s kinda like meditating until I feel a tug leading me to its location.”
“Fine. Where are you going to shower? I’m coming with you.”
My heart thudded. “No, you’re not.”
“I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“Well, you’re not getting in the shower with me.”
“Then I’ll wait outside the bathroom.”
I sighed and pointed to the ceiling. “Fine. My apartment is upstairs.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“Right, then.” I nodded at my deirfiúr. “See you later.”
Their gazes were skeptical, but they nodded. I’d find a way to sneak out and see them one last time.