CHAPTER 25
Frankie
“W elcome, welcome.” Dante stands in front of the same building we were at the first time I met him. He’s wearing a black, baggy tunic, similar to the one he wore last time I saw him. His long white hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. His eyes are so black you can’t see his pupils. I swear they were gray before. “I’m thrilled you called,” he says, clasping his hands together, wearing that knowing smirk.
My knees shake as I get closer to him. “Th-thank you for seeing me.” I stutter over my words as I try to remember my manners. Don’t lose your nerve, Frankie, you got this.
“I always have time for you, child.” He reaches his hand out to me. “Let’s go somewhere a little more private.”
That’s weird. We seem to be the only ones here. I take his hand before I think better of it. I’m shocked at how cold they are compared to Zarreth’s. I guess I assumed all demons were warm to the touch.
A tingling sensation, similar to the one I get in my hands when I use my magic, courses through my entire body. Dizziness washes over me as I collapse. When I come too, Dante is holding me in his arms.
We’re no longer standing outside but instead are in a room I’ve never been in before. He sets me down, but my equilibrium is still off so I nearly fall over again. He offers me his arm to keep me steady.
“Don’t tell me Zarreth has never traced with you before? Oh Frankie, you are really missing out.”
I regain my balance before letting go of his arm. “Where are we?”
The room is small and quaint. Paintings of daisies hang on the cream-colored walls. He leads me to a sitting area where dainty teacups and biscuits await. The setting is so unlike Dante, I find it nearly impossible not to laugh.
He pulls out a chair for me. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
I sit down, placing a white cloth napkin on my lap. This is so weird. There is no way he lives here. “It’s nice,” I say because I’m at a loss for words.
Dante takes a seat next to me while snapping his fingers. A frail, bent over man with dull gray skin enters the room.
“What is this?” He says to the man.
“Y-y-your b-brew and biscuits, sir,” the man replies.
“Do I like biscuits, Robert?” His voice is gentle, but his eyes narrow with displeasure.
“N-no, sir. I apologize, sir. I believe the chef just removed some scones from the oven. Would you prefer one of those, sir?” Robert asks.
“Obviously. Now remove these biscuits from my sight.” Dante dismisses him.
Robert’s hands shake, almost dropping the plate of biscuits. “My apologies, sir.”
As Robert steps back from the table, Dante grabs his arm, wrapping his long bony fingers around his wrist. Robert’s face goes from pale to ghostly white. His knees shake.
“I never want to see these biscuits again,” Dante snarls, the tension around him palpable like the air before lightening strikes.
“Y-y-yes, sir.” Before Robert shuffles away, I notice a wet spot forming at the crotch of his pants, leaking down his leg.
“Humans are so disgusting.” Wiping his hands on a napkin, Dante faces me, a sparkle in his eye I don’t trust. “So, tell me dear. What can I do for you?”
I get straight to the point. “I need you to trace me to the Dark Realm.”
He giggles. “You are just delightful and brave. Tell me, child, why would you go to such a place?” There’s something unsettling about the way he watches me, like he’s always two steps ahead in a game no one else knows they’re playing.
I open my mouth to speak, but he cuts me off. He presses his palms together, bringing his index fingers to his lips. “Wait, let me guess.”
His eyes are wide with excitement. “You’re looking for that handsome mate of yours, am I right?”
“Yes, I…”
He cuts me off. “Of course I’m right. I always am,” he says in a sing-song voice. “And what does a pretty, little thing like you plan on doing once you arrive?” His grin is malevolent, enjoying me squirm under his gaze.
“Find my mate. I don’t care how dangerous it is. I will die for him and my brother.”
“Eek,” he squeals, clapping his hands. “A real-life love story. Two mates go through literal hell to be together.”
Okay, well he hasn’t said no yet, but I wish he would just answer me. “Will you help me?”
“I wouldn’t stand in the way of true love. I will help you, child, but we must wait. I can trace you during the full moon. We can harness the energy to make it easier on you, being you’re only half demon. It’s only three days from now. You will be my guest until then.”
