Jake
My head throbs when I come back to my body. I don’t remember passing out last night, but after being taken to the Underworld and shoved into this cell, I was drained.
At least I know the magic is still intact because I can’t feel Jasmine through the bond. Not that I know what it’d feel like if she died, but from what others have told me and what I’ve seen happen to those who have had a mate die, I know this isn’t it. It’s not heartbreak I feel; it’s emptiness.
I look around the cell, trying to note anything I can to help familiarize myself with my surroundings. There’s a captive in each cell, ten in all, five on either side. Every captive does nothing but stare at me.
Their black eyes dig into mine, and no matter where I look, I know I’m being watched. My body ripples with fear, regardless of how many breaths I take. Each breath is shallower than the last, because I don’t know if any demon in this dungeon can fire magic against me.
I stalk to the back of my cell, stopping when the backs of my legs hit the solid brick wall. Even though it might not do much, it helps me feel a tiny bit less vulnerable in the shadows.
When my feet refuse to support me, I collapse to the floor with exhaustion and rest my head in my hands.
I don’t know how much time passes, but when I come to again, there’s an eleventh figure sulking in the shadows.
I stand, curious as to who decided to visit the dungeon in the Underworld and wondering if I could convince them to help me escape. If I have to bargain my way out of here, I’ll do it. I’d likely regret it later, and Jasmine would be mad at me for resorting to that, but I don’t see another way out.
As far as I’m aware, there hasn’t been a guard down here to check on us or give us food. So, if I had to choose between a bargain with a demon or dying, I know which I’d choose.
I close the gap to the cell bars, feeling a little of my strength return, when the figure steps out of the shadows.
Liam.
“What are you doing here?” I growl, resting a hand on a bar to support some of my body.
Liam shrugs, so casual you’d think he’s here all the time, seeking idiots to make bargains with.
“I don’t want to make the bargain with you, if that wasn’t clear,” I say, reminding him where my loyalties lie.
“Why do you think I’m here?” Liam asks.
“Because you find enjoyment being here?”
Liam snickers, then releases his shadows toward my cell. They slot in the keyhole, unlocking it as if it had never been locked in the first place.
He must see my hesitation, because he adds, “I’ve spent enough time down here to memorize the shape of the key.”
I still don’t move, keeping my feet grounded in my cell, even though I’m sure that if Liam wanted me dead, I would be.
“Will you hurry?” Liam beckons. “I’m doing this for Jasmine.”
“She thought you were dead.”
Liam nods, averting his gaze as I follow him toward an exit.
“And she knows you offered to make a bargain with me,” I add.
Liam stops, then throws out his arm to stop me. When he meets my gaze, all I see is regret.
“I didn’t have a choice, Jake. She’s not the only one who tried to make a bargain to survive.”
Instead of giving me time to ask questions, he yells at me to follow him. I don’t argue, knowing the demons that brought me here in the first place could be close by.
I’m not sure if I can trust Liam, but if he’s bringing me to the throne room, that’s exactly where I need to be. Whether it’s for his benefit or Jasmine’s is still up for debate.