~Tove
My blood goes ice cold."He wants to kill me, doesn't he?"I have no idea what I've done to deserve it. All I really do is go to and from my work, and sometimes go out with Mary.Not that anyone deserves it, but why am I the target of a murderer?"We can't be sure. He acted completely out of character tonight by going on a date with you," Ellard explains.Out of character? What is in his character?"He hasn't been in contact with anyone we have been able to trace in a very long time," Arkyn says, adjusting his jacket."Why is he dangerous?" It's not going to help me fall asleep tonight, but I want to hear examples of everything that he has done in the past to bring him to the attention of Noble's."His powers exceed ours, as Noble's." Ellard gestures between himself and Arkyn.My eyes widen. I've grown up in this Territory hearing that Noble's are peak of power in the whole land. That they choose to rule here, over us, instead of elsewhere.Now, to hear that there is someone above them? Someone who is not governed by law or policy?What a disturbing thought..."But I thought the Noble's were the most powerful people in the world?" Mary says from where she stands in the corner, watching this go down."This is a rare case," Ellard tells her grimly.Arkyn sighs. "Tell us what he said to you on your date.""He didn't say much. He refused to tell me anything about him." When I think back on what happened only less than an hour ago, not much was really exchanged between us.Every time I tried to dig more into his past, he ushered me away from it, revealing nothing about himself. I thought he was just strange at the time, maybe guarded even.I wouldn't have thought it was because any information about him would have turned me onto who he truly is.And to think, I wanted him in my bed that night..."Did he tell you anything that may help us?" Ellard pushes. I'm not sure what would help them, since he seemed so interested in me, and not how I would see him."He's from Territory Eleven? He's a murderer...I mean, that's all he said to me," I stutter. I'm grateful that I don't know anything else.I don't want to know what kind of monster dwells beneath that cold, beautiful exterior."How long was your date?""Half an hour maybe." Time seemed to have slowed down around him, as if everything in existence turned its attention to him, forgetting it must continue in its own vain.Arkyn looks sceptical, staring at me with that cold, blue gaze. "And that's all you spoke about?""Well, no. He was asking me about myself, about my studying, about my powers," I recall. I wonder if it makes the kill more satisfying when he learns more about his victim.Ellard flinches. "Powers?""I have mere scraps of it compared to you all. He made it seem like I should continue working to get my powers better, but I told him they are stuck as they are," I tell them.I've tried my entire life to connect to my powers, to make them stronger. It's no use, I've reached the edge of my training, and I've accepted that. I'm happy being normal, for the most part.Arkyn and Ellard exchange glances.They know something. They are exchanging some kind of information without saying a word. I want to dig, but they are Noble's, and I feel uncomfortable enough conversing with them now.Ellard turns his attention to me, looking grim. "You may have to come with us for a while, Toven.""What? Why?"I can feel the panic starting to rise up inside me. This is clearly serious, but am I in enough danger that I need to go with Noble's in order to save myself?"Keo is obviously very dangerous. We fear he may return to kill you, or worse," Ellard explains, fidgeting with his gloves."Worse? What's worse than death?""He may have darker motives. No offense to you, Toven, but it's doubtful he just wanted to have a date with you," Arkyn says flatly.I narrow my eyes upon him. Keo was using me, and I don't feel bad about that. My luck with dates has never been great, so it's not as if I'm not used to this feeling.But getting over being the potential prey to a murderer is going to take a little bit longer."What are you suggesting then?" If I go with them, will they be able to rid of the threat of Keo? What if he stops at nothing to get what he wants?"He may desire an aspect of your powers.""I have barely any. He would have better luck targeting you all,” I tell them. Why me? Why not many other Angel-bloods with a hint of more power than me, who still have more room and who have more versatile magic.I’m certain he has the ability to transport himself around if he is as powerful as the Noble’s claim."Perhaps he is after your powers because of how small they are. To him, they may be useful, and you're an easy target,” Arkyn says.He really has a way with words."Easy?"Mary cuts in before Arkyn can respond. "Keo doesn't know where we live. I'm sure Tove will be safe here."I shiver, casting a look out the window.It still pours with rain out there, the echo of thunder in the distance haunting me. This feels so ominous, knowing he is out there, plotting his next move while we sit here, discussing him like he’s some mythical creature."I'm afraid we can't take that risk,” Ellard exclaims. “As Noble’s we must do what we can do protect our citizens. We can help you so you do not fall victim to Keo.”"Will you put me in a