Wait. What? There is no freaking way I’m staying here. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on your kindness. I’ll go home and return in three days.” I stand up from my chair, searching for an exit.
As if he can read my mind he says, “It’s not that terrible here. The beds are comfortable, and I could use the company. You will stay.” He stares at me with the intensity of a dog fixated on a bone, utterly obsessed.
I try finding an excuse to leave. “I don’t have my things.”
“Don’t be silly. We have everything a human would ever need. I’ll have Robert bring you to your room.” He snaps his fingers twice, summoning his servant.
I don’t see a way around his request. I don’t have a vehicle here; not like I know where I am anyway being he traced us here. We could be in a different continent for all I know. Plus, I need to do this for Nate, for Zarreth. Reluctantly, I follow Robert up a flight of stairs and down a long hall. It looks like two completely different people decorated this place. For every painting of naked demons covered in blood, there is one with a beautiful woman surrounded by daisies. As we continue down the hall, I notice the woman is the same one in every painting.
Making our way up another flight of stairs, I try committing the way back to memory, but I’m already lost. I’ll never find my way out. We finally arrive at my room, and I wait patiently as Robert fumbles with the key to the door.
I take the opportunity to get a better look at him. He’s younger than I thought. Maybe in his forties. He’s thin, his clothing way too baggy for him.
“I’m Frankie.” I gently reach out my hand, not wanting to spook him.
He glances at me with tired eyes before reaching out his frail hand to shake mine. His knuckles are swollen, his fingers pointing in different directions.
His hand must have been broken multiple times and never taken care of. This poor man. I try calling forth healing magic to my palm, so I can soothe him, but nothing happens.
He keeps his eyes trained to the ground, like he’s afraid to look directly at me. “I’m Robert,” he says before quickly pulling his hand away. I don’t think he’s used to the kind of physical contact that doesn’t come with a price.
“It’s nice to meet you, Robert.” I feel bad for him. I wonder how long he’s been here.
We step inside the room and look around. It’s enormous. A king-sized bed with a wrought iron frame and black silky canopy sits in the middle. The comforter is also black with deep red pillows and a matching throw blanket. The walls are dark gray, and skull shaped sconces holding red candles decorate the wall on both sides of the bed. It looks like Martha Stewart would sleep here if she were a vampire.
“Soap and shampoo are in there.” Robert points to the bathroom door. “I will retrieve you in the morning.”
Before leaving my room, he turns around, looking directly at me for the first time. “B-be safe.”
I’m about to ask him what, specifically, I should watch for when he leaves, closing the door behind him. I hear the jingle of keys before realizing he’s locking me in.
“Wait!” I pound on the door, but there’s no response. Why is he locking me in? My gut sinks as I realize I may have made a mistake by coming here.
“Calm down, Frankie,” I say to myself. Zarreth said Dante was fierce but fair. He has no reason to hurt me. Maybe he’s locking me in for my safety. Who knows how many demons roam these halls. Plus, he wouldn’t let me have my phone if he planned on hurting me.
Laying on the bed, I look at my cell. Shit, my battery is at fifteen percent. I should’ve brought a charger, but I wasn’t thinking when I left.
I don’t look at the messages from Jess and Ronin. I already know what they’ll say. I debate texting Ronin, telling him I’m sorry, but I don’t want anyone talking me out of doing this.
I can’t believe I lost control earlier. If Ronin were human, I probably would have killed him. Regret hangs heavy on my heart. Why did I see him as a threat? Was it the mating bond making me this way, or are my powers turning dark? My mind races until my head pounds.
I close my eyes, intending to only rest them for a few minutes, but exhaustion takes over, sending me into a deep sleep.
It takes me a minute to remember where I am the next morning when the smell of bacon pulls me from my slumber. rubbing my eyes, I sit up in bed. Robert is staring longingly at the bacon as he places the breakfast on the bedside table. His stomach growls loudly.
