A Throne of Ruin (Deliciously Dark Fairytales #2)(17)

His pen ripped a hole in the parchment. Clearly the thought sent rage through his blood. Rage would’ve been nicer than the unease, disgust, and fear I was working with.



If they try to take you in, kill them all. It is within your power. Then run straight to the birch. Set it off three times consecutively, and I will come for you. Hide so that you aren’t seen, and wait for me.

The sword you have seen. The rest of the weapons are hidden on the other side of the bush. Take them and go home right now. Stay on your guard. If you get bored, write more sexy notes to me. Or even if you aren’t bored and have to squeeze it in with all your chores. Actually, even if you have to lose sleep, write me more notes about how we would accomplish those scenes with me under you, or over you, or inside of you. I’ve never been so turned on in all my life.

I digress.

If you feel danger for any reason and want my help, activate the birch (three times in succession), night or day. For any reason. I will always come for you, Finley. You have my word.

Yours always,

Nyfain



I couldn’t decide if I was more touched or turned on. One thing was for certain, though: I was a little more nervous. It definitely sounded like Jedrek had made a deal, and he thought it was in the bag. Hopefully that just meant the demons would check me out, get bored, and leave it at that.

The finest bow I’d ever seen, etched with scales like the sword, waited beyond the bush. A leather quiver filled with arrows sat next to it. I picked up what looked like a set of throwing knives and took one out. Perfectly balanced and with an incredibly sharp point.

These weapons would be worth a sack of gold, at least. And he was just giving them to me. What must it be like to be that rich? To be a prince?

I wrapped up the books and my rambling letter before hefting my new treasures and doing as Nyfain had said. Once home, I’d continue to do as he’d said and write more sexy notes. My core tightened just thinking about it.

At the edge of the quiet wood, I peered at the outskirts of the village. Unlike earlier, no weasels patrolled, looking for me. All was clear and quiet.

I hefted my new things and took the stealthy route home. I was nearly there when a lightly pungent aroma caught my attention. Notes of musk woven with floral scents.

Demons.

The smell was fresh but not very strong. They couldn’t have gotten too close. That, or their magic was significantly weaker than the demons at the castle.

I hopped the back fence and snuck into the backyard, pausing for a moment to listen. Hannon opened the door as I reached for the handle. He took me in for a moment, looking for damage, before he stepped aside so I could get in.

“All was quiet,” I whispered, heaving a relieved sigh once I was in the living room and the door was locked behind me. “But Nyfain said that I could not allow them to take me to the castle under any circumstances.”

“But he’s in the castle.”

“They’ll use me in a game against him. I’ll be a pawn. Lord only knows what they’ll do to me to get at him. I’d rather not find out.”

“Wow, Finley.” Hannon took the bow gingerly, hefting it and then pulling it close so that he could sight and tug back the bowstring. “This is as fine a bow as I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s a beauty, right? And look at this…” I pulled the sword from its sheath on my left hip, where I’d secured it before leaving the field. “And these…” I grabbed the throwing knives out of my knapsack.

“This is a handsome gift,” he breathed. “Or is it a loan?”

“Either way, he’s entrusting me with them.”

Fists rapped on the door. I froze with the sword in hand, my fingers wrapped tightly around the hilt. Hannon studied me for a second.

The knock sounded again, and I crept closer. A pungent aroma permeated the air. My heart was like a trapped animal in my chest. Demons. They’d come.

My glance at Hannon must’ve spoken volumes. He joined me at the door in a rush.

“What do we do? Should you run?” he asked.

“And have them wait here until I get back? That would only put you guys in danger.” I eyed all my weapons. Then the back door. “Let them in. Nyfain said that they like drama. I’ll act uninterested and hope they go.”

“And if they don’t?”

“I’ll find a way to kill them. Then we’ll drag the bodies into the wood and leave them there. No bodies, no questions.”

It sounded great, though I didn’t know if it was feasible.

We quickly stowed the weapons in easily accessible locations around the front room and backyard. As the third knock came, I pulled the door open, only belatedly realizing I still wore my day clothes. Clearly they hadn’t pulled me out of sleep. Hopefully they wouldn’t notice.

A tall man with long white-blond hair flowing around his square face waited on the stoop with a patient expression and dark, cunning eyes. Need stirred deep within me, quickly curdling my stomach as disgust replaced desire. An incubus, obviously, and my reaction was the same as it had been in the castle. Their magic, while still registering as sexy, now had the opposite effect on my body. My animal was running interference.

“Yes?” I asked in a mildly confused voice.

“Yes, it is you. I wondered.” His tone was sleek and confident. Tingles of worry skittered across my skin. “I’ve seen you from time to time, hurrying home as darkness fell. Your beauty is so incredibly pleasing. You have many admirers.”