prison?" I would rather die at Keo’s hand than risk that."No. We will put you under protection at our estate,” Ellard assures me.Everyone who lives in Territory One knows about the Noble’s estate. It’s large, imposing and sits right in the centre of the main city. It’s where Noble’s come from their own personal residences"Can't someone just come here and guard me or something?" Going to that manor is essentially a more lavish kind of a prison, but I’ll be detained all the same."Unfortunately no one's power compares to that of Keo's, other than all the Noble's together. You will be better off there,” Ellard tells me softly. Arkyn taps his foot floor, getting impatient."What if he hurts Mary?"My friend stands against the wall, trembling. She doesn’t handle these things very well, considering her troubled past. She hates being protected, but I can’t just leave her to get hurt."As she has also conversed with him, she will have to come also."I look between the Noble’s. "How do you know all of this?""We have eyes in the right places. We have to, we've been pursuing Keo for a long time,” Arkyn tells me. I imagine he is doing this not because he cares about my safety, but because he wants to catch Keo."Why is he so dangerous?"Ellard swallows tightly, shifting uncomfortably. "It may be safer for you to not know.""I want to know." I’m not going to sit around and be afraid when I don’t even know what I’m afraid of."We understand that, but it might only make you feel worse about having been in his presence today,” Ellard warns lowly.I shake my head stubbornly. "Seriously, I can handle it."He sighs deeply, running a hand through his deep bronze hair, deciding whether he should indulge this information to me or not."He has full Demon blood,” he eventually admits.I flinch.I’ll admit, I don’t know much about history. It never interested me. However, everyone knows about the Great War that raged on between Angel’s and Demon’s.The Angel’s eradicated all full-blooded Demon’s. A few with some Demon blood survived, and as centuries passed the bloodline ran a lot thinner, to the point where most are barely much more than human.That’s what we were told in school…anything else and hysteria would have erupted.Demon’s are dangerous. They don’t have morals. They use, manipulate and kill at will. The Angel’s wanted to rid the world of their plague and didn’t entirely succeed.We were told the few Demon-bloods that still exist are such a small amount we are never likely to account one in real life, and now I’ve just been told by a Noble that I’ve sat across the table from one.A full-blooded Demon, even."That's impossible...I mean, not impossible, but highly unlikely,” I whisper hoarsely, feeling true, horrifying fear course through me."I thought most of them were killed in the war?" Mary adds."Most of them were, but those who survived still exist today, and are extremely dangerous,” Arkyn tells me firmly, a hint of anger flaring in his eyes.I look down at my hands, stunned. "I was around a Demon...""Why don't you grab some things, the both of you, and we will leave now?" Ellard instructs tentatively.Who am I to deny him?The true threat of Keo has been revealed, and I need to go into hiding before he can hurt me again.Numbly, I stand, gesturing for Mary to go to her room to pack. She just nods, watching me slip from her apartment and across the hall to my own.It’s cold in here. I left the window open, hoping for some clear air in the place when I returned with my date.And now, there’s just a growing puddle on the wood floor from where the rain flutters in.I wrestle it shut, sighing.I’m not even sure I’ll be returning to this small, albeit special apartment that I’ve spent the last few years at. Once Keo has been caught, I’ll return to this life…But I’ll always have that haunting memory of his intense gaze, of those words he whispered in my ear.Rubbing my arms, I head to my bedroom, but pause.I can’t do this.A choked sob escapes me. I couldn’t bare to appear emotional in front of the Noble’s, but I’ve just experienced something from my nightmares, and now I’m expected to pack and get on with it.“Get over it,” I grumble to myself, straightening.With hands wet from rubbing my eyes, I open my bedroom door.Sitting upon my bed, back against my headboard, sits Keo.I nearly all backwards into the door as it closes behind me.Keo smirks. "How about a second date?"~KivaI don’t hesitate, turning back toward the door, only to find it locked.Panic spreads through me like a plague. The murderer in my room is clearly to blame for the way the door has magically locked. Regardless, I shake and pull at the handle, to no avail.Slowly, I turn back around. Keo smirks at me."How..." I break off, voice sounding strangled."Something upset you?" He asks, as if his presence alone is terrifying, whether I know about him or not. I don’t even want to think about how he got in here in the first place…"You're a Demon,” I say slowly, the words sounding strange coming out of my mouth.Now that I’m looking at him, I see it. Of course he’s a Demon. You don’t look like him and not have something sinister going on behind the façade."So the idiots over there told you, did they?" He tilts his head to the side.His smile is amused, but his dark eyes are cold. He isn’t here to entertain me, he’s here for a very specific reason and it may just be to murder me.When I d
