Forty-nine

I awoke with a splitting headache. Holding my head, I looked around, trying to figure out where I was.

First off, why was I in a bed, and why had I been sleeping? I know I didn't need to sleep, and I hated how soft this bed was. I wouldn't have gotten in here willingly. What the hell was going on?

I slowly forced myself out of bed with a grunt and took in my surroundings.

I couldn't care less about the fancy furniture and clothes. However, what did catch my eyes was a very tattered and burnt cloak resting on the floor. I stared at it, waiting for something to jog my memory, then it all came back to me in a flash.

The siege on the castle, my battle with the mage, surrendering to whatever power was living in my body to save Selene.

Selene!

Where was she?! I clearly remembered saving her, but I guess I passed out before seeing things to the end. Was she okay? Or was I not strong enough, and she was captured after I lost consciousness. Either way, I needed to find her, now.

Staggering towards the door, I felt my strength returning with every step. I was about to throw the door open when I heard the faint flapping of wings. Walking to the window, I could only smile as a determined Selene flew towards me at blinding speed.

Stepping away from the window, Selene landed gracefully in front of me. The two of us stared at each other with smiles on our faces, unsure of what to say.

My thoughts floated back to Rebeccas final moments. I hadn't been able to look her in the eyes before she died. When Selene had opened up to me about her past, she had started to cry, and I had just sat next to her silently. Selene was important to me, and she needed to know that.

Stepping forward, I pulled her in for a tight hug and said softly, "I am so happy to see that you are safe."

Selene seemed shocked by the idea that I was showing emotion, but her own quickly took over. With watery eyes, she buried her face in my chest and said, "Why are you so nice to me? You almost died to protect me. I wasn't strong enough. You should be furious at me."

Squeezing her tighter, I replied, "I couldn't care less. You are important to me. I promise I am going to get stronger, and you will never get hurt again. I don't know what power I have inside of me, but I will master it."

Still pressed against my chest, she whispered, "Thank you."

I don't know how long I held onto Selene, but I didn't mind. She was safe, and that was all that mattered. Eventually, Selene removed herself from my grasp and had a slightly guilty look on her face.

Seeing this, I asked, "I take it you got up to a few things while I was sleeping?"

Selene paused, carefully trying to word her answer.

Laughing, I said, "Stop scheming. Just tell me what you want and what you need me to do."

Selene took a deep breath, then blurted out, "I want to eat more ducks, then I need you to transfer the other demon to Beyla!"

Hearing this, I was left speechless. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't that. I was about to ask twenty questions when I stopped myself. Selene was safe, and she actually told me what she wanted. I honestly couldn't care less about the details.

Shrugging, I replied, "Sure. I will follow your lead."

"Wait, that's it? You don't have any questions?"

"Nope. I appreciate you telling me your plan. Where do we start?"

Selene was clearly thrown off by my easy compliance, but quickly recovered. "Let's find Beyla first. Then we can see where things go from there."

"Sounds like a plan. Should I ask who this Beyla is?"

"Oh, I forgot to say. She is the Princess here who the Prince wanted to marry. She also has magical healing powers, and she kept you alive. If it weren't for her, you would be dead."

Hearing this, I slowly nodded my head. Not only did this Beyla save my life, but Selene seemed to like her. I would like to meet this woman.

Giving Selene a smile, I said, "Well, let's get going."

Selene happily began to walk towards the door. As she did, I couldn't help but admire her. I'm sure she hated it, but the dress she was wearing really did make her look beautiful.

"I appreciate your compliment, but I would like to go find food. Though if you really like it, I guess I could wear something like this again."

Walking to the door, I went to open it and muttered out, "I'm not even safe in my own damn mind."

I was about to open the door, when I paused and turned back to Selene.

With a smirk, she asked, "What? Didn't get a good enough look the first time?"

Completely ignoring her, I reached out and gently ran a finger across one of her feathers."

Slapping my hand away, a red-faced Selene yelled, "Don't just do that without saying anything! That's weird!"

"The color changed. Your feathers have always been pure white, but they have a slight grey tint to them. Is that normal?"

Staring at her own wings, Selene seemed lost in thought. Talking more to herself, she said, "I honestly have no idea if this is normal or not. The color of one's wings represents their power. The thing is, though, it coincides with your ranking. Demon Lord, noble, someone normal like me, as we have talked about before. Your wing color reflects that. Normally, if it is a change, it is quick. Nothing slight like this."

"Well, didn't you say I was some sort of crazy powerful demon? Could it have to do with the two of us being linked? Or maybe you are just like a lowly human, and you are slowly getting stronger?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the scowl that last statement earned me.

Smiling, I said, "Come on. I think it's time to get moving. Either way, you are getting stronger, and that's a good thing. Don't think I am going to sit by and let you catch me, though. Anyway, it's time to celebrate. Let's go find this Beyla and get you some food."

Throwing the door open, I was surprised to see a woman on the other side who looked like she had been about to knock on the door. She was staring back at me with fear in her eyes. I had no idea who she was, but she clearly knew what I was capable of. She was an attractive woman, but still couldn't compare to Selene.

I ignored the snicker that came from behind me and continued to look her over.

While she clearly had a look to her that said she couldn't fight, her eyes told a different story. This woman could be mean when she had to be. I liked her.

"Beyla? What are you doing here? I figured you would still be doing something with the Prince?"

Looking over my shoulder, Selene walked forward and stood next to me. Glancing at the two of us, Beyla replied, "Well, I wanted to see how he was doing, and I wanted to thank you for saving my life."

So not only had Selene accepted this woman, but she saved her life? Why did she feel so indebted to her? These were all excellent questions, but the main answer was, I didn't care.

Turning to Beyla, I said, "I heard that you saved my life, and I thank you for that. Now, I do have some questions I would like to ask you and your father."

Nodding her head, Beyla replied, "I can set that up. My father is going to be hosting a feast for the soldiers soon, but I'm sure he can spare some time."

Hearing this, an idea hit me that I think would work out for everyone.

"No need to pull him away; the two of us will join your feast. I have to warn you, though, my partner here has quite an appetite."

Still looking at Beyla, I could feel Selene radiating excitement at the word feast.

Beyla looked confused but replied, "I'm sure that would be fine, but are you sure you won't mind? It will be very loud and rowdy."

I knew that the last comment was directed more towards Selene and let her answer.

With a big smile on her face, Selene thrust her arm into the air victoriously and yelled, "To the feast!"

Laughing, I said, "There is your answer. Let's get going."