Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
Daemon
SACRIFICE
Ikept my vow.
I had created a world where Vhaena was safe. Even if it meant I couldn’t be near her.
With Draven at my side, I took over the Umbra Ministry, killing all the Ministers who disagreed with my new ruling. At first, I had Vhaena with me, returning to her every night. But it soon turned dangerous.
On multiple occasions over just two weeks, I was followed without my knowledge by demons who were able to evade my senses. They had tried to kill me, break into my home, and harm Vhaena. Keeping her near me put her at risk. If anything happened to her…
With some convincing, I moved Vhaena and her mother to a remote location so they would be safe from anyone who wanted to use her against me in retribution.
Draven did the same with his wife. Neither of us knew where the other’s wives were for their protection in the event it could be used against us.
Vhaena picked the place, a small, remote village on the south eastern tip of Erdenvale, Hythe. I hadn’t even heard of it, but she told me an elderly woman from the Hunt had spoken highly of it. Once she and her mother were settled, I finally told Vhaena my plan.
“Wait, you’re…leaving?” she asked with wide eyes.
“It’s not ideal, I know. And I’ve tried to think of every other solution, but nothing that won’t put you in harm’s way. I won’t do that.” This was the last thing I had wanted, and definitely nothing I thought I’d ever do.
“We promised to protect her. No matter what,” my demon reminded me.
But I was torn between keeping Vhaena close so I could protect her, or hidden away so I didn’t have to. So she wouldn’t be in danger in the first place.
“Daemon…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want you to go.”
“I know. Neither do I,” I said softly. “But there are other demons out there who still think the Hunt is their right. I need to make sure they understand. I need to make sure they don’t retaliate and keep themselves under control.
I need them to know what will happen to them if any of them ever try to come after you—or anyone else. ”
I tucked her hair behind her ear, letting the strands fall behind her shoulder.
Her throat bobbed, swallowing back the lump there. “What will happen when you’re done?”
“Then I will come back to you. And once I do, I’ll never leave your side again.”
“When?”
“As soon as demonly possible.”
She sniffled. “You swear?”
I brushed my thumb across her bottom lip, stilling the tremble there. “On my vow.”
She closed her eyes, and the tears fell. She nodded and leaned into me.
I kissed her one last time, pouring out every single unspoken word that had ever been between us. Then I turned and left.
I carried her mark with me. I carried my vow to her in every step. And I wouldn’t rest until I had fulfilled it.