~ToveThere's only one thing on my mind.I open the door to Mary's apartment, stepping inside. Arkyn sits on the couch while Dax helps Mary carry her bags from her bedroom."I've decided I no longer want to go," I voice confidently, trying to pretend like my voice isn't wavering.I could be making a mistake.But saving Mary is all that matters right now, and if that means selling my soul to a Demon, I'll do it.Arkyn turns to stare at me. "Why not?""I feel more comfortable here, in my own home." I motion at the door, toward my apartment.It's not safe from Keo, obviously. There is no way I'm going to tell the Noble's, though. They won't understand why I need to do this, why Mary is so important to me.And if all they are willing to do is lock me up rather than actual protect me, then how can I trust they will be willing to find a cure for Mary?"What? Come on Tove, we should go where we know we will be safe," Mary insists."I don't think it's necessary...I mean, I doubt he's coming f
~ToveEventually, Mary dozes off.She looks so peaceful, not a care in the world with her now dry jacket bundled under her head.She wanted to stay awake, but once we left the Territory, she succumbed to the satisfying click of the train on the tracks, the way it sways gently.When I am certain she will not be waking for a few hours, I stand.Bracing my hands on the top of each seat as I walk down the aisle, I keep my gaze pinned to the Demon splayed out in his own booth, not a care in the world.I slide into the faded red seat opposite him, resting my elbows on the table.Slowly, he slides his hood back, dark locks of hair tumbling out over his forehead. "You made the right decision."Did I? I don't have it in me to be scared anymore."Then why do I feel so torn?" I say it more so to myself than him, knowing he isn't going to comfort me.He taps his fingers on the surface of the wooden table. "Because you're frightened of me."I shift, his dark gaze burning into me, like an ice cold
~ToveWe made it to Territory Seven a couple days later, around midday.Keo didn't stick around after our conversation, and hasn't shown up since. So Mary and I have spent the two nights curled up on the seats feeling miserable about the entire experience.Once we arrived, we found a place to stay temporarily outside of the main village.It's perfectly remote, and we are unlikely to be tracked for a while.Mary stands at the kitchen bench, staring out the window. "We could have gone anywhere..."I look down at my coffee. Territory One is a cold, horrible tundra. It stretches endlessly, and there is one way in and one way out."They won't think we would come here," I tell her, trying to find a bright side through all of this, even if it's nearly impossible.Mary has gone considerably quieter over the past couple days. She is still reeling from this, and every other hour she asks me if we made a mistake, if we should have just lived our lives out with the Noble's.Because how terrible c
~ToveI stare at the Noble, a chill racing down my spine, and not just because of the bitter air the open door it letting in."Where is my friend?" I ask slowly.If he is taken her to manipulate me...my priorities will have to change."Right here. She is how I found you." He grabs to the left of him, tugging my friend over into view. Her gaze is trained down at her feet, the pained look on her face suggesting she has done this terrible thing."Mary..."She looks up suddenly, anger flaring in her eyes. "I'm sorry Tove, but I'm not going to let a Demon hurt you because of me.""So you told a Noble where I was?" I can hardly believe it. I'm not even sure how she managed to pull it off, but I suppose it makes sense why she was so eager to head toward the main village.Mary's expression breaks. I've hurt her, and now she's hurt me. But this doesn't feel even...Because she has knowingly signed her own death sentence."I had to. I wasn't going to let you make a deal with a Demon to save my
~ToveI pace back and forth, watching the sun slowly start to vanish behind the Territory One cityscape.I'm going to transport myself out of here. I have to. What is stopping me from going right now is Mary.Leaving her here is the last thing I want to do. She has made it clear, though, that she isn't okay with my idea, and at least her being here will mean she is safe, while I try find a cure through Keo.A soft knock on my door has me turning around defensively, scowling as Dax opens it."What do you want?" I snap."I've come to apologise. And talk to you one on one," he says softly.He has a kindness in his eyes when he talks to me that makes me want to trust him. But no amount of trust is going to change the truth.Him and all the Noble’s stand no chance hunting Keo down.And even if they did…Mary would die."You don't have my respect just because you're a Noble." I fold my arms over my chest, glaring at him. People fall at these Noble’s feet because they are handsome and powerfu
