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The Darkest Temptation 8
~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
The Darkest Temptation 9
~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
The Darkest Temptation 10
~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
The Darkest Temptation 11
~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
The Darkest Temptation 12
~ToveThree days ago, Keo told me flippantly over breakfast that he had business to attend elsewhere.He still isn't back.I spent the first two days reading the book he gave me. On the third day, I spent most of the day staring out at the sea, lounging in the sun and eating all the food left for me.Today, I'm officially bored. I want to explore.Every door I find that leads to the outside is unlocked, although distantly, there doesn't appear to be any civilisation, which means strolling around likely won't get me anywhere.So, I opt instead for wandering aimlessly around this expansive manor.Most rooms are empty. This is obviously just a temporary place for Keo to come to as he hops around the land.On the bottom level, I come across an ajar door which I peek through. My mouth drops at the sight of a small library.Nudging the door open with my shoulder, I step inside, breathing in the smell of ancient books.I just found where I'm going to spend the rest of my time while Keo is ab
The Darkest Temptation 13
~Tove"Put your book down, we are leaving."I look up, seeing Keo leaning up against the threshold of my bedroom."You would interrupt me at the good part," I growl, position my bookmark in the crease of the book before slamming it shut.He smiles wickedly. I thought today was going to be about starting to work with my magic, although he clearly has something else in mind."Up," he instructs.I swing my life over the edge of the bed. "Where are we going?""Home," I mutters, looking out the window as if he can see our destination in the distance. My eyes narrow, wondering if I should be concerned.""Territory One?" I don't think Keo has a permanent home, which means he must be eluding to mine.He threads a hand through his dark waves, jaw tightening. "My least favourite place.""Why are we going back?""There is someone there you need to meet. She's important." He gestures for me to follow him, so I do, all the way down to the main floor."How so?" I ask warily. The more people he intr
The Darkest Temptation 14
~ToveKeo doesn't transport us away like I suspect. In fact, we stand our ground.I look up at him, surprised as Dax reaches us. As far as I'm aware, the two haven't crossed paths in quite a few years, and yet here they are, Dax looking less than impressed while Keo has an amused smirk plastered across his face.“You and I both know this is pointless, Daxen," Keo muses.Dax looks at me, and then at the Demon. “Do the right thing Keo. Hand her to me.”I almost laugh. He would rather take me by force than let me go with Keo.“When have I ever done the right thing?” Keo asks, picking at his nails as if this entire conversation bores him.It hits me all at once that he did this on purpose. He allowed me to walk into the city knowing one of the Noble's would sense it. He's doing this to make a point, to get them to back off.“You’ve never kidnapped an innocent girl before," Dax exclaims apprehensively. I screw my nose up, hating that Dax isn't even trying to appeal to me.He knows by now t
The Darkest Temptation 15
~ToveA week eventually passes, and once Keo returns, he takes me away to another territory for training immediately.“Seven. Really?” I question, turning around in place.He did tell me to put on a thick coat and boots. It's the only real thing he's said to me since returning. And now, we are in the icy tundra that is Territory Seven.At this point I'm convinced Keo is trying to find the most creative way to kill me.“The cold may help you concentrate," he notes, shuffling through the snow as he looks over the bleak environment.I want to ask him about the other week. He acted so strangely, but by the distant look in his eyes, he isn't in the mood to explain himself.I've spent the entire week simmering in my own thoughts and theories about that night.“This is ridiculous," I mutter, feeling the bitter chill of the icy air sting my cheeks.“No one shall bother us here. No Noble’s, especially," Keo explains.I laugh breathily. There is no form of life for miles - just an endless expan
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The Darkest Temptation 46
~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
The Darkest Temptation 45
~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.
The Darkest Temptation 44
~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
The Darkest Temptation 43
~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
The Darkest Temptation 42
~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
The Darkest Temptation 41
~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
The Darkest Temptation 40
~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
The Darkest Temptation 39
~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
The Darkest Temptation 38
~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
