8. Elora
8
ELORA
A fter a breakfast of dried fruits and boiled eggs, Amon guides me through what seems to be a castle-or at least that’s what I assume I’m in. The corridors are large with ornate stone carvings and archways above them.
The air is crisp, and I stave off a chill by running my hands over my upper arms. Amon glances over at me, doing a double take before speaking.
“We will find you more suitable clothing. It can get quite chilly, especially at night.”
The rest of the walk is silent save for the clicking of his clawed feet echoing through the corridor. After a turn, Amon pauses in front of a large wooden door.
“These will be your quarters. You’ll have everything you need in here. Meals will be brought to you three times a day unless I request for you to dine with me.”
He reaches for the latch and pushes open the heavy wooden door. It groans as it swings open, and I walk past the threshold, taking in my new room.
There’s a large bed on a podium to my right, the linens draped in such a way that the bed is obscured from the doorway. To my left is a smaller marble fireplace, the fire within already roaring welcomingly.
Two twin wardrobes made of rich mahogany line the wall next to the fireplace, and a large bay window envelops a small round table with two ornate chairs.
I run to the window, peeking through the curtain and gasping with delight at the view below me.
“There’s a garden?” I ask, placing my hands against the glass. It doesn’t seem large, but the green grass and colorful flowers bring a sense of relief to my soul.
The sky isn’t blue, but rather a deep grey, almost as though rain was on its way.
Amon walks to stand next to me, his hands clasped behind his back. “It’s not easy to get things to grow here, but we managed. I’m sorry to say you won’t see the sun.”
My excitement fades only slightly, but I turn, grinning up at him.
“This is lovely, thank you.”
Amon nods curtly before walking to a lone tapestry against one wall. “Behind this tapestry is your washroom.” He states, pulling back the heavy fabric. I lean in to spy a decently sized claw foot tub, and a wash basin against the other wall.
The lighting is ambient with sconces scattering the walls.
A full-length mirror stands in the corner, and I gasp at my appearance. My hair is a mess, and my dress is wrinkled.
Amon chuckles, letting the fabric fall back into place.
“I imagine you’ll want to freshen up.” He says.
Balail appears a moment later, looking less than pleased.
“Yes?” She snaps, her hands moving to her hips.
“Elora will be needing a bath.” Amon states, his eyes locked on mine.
The demon sighs and sashays to the washroom, flinging the tapestry to the side. Amon takes a step closer to me, and his leather scent assaults my senses again.
“I will leave you to it.” He bows slightly before the air shits, and he’s gone.
I hum appreciatively as the warmth from the water seeps into my muscles and soothes the aches in my body.
Balail had simply waved a hand over the tub, and water had appeared, steaming and welcoming.
I wasn’t a stranger to magic. I had seen plenty of it over the years and had read about it even more. But this was something else entirely.
I heard the tapping of Balial’s claws against the stone floor as she paced back and forth. Every once in a while, I caught the whisper of her murmuring to herself.
The demoness was breathtaking, and, based on her reaction to my presence, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something between her and Amon.
I also didn’t know why the idea that there might be bothered me.
I was a prisoner here. A bird in a gilded cage.
I needed to remember that.
With a heavy sigh, I dip under the water, large amounts sloshing over the sides of the tub.
Balial appears above me a few moments later, glaring down at me through the water.
Resurfacing, I wipe my face, looking up at the demon.
“Aren’t you done yet, human?” She asks, her hands on her hips.
“I am, actually. Will you hand me that towel please?” I ask, reaching over the side and pointing to the wash basin.
Balial reaches over and grabs it, tossing it at me.
“Hurry up, I don’t have all day.”
Flinging back the tapestry, Balail exits the washroom, allowing me a moment to step out and dry off.
I wring the water out of my hair before wrapping the towel around me tightly.
“Listen,” I start, exiting the washroom. “I can’t help but think we got off on the wrong foot somehow.”
I pause on the other side of the tapestry, looking over at the demoness.
Balail frowns at me as I continue.
“I can assure you I’m not here to cause any disturbances.” I walk towards the bed, sitting on the edge, bouncing slightly to test the softness.
The demoness doesn’t say anything at first, she just glares at me.
“I hope we can be friends one day.” I say, placing my hands in my lap.
She scoffs, rolling her eyes as she turns to fling open the doors of one of the wardrobes. “Look princess. I’m not here to be your friend. I’m here to do Amon’s bidding, and for right now you seem to be it.”
She turns towards me, tossing a dark blue gown in my direction. I flinch, catching it and hold it out in front of me.
It was pretty, and I set it down on the bed next to me.
“I’m not your friend, I’m not your maid, and I won’t be waiting on you hand and foot.” Balail snaps, and the fire roars a little inside the fireplace.
“Don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure Amon will find a way to reverse this whole thing.”
I raise my eyebrows at her, watching as she stalks to the window to pull the curtains open.
“Have a wonderful day.” I say as she turns towards me.
The demoness says nothing, but a moment later she’s gone, and I’m left alone.
Silence impregnates the space save for the crackling of the fire, and I sigh, laying back on the bed heavily.
I glance over at the window, and the bleak sky makes me feel a tug of sorrow at my situation.
I wondered if I’d ever see the sun again.
Refusing to shed any more tears, I turn away from the window, laying on my side facing the wall. Closing my eyes, I fall into a restless sleep.
Amon
I pace, my skin tingling with unease. I wasn’t sure if leaving Elora with Balail was the best idea, but I didn’t really know what else to do right now. There weren’t any other lesser I could trust enough to be around her.
All the lesser I employed in my realm were sworn to a certain standard, and they knew if they fucked up, they were out. I didn’t tolerate the behavior that came with being a lesser demon.
Still, I didn’t know if I could trust Balail. Hell, I didn’t even know if I could trust Elora.
I turn to a tapestry on the wall of my chamber, pulling it back to reveal a hidden door. I open it, and the musty air assaults my senses. I hadn’t used this passageway in a very long time.
Peering through the darkness of Elora’s room, I sigh. This was why I insisted on the master chamber. I knew I could get to her quickly if anything went amiss.
I wasn’t sure I was ready to face why that was suddenly a priority to me.
My jaw ticks.
Something in me shifted when her blood met mine. I had taken part in many blood bonds over my existence, but this was something entirely different.
It unsettled me, and I wasn’t easily unsettled.
She’s just a human. I remind myself, closing the door and letting the fabric fall back into place.
Eventually our bond would fizzle out, and the bargain would be moot. Or she would pass away here, and I would be released either way.
Patience wasn’t exactly my strong suit.
Turning back towards the fire, I run a hand through my hair.
Still there was something about her. The way she smelled, the way she looked at me through those long dark lashes…
I scoff out a breath, plopping into my chair.
I refused to be undone by this tiny human female.