“Do you want some?” I ask.
“No ma’am,” he says, eyes downcast. “I shouldn’t.”
A bruise that wasn’t there yesterday covers his face. I wonder if Dante gave it to him for bringing biscuits instead of scones.
“What happened to your face?” I ask, gritting my teeth. If Dante hit him, I’ll…I quickly stop that train of thought. What could I possibly do against a demon older than Zarreth?
He brings his hand to his cheek. “I’m very clumsy, ma’am.”
“Robert, you can call me Frankie. It’s what my friends call me.”
He looks at me as a small smile appears. “Are we friends?”
“Of course.” My heart goes out to him. I couldn’t imagine living in a place like this. I would be happy to be his friend, even if it’s only for a few days.
“Master Dante has requested your presence at dinner tonight.” Robert points to the armoire. “There is a dress hanging in there. I will be back at seven to get you. Please be ready.” I look at the armoire sitting against the wall. Why is he having me dress up? Maybe it’s a demon thing.
“What should I do in the meantime?” He doesn’t expect me to just sit here with nothing to do, does he?
“I’m sorry, ma’am.” He closes the door, locking it.
Shit. I feel like Cinda-freaking-rella, except my prince is in another realm and instead of going to a fancy ball, I’m going to eat dinner with an old decrepit bastard who may or may not help me.
Panic flutters in my chest like a trapped bird. What the hell am I going to do when I get to the Dark Realm? I barely have any powers, and I have no idea what to expect. I should’ve thought this through more, but no one would help me, so this was my only choice. I have to save my loved ones.
The day drags by, and my phone eventually goes dead. Robert will be here soon to escort me to dinner, so I change into the black, slinky dress.
It reaches the floor but is anything but modest. The neckline cuts low between my breasts, nearly reaching my belly button. Silky fabric ties around my neck, leaving my back bare. I don’t see any shoes, so I slip my converse back on. By the time Robert arrives, I’m ready to go.
Before we leave the room, Robert reaches into his pocket, pulling out two bracelets. They’re simple. About an inch wide of solid gold. “Master would like you to wear these.”
“Why?” I don’t understand why I have to dress up in the first place. It’s not like we’re going to prom.
“We must do what Master says.” He unlatches the first bracelet, waiting for me to give him my wrist.
I hold out my arm. “Whatever.” I guess I can indulge him. Bracelets are the least of my problems.
As he fastens the second bracelet around my wrist, he looks me in the eye with a look I cannot decipher. “I’m sorry.”
His eyes are full of remorse. What has this man endured? I don’t want him to think I’m mad at him. “It’s okay, Robert. I’m sure they look great with my sneakers.” I attempt to reassure him.
We walk through the maze of hallways and stairs until we reach the dining room. I expect the room to be formal with an enormous table and oversized gothic chairs.
Instead, a vase of daisies sits in the middle of a round table draped in white linen. What is it with these daisies? An open bottle of wine is waiting to be poured.
Even though Dante is sitting, his large presence looms over the table. “Sit, sit.” He’s wearing a different tunic now. It’s still black, but the fabric looks expensive. The tips of his black horns are painted silver.
Robert pulls out my chair as I take my seat. “Thank you, Robert.”
He simply looks down, leaving the room.
“Don’t go out of your way for my servants. They are beneath you,” Dante says as he pours wine into our glasses.
I want to argue with him but it’s probably best to keep my mouth shut.
He nods at my wrists. “I see you received my gift.”
I look at the two gold cuffs. “Thank you for the kind gift, but it’s unnecessary.”
“Don’t be silly. They are one of a kind. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind girl.” He smirks as if he’s in on a secret.
That’s weird. I shiver, hoping he doesn’t think this is some sort of date. “So, how does tracing to different realms work, anyway?”
Confusion crosses his face before he laughs. “You don’t honestly believe I’m going to let you leave now that I finally have you, do you?” His mask finally falling, leaving the look of pure malice in its place.
