Yes! It had worked. I was a freakin’ magic prodigy. What demon learned the mystical arts in a few days? That strange feeling in the pit of my stomach confirmed I was still missing a large chunk of my past, and my cousin was keeping it from me.
Without wasting another minute, I dashed down the passageway to the jail cells to find my new best friend, Sark. I had a deal to offer him. Once I got the demon out of my cousin’s clutches, I needed him to take me to Darkblood Prison.
Like before, a narkin guard sat in front of the entrance to the dungeon, but this time I lucked out. Not only was the guy dozing away, but the door was ajar. With my new invisibility, getting in would be a snap. I tiptoed past the drowsy soldier and snuck into the prison chamber. The dark lord really needed to upgrade his security team.
I pulled out another scrap of paper and scribbled a quick note as I crept toward Sark’s cell. I ducked in front of it and slid the note between the iron bars. The tall, lanky demon noticed it first and ticked his head at his friend.
Sark grabbed it before any of the other demons could get their hands on it. He scanned the slip of paper and scowled. After a brief pause, in which my heart hammered out an erratic staccato, he nodded. “Deal,” he mouthed.
A huge smile split my lips, and a sliver of joy ignited in the emptiness of my core. Now I just had to figure out how to break out of here.
Either it was the best plan ever or the most stupid and dangerous one. Either way, I had to try. Drayax had been begging my cousin for a night alone with me, which I of course had adamantly refused. Until now.
Luckily, Thax’s paranoia was going to play right into my plan. My cousin had agreed on a private meeting, but the stipulation was that it be held in his underground castle. Drayax had countered with an empty castle—no Thax, no guards, not even servants. Perfect for me, but I was shocked he’d agreed. Either my cousin didn’t value my life that much, or he thought I could take on the dark lord if necessary. I hoped it was the latter.
As Lumi primped and prettied me, I went over the plan in my head. Soul-sucking the warlord was too risky a move. If he saw me coming, he’d put up a fight and I didn’t want to deal with that. I’d have to take a more subtle approach.
My latest research had found me in the magical potions section of the library. Fortunately, Thax’s kitchen was fully stocked with eye of newt, toe of frog, etcetera, etcetera. I patted the tiny vial hidden within the folds of my lacey dress as Lumi curled the last tendril of my dark hair.
“I’m so excited for you, my lady. All the female staff is aflutter with the arrival of Drayax. I’m only sorry I can’t stay to see him in person.” She sighed dramatically.
Oh, brother.
She tugged open the vanity drawer and pulled out a velvet pouch. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she handed me the small sack. “Take this. Only one pill and you can pleasure the dark lord all night long without worry of consequences.”
Oh, puke. I wasn’t letting the dark lord anywhere near my lady. But I plastered on a smile and thanked her. I had to start working on my acting skills before he arrived anyway.
Two sharp knocks at the door pulled me from my musings. “Come in,” Lumi singsonged.
Thax strode in, a frown playing on his thin lips. “I hope you will be civil to Drayax this evening. I’d like to finalize this arrangement before I’m ejected from my own castle again.”
I shrugged. “No promises, cuz.”
Lumi tittered nervously. “Of course, she will, my lord. Lady Azara is thrilled to welcome the fine lord into your abode. She’s assured me she will do her best to ensure he finds her pleasing.”
I rolled my eyes. Poor Lumi. She tried so hard.
“I should hope so, Azara. Trust me when I say this is what you’ve always wanted.”
I found that hard to believe. Unless he was talking about eating the soul of a dark lord. My she-demon chuckled as I slapped my hands on my hips. “Don’t worry, cuz, I’m sure the night will go off without a hitch.” And come tomorrow I’d be realms away from this godforsaken underground prison.
Thax yanked his pocket watch from the chain and stared at the gaudy gold trinket. “It’s time. Come along, Lumi. We must vacate the premises.” He shoved the servant toward the door and craned his neck back. “Remember how important this is, Azara.”
I gritted my teeth and flashed him a smile. Damned right it was. “Of course. I look forward to pleasing the dark lord’s every desire.” Bleh.
“You know, I’ve heard Drayax has a penchant for whips—”
I lifted my hand cutting off my cousin as nausea crawled up my esophagus. “I’ll handle it. Now get out of here already.”
As soon as the door slammed, I released the breath I’d been holding. Part one of the plan was complete, now I only hoped Drayax would cooperate. I hurried out of my chambers to make a quick stop at the dining room before the warlord arrived. Lumi assured me the servants had prepared a sumptuous meal for our honored guest. If I could slip the potion in his drink now, it would save me the trouble later.
I reached the final step into the sweeping foyer and called out, “Anyone in here? Hello?” I waited at the threshold of the dining room, the massive banquet table filled with platters. My stomach growled as the savory aroma filled the air. “Hello?” Nothing.
They really all left. I crept to the head of the table and yanked up my full skirt, digging around for the hidden vial. Gotcha! I uncorked the magical sleeping concoction and tipped the glass vessel into the gilded goblet. Now I just had to be sure I sat at the opposite end of the table.
Loud banging at the door swept my attention to the entrance. Here goes nothing. I swung the door open, and a towering wall of man loomed in the threshold. I glanced up for a second, and silver irises danced across my vision. I blinked, and they were gone. In their place remained soulless black ones, ringed by dark, shaggy hair.
“Lady Azara, finally.” Drayax grinned and stepped forward, extending a meaty paw. Wearing a black leather jerkin with matching pants and a sword hung low at his hip, he was in his best warlord attire. Behind him, I could make out the slim figure of Thax’s warlock friend, Jasper. He must’ve provided the dark lord’s transportation down here. From behind massive shoulders, the warlock waggled his fingers at me and disappeared.
I finally accepted Drayax’s outstretched palm, and the warlord surprised me by dipping into a bow. He pressed his lips to the back of my hand and before I could pull it away, his tongue snaked out. Wet, rough sandpaper dragged across my skin. Making out with this guy would be like torture. I suppressed the gagging noise threatening to sneak out and forced a smile. I had to play nice until we sat down at the table. Then it was nappy time.
I motioned toward the candle-lit dining room and again the scent of roasted meat and vegetables filled my nostrils. This time the smile that crept across my face was real. “Right this way—”
Drayax tightened his hold on my hand and spun me away from the delectable aroma. “I’d prefer a conversation in front of the fireplace before the meal. Perhaps a drink to whet the appetite.” He licked his lips, and a mischievous gleam sparkled in his fathomless eyes.
Crap. I’d been too hasty to pre-fill his goblet with the sleeping potion. “Okay,” I muttered as he tugged me toward the damp, sprawling sitting room. I stared up at the shadowed rafters, half expecting a surveillance camera tucked away in a corner. For an underground castle, the place had ridiculously high ceilings.