~ToveThe moment my feet touch the ground, I fall forward onto my knees.Keo merely strolls past me, brushing lint off his black jacket. I scowl up at him.“Murderer," I growl hatefully.He looks down at me with that sick, sadistic smile on his face that I want to wipe off. All of this is amusing to him, it's fun.“We knew that already.” He holds his out to me.Ignoring it, I stumble up onto my feet, looking around. We aren't in the hellscape I thought we would be, considering everything I've been told about this Demon.This is Territory Two. It's dark, but I can hear the sea roaring outside the large, open balcony doors. I can taste the salt in the soft breeze that ruffles my clothes and hair.And it's so wonderfully warm, despite the hour.“Fuck you," I hiss.“Calm down," he orders firmly, which only fuels my anger. How can he be so infuriating without every trying?“I just watched someone die!”It feels as though a rock has settled in the pit of my stomach. Watching that person los
~ToveI chew on my oatmeal, staring out the window.Sleep didn't come easily last night. My head is muddled this morning, but my anger has dispersed. Now, I want a cure for Mary more than ever, and if it means putting up with Keo, I'll do it.He strides into the dining room, falling into a seat at the far end.I stop chewing. Does he always have to look like that?"Eat as much as possible. We will be working on your magic today," he says, adjusting his gloves.I put my spoon down. Breakfast was already waiting for me when I came down this morning, even in Keo's absence. I've been looking around for staff, but I've found nothing.Keo and I are completely alone up here."Already?" I don't even feel my powers humming under my skin anymore."You think we should delay?" He raises a brow."No..."That means I'll be here longer than I need to be. This manor is so stunning, especially with the view of the expansive sea that stretches endlessly toward the horizon.But that isn't enough for me
~ToveI let out a contented sigh, resting my head against Keo's chest.I've never experienced such bliss. I'm in my mates room, in his bed and in his arms. Nothing can harm me while I'm in here."Why don't we just stay in bed and never get up," Keo muses, gently playing with my hair.A smile stretches across my face. "That sounds nice."Relm, my mother, the other Demon's are far away issues right now. They can be dealt with later. Keo's eyes shift over my naked body that is stretched out over his sheets. "I just want to lay here and stare at you all day.""That isn't very polite," I tease.He grins, flipping me over. He leans down, kissing me once, twice. My toes curl, enjoying the feeling of his hand smoothing down my body."We may have already passed polite," he murmurs against my skin, kissing down to my neck. Chills flutter across my skin. Everywhere he touches me, kisses me feels awakened. It's a feeling I want to chase forever.The only problem is, as selfish as I want to be to
~Tove "That..." I slap my hand over my eyes. "Did not go as planned."Keo paces back and forth, his footsteps echoing through the vast foyer. My stress has chased me all the way from Territory One with the Demon's to back in Territory Two."I will say I didn't expect twins, but I expected them to act that way," he admits, ruffling a hand through his hair."Really?"I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't that. Maybe I'm just surprised that I managed to get out of there without being slaughtered on the spot."They have been isolated from other Demon's for a great amount of time. They don't know who to trust," he reminds me.He starts off through the large sweeping archway, heading toward the glass balcony door.I chase after him. "We threw ourselves into the lion's den for them. How could they not trust us?""Ziah knew who I was. He wasn't entirely convinced about my plan." He presses the door open, a cool, sea scented breeze touching my skin as I follow him out onto the balcony.
~ToveI'm transported by the Demon into a separate part of the cave.She nudges me forward, ensuring I walk down the corridor that emerges into a surprisingly intimate sitting area.My eyes immediately fall upon my mate, who is sitting rigidly on a plush crimson seat, holding a glass of something dark in his hand.On the seat over from him is an unfamiliar man who I pin as the other Demon.He has the same air about him as Keo. He seems tall, with broad shoulders and long legs, and is utterly terrifying.He shifts his attention to us as we enter the room, the words he was once speaking to Keo falling short at his lips.His eyes are a brilliant silver, sweeping down over me. Something shifts in his expression.He knows I'm an Angel-blood.I'm not sure if I'm used to being around a powerful Demon, but I don't flinch away from the force of his presence. His sister's nearness is just as intimidating; especially since she is still staring at my neck.He stands, and to my surprise, he smiles
~ToveI yawn, trying not to drag my feet.This has been the longest day of my life. I've followed Keo around a large part of the Territory One city, asking people for information.Almost every one of them has no idea what we are talking about...This fabled Demon doesn't seem to exist."We have talked to everyone we can, we have been to every corner of this city...this is hopeless," I mutter, pausing at the end of the street.The sun is setting behind the rolling dunes of the expansive desert. We have made it to a district at the end of the city that is almost half consumed by sand. It's everywhere. It blankets roofs, it blows across the street and right into my eyes..."It just doesn't make sense," Keo mutters, sweeping his hand through his hair frustratingly. "Why would this Demon stop taking Angel-blood's from here?"I sigh, shaking my head."Because they aren't here anymore," I mutter.The wind flutters through Keo's hair as he stares out at the horizon. He's tense, uneasy. Ever s