My heart rate increases while beads of sweat form along my hairline as his words sink in. “What do you mean?” I look around for the easiest way out of the room. Two guards stand at the entrance I came in. There is no other exit.
“It’s nothing personal, dear. I’m an opportunist. The minute you kicked Zarreth out of your life, the future changed. I couldn’t possibly let your talents go to waste. See, I’m trying to create an army of hellhound shifters, or hell-humans as your mate calls them. Now that I have unlimited access to minerals in the Dark Realm, thanks to your mate, all I need is you.” He points at me with bony fingers resembling that of a skeleton.
My stomach drops. What have I gotten myself into? What does Zarreth have to do with minerals? “What are you talking about?”
Dante grins, rubbing his hands together. “Ooh, I’m so glad you asked. You see, the Dark Realm is rich with the minerals I need to make K4. I knew the only way Aradon would grant me access is if I had something valuable to exchange with him. Luckily for me, Aradon’s favorite prisoner showed up asking for a traveler’s mark.”
Dread washes over me, the hair on my arms rising. “What did you do?” I yell, my voice shaking with anger.
Dante holds up his finger as he takes a drink. “Mmm, that’s so refreshing. I will have to tell my staff to get me more of this wine,” he says as if we’re engaged in a normal dinner conversation.
I tighten my jaw, talking through my teeth. “What did you do?” I repeat, pulling him back to our conversation.
He looks at me, surprised, like he forgot I was here, then chuckles. “Forgive me dear. I’m getting old; short attention span,” he says, setting his wine glass down. “Your silly mate thought I gave him an actual traveler’s mark. Like I would hand those out willy-nilly. No, what I gave him was a one-way ticket to the Dark Realm.”
A wave of terror washes over me. One-way ticket? No! How will he get back? “No!” I scream as I pound my fist on the table.
Dante continues, unbothered by my outburst. “I’m such a genius; I even programed exact coordinates in the mark so all I had to do was simply give his location to Aradon. I basically hand delivered him.”
I can’t hold back any longer. My hands curl into fists as I lunge at Dante. Before I realize what I’m doing, he slaps me across the face, sending me flying to the ground.
Ears ringing, I cup my cheek, hoping to ease the sting. It takes a moment for me to realize he’s still talking as if he didn’t strike me.
“Now that Zarreth is out of the way, we can focus on making my army.”
What the fuck is he talking about now. An army?
Dante relaxes back in his chair, crossing his legs. “The process is really quite simple. The human ingests the K4, and your powers will alter their biochemical makeup, hopefully turning them into a hellhound shifter.” He pauses for a moment, like he’s thinking. “Unless you kill them, of course, which is a realistic possibility. I know your powers are still very new.”
Shapeshifters? He’s lost his mind. Especially if he thinks I would ever help him. I glare at him from the floor. “I’ll never help you. I would rather die.”
He snickers. “Oh, you’ll help me. I have my ways.”
If I act quickly, Dante won’t know what’s coming. I reach my hand toward him, latching onto his arm. Squeezing my eyes shut, I clench my jaw, trying to push my power into him.
Instead of the pins and needles that usually spread through my hands, my wrists burn like they’re on fire. I scream, quickly releasing him as I look down to see blisters forming around my wrists. What the hell?
Dante nods at my wrists. “When I said those bracelets are one of a kind, I meant it. No other ones exist in this realm.”
My eyes widen in disbelief as I stare at the two gold cuffs imprisoning my own powers. “What the fuck are these?”
“Silly me, did I forget to mention they were binding cuffs?”
Any hope I had of getting out of here quickly drains away. “I’ll fucking kill you.”
“That will be interesting considering your powers are useless with those on, and I’m the only one who can remove them.”
I panic, pulling at the cuffs, but they won’t come off.
“Robert,” Dante bellows, snapping his fingers. “Take Frankie to her room. I’m done with her for now.” He smiles down at me. “Welcome to your new home.”