Yes, I know this one took a
really
long time to post. I apologize. Please understand that life has an evil sense of humor. It's called Murphy's Law and it crashed into me hard this month. I'll try and type the next ones faster.
* * *
The door at the top of the dungeon's staircase clicked open, followed by rushed footsteps resounding off the stones. Sucking in a quick breath, Kara flattened herself against the shadowed wall and waited. Lucifer did the same, his chains clinking quietly when he moved. The waited silently, listening to the footsteps as they drew closer.
Her heart pounded, thundering in her ears. For all she knew, those footsteps could be Emiline coming to kill her since she and the three surviving princes had captured the whore's sons. Ladrian had said Emiline would kill her if anyone suspected her of going against the wretch's plans. Why not do it now and remove any future problems?
In the gloomy shadows of Ladrian's dungeon, Kara and Lucifer exchanged glances, both waiting for any sign of their mutual enemy. Slowly, she allowed tiny cracks in her control to appear, letting her demon blood flow out bit by bit. She released just enough to turn her irises red and elongate her nails, enough to give her a good burst of strength if they came under attack.
The footsteps drew closer, growing louder with every passing second. She took a deep breath, centering herself and preparing for an assault. If she had to kill to get out, she damn well would.
"Kara?" Lyzander's deep voice broke through the dark silence.
Simultaneously, she and Lucifer let out heavy sighs of relief. Lyzander, thank God. She stepped out from the safety of the shadows and smiled at the incubus prince. He smiled back, his pale blue eyes shining in the soft light of the sconces. He held up his hand, letting Ladrian's ring of keys jingle softly on his finger.
"You found them?" She smiled, happy that they could start cleaning up this mess.
He nodded. "They managed to find the twins. They're a little roughed up, but otherwise fine."
"Excellent." Well, at least someone else was safe.
She grinned at him. He grinned back, stepping forward to sweep her up in his arms long enough to claim a scorching kiss. She didn't mind the heat or intensity of his kiss; she relished his power and forcefulness. It was when his tongue began to slip past her lips that she pushed him gently away. They had more important things to focus on.
She patted him on the shoulder. "You unchain the big man there. I'll see if I can coax one of the terrible twosome out of sleepyland."
Lyzander's face showed his disappointment for an instant, then he nodded and made his way to Lucifer. While Lyzander rummaged through the ring of keys to unlock the first chain, she turned her attention to the still sleeping brothers. She walked quietly towards them, carefully not to startle them awake by upsetting any of Ladrian's toys. God, the man had chains and weapons
everywhere.
It was amazing that none of them had tripped and broken something yet.
She bent down on one knee, staring at the older of the two brothers. Malnos, though slightly bruised and battered, came out faring far better than his younger brother. Ziron had the shit kicked out of him by Lyzander; the bruises and cuts on his face and body alerted her to at least two broken bones and a whole lot of aspirin.
She returned her focus to Malnos. Now that he was asleep and completely harmless, she could finally take a good look at him. Truth be told, he was an incredibly striking young man. The angles of his face were sharp enough to cut glass. His blue-streaked black hair hung just past his ears, shielding his emerald eyes from the world. The red scrip flowing across his chest gave the impression of scarlet wave rolling over his flesh. If he wasn't chasing her and trying to conquer the underworld, she'd give him an honest shot. He at least
looked
the part of a gentleman. Maybe there was hope for him.
But he was trying to take over Hell and kill the others. So she had to force down her curiosity about him and remind her self that he was, for the moment, an enemy.
Reaching out one hand, she gently slapped his cheek. She was concerned for a moment that his cheekbone might slice her skin. She tapped harder, pulling back her hand when he stirred. His eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. Those emerald orbs focused instantly when he saw her face, his features hardening.
"Congratulations, you caught us. What now? Execution?" His voice was sharp, almost menacing.
So much for hoping he would be a gentleman.
She shook her head. "No. Not yet, at least."
He lifted his chin an inch, defiant. His emerald eyes bored into hers, almost on fire with their intensity.
Shit. Now he's starting to act like me.
"I'm not going to have you killed yet." Se said the words louder, making sure he heard them.
He pulled back an inch, regarding her carefully. The man wasn't stupid. He knew when a threat or trick might be coming, and he knew how to guard himself for the situation. She gave him credit for that.
"I've been considering letting Ladrian having a little fun with you first." She gave a sharp smile, hoping to scare him.
Instead, he smiled back. "Really? And would you be joining us?"
Her smile dropped. His question took her by surprise. Joining them? What the hell did that mean?
She cocked her head. "Joining you how?"
He shrugged, still smiling. "Doesn't matter. You could stay and watch us be punished or you could take part. I'd love to see you chained naked to a wall."
Too late, asshole. Been there, done that.
She made a sound of disgusted exasperation and dropped her head. What did she expect? He was a horny demon prince. It's not like he'd act with any common sense when dealing with her. He was probably imagining her in bed with him as he sat there. How wonderful.
"So, what do I need to do to have you release me?"
She lifted her head to look at him. Malnos was giving her an incredible impression of an innocent puppy begging for table scarps. His eyes were wide and shining, begging her to let him go.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "Why should I? You've chased me, assaulted me and attacked the other princes. You hardly seem like someone I could trust out of chains."
Smiling, he shook his head. "Oh,
ma cherie.