~ToveI don't take Relm's hand, pushing up to my feet myself.I steady myself, trying not to panic. If I keep him talking, it may give me enough time to find another way out of this."Tell me who it is you trust to rule over the Demon's," I demand firmly.Relm has the ability to get rid of me in an instance and yet he is hesitating. He clearly doesn't want me dead, I just need him to see that keeping me alive is worth more than killing me in cold blood.Relm sighs, blinking his dual coloured eyes. "It would be a waste of my breath.""Why? Because you enjoy taking innocent lives?" I ask, trying not to shiver. My breath billows in front of me, reminding me that if Relm doesn't kill me, this terrible cold soon will."Quite the opposite," he mutters, conflict toying in his expression. "But this person...well, you will not find them."My jaw clenches tightly, but I don't wince. This is beyond frustrating."You're Relm. Can you not figure it out?" For someone who supposedly doesn't want to
~ToveKeo smooths a map down on the table in front of me."This realm has an interesting layout," he notes, running his hand along it.The map shows an island split into two. Keo is right, it does have a strange layout, with one side seeming to be mountainous, while the other is smooth and flat. It seems small compared to my home realm too."Okay." I'm nodding numbly, trying to drink everything in. I'm going to have to not only become familiar with this layout, but also become connected to it.It's been made clear to me that today is the day I'm transporting to the new realm. There is no other option, considering the pressure from Relm."There is no point aiming for anywhere in particular, since you've never seen, nor can you even imagine being there, so just shoot for the general area," Keo says, motioning around the perimeter of the islands."That sounds dangerous." What if I plunge myself into a massive volcano or something similar?Keo holds my gaze. "It is dangerous. But if anyon
~ToveI catch a glimpse of light spilling onto the water logged street from a few steps away, signalling refuge."Come in here. We need shelter from the rain."Grabbing Mary's arm, I pull her along, pushing through a glass door and into a bar. The bartender flinches at our sudden interest, nearly dropping the glass they are polishing.Looking down, I see my sleep clothes plastered to my body like a second skin. Feeling the gaze of the single patron slumped at the bar, I quickly peel the fabric off me as much as possible."I can't believe that happened..." Mary gasps out, sweeping back her dark wet hair with both hands before she falls into the booth.I join her on the other side, stunned. "Yeah, me either.""Did you get a look at who did it?" She asks, shuddering. Thankfully it's warm in here, considering how wet we now are.I close my eyes, trying to piece together as much as I can. Nothing about that person felt familiar, which gives me some kind of solace. What I regret most is not
~ToveKeo smooths my hair back, smiling down at me.“Promise you will come back and you'll feel better." It feels more like a cautious concern than an instruction."I promise. I think this is exactly what I need," I tell him, mustering a smile.Him and I decided that I need a break, just for a couple of days. He's going to take me somewhere and I'm going to try and relax, so when I come back, I'll feel more certain about him, and where we stand.Keo turns to my friend. "Take care of her, Mary."He picked her and brought her to Territory Two only moments ago. He understands how much Mary means to me, and that if I'm going to get my thoughts and feelings under control, I'm going to need her."Of course," she says, winding her fingers through mine. "We are going to have some fun. For once."Keo nods, looking solemn. "If anything happens, let me know. Okay?"After my attempt to escape, I can see he is wary about sending me off, but he is choosing to trust me. Still, it seems like it's goi
~ToveI rush up to the room, pressing my back against the closed door.This may be wrong, but I need to get out of here...just for a bit. I need to think this over, and more importantly, I need to determine whether I am safe to come back her.Keo may have changed, but it is my life I am gambling with. I need to be careful.I have no bag, so I make quick work of pulling clothes from the dresser, piling them into a sheet I lay out on the floor. Once it is full of all that I will need, I wrap it up and tie it until I'm satisfied it won't come apart as I make a break for it.From there, I'll get my bearings, Mary, and then I'll leave again before Keo can catch up to me.I just need to find a train station before dawn. Then, Keo will wake, and expect me to be down for breakfast.Just as I turn to choose an outfit that will be appropriate for running through the night, the door to the bedroom opens tentatively.I practically throw myself as far from the dresser as possible.Keo leans agains