Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

A she’s hands moved mindlessly through her daily chores, wiping away the dust and grime from the onyx-tinted windows of the demon’s mansion. But her thoughts were far away, lost in a sea of memories and unexplained longing. In her mind, she saw him again—the demon prince with his sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut right through her soul. It was more than just a strange attraction to the man who was considered damned by society—there was something deeper, more primal pulling at her heartstrings and haunting her dreams.

Something she couldn’t quite grasp.

Ashe remembered the way his dark blue gaze had lingered on her during their short conversation. Remembered the way his claws and fingers held her. His touch had been unexpectedly gentle, a softness at odds with his powerful form.

Ashe’s heart raced at the memory of their first encounter, her cheeks flushing crimson despite herself. She knew now his name was not just truly Levi, but Leviathan, Prince of Envy. He’d swept into her life like a dark knight in shining armor, plucking her from the clutches of Belial, if only for moments because she turned his offer down.

He was a prince, not a knight, but one who ruled over demons. Ashe would return to her human realm if it took every ounce of strength she had. And you’ll do it without the help of those who capture you.

Lost in her reverie, she didn’t hear the footsteps echoing down the hall until it was too late.

“What do you think you’re doing, daydreaming on the job?” a nasally voice sneered.

Ashe’s head snapped up, meeting the spite-filled gaze that occupied her nightmares. A cruel smirk curled the demon’s upper lip as he continued, “You’re not special just because you caught the eye of the prince, human. You’re still a slave, nothing more. A contract – signed, sealed, and delivered. To me.”

Swallowing back the lump in her throat, Ashe pushed off the haunting memories. She glared at the demon, noticing the way his eyes lingered on her. Jealousy at his control flared in Ashe’s heart, but she quashed it ruthlessly. “Enough, Belial,” she said, matching the demons icy tone. “I’ve done my part as your pawn. These windows are nearly done.”

Ashe gritted her teeth as Belial’s claw sliced across her cheek, drawing fresh blood that she knew she would also be expected to clean if it hit the windows or floor. She refused to give the demon the satisfaction of her cries, though inside she shook with rage and pain.

The demon’s clawed fingers were frigid against her skin, his grip tightening and pulling her closer. His touch was rough and painful, digging into her arm and leaving deep marks. With a twisted sigh of pleasure, he moved her closer to get a better look at the damage he had inflicted. Ashe winced as she imagined the sharpness of his claws as he pressed them against her skin. And then suddenly, she felt a sharp pain as he slammed her head into the window, causing shards of glass to cut into her face and scatter around their feet. Each piece felt like a thousand needles piercing her skin as she struggled to remain standing.

“I’ll have to report this to Leviathan,” Belial sneered, “He’s clearly damaged you.”

Ashe couldn’t help but flinch at the mention of the prince. She knew Belial’s words were meant to taunt and scare her, but they only served as a reminder of what the prince had offered her.

“You’re nothing but a tool for his pleasure,” Belial continued, trailing her finger down Ashe’s neck mockingly. “But even he would tire of you, eventually. Not that he will have such a chance.”

Anger surged through Ashe at the words. She had no doubt Levi used her in some game against Belial, it was why she’d turned him down despite knowing he could save her.

She was going to save herself.

“Get back to work,” Belial commanded, shoving Ashe away roughly before turning and strutting off down the hall.

Ashe took a deep breath and focused on finishing the task at hand. She cleaned up the broken glass from where it had shattered on impact with her face, and carefully replaced it in the window frame, avoiding making any more noise than necessary. It would remain broken, but that would be Belial’s problem.

As she worked, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that lingered in her gut.

Slowly, Ashe got back to her feet, trying hard to ignore the pounding in her head and the warm trickle of blood that flowed down her cheek. With a single deep breath, she focused her attention on steadying her shaking hands as she wiped the blood from her face and fixed her hair.

She couldn’t help but fantasize about Leviathan in that moment. About the freedom he’d teased, but also the demon himself.

He was mesmerizing, a creature of dark allurement and wicked beauty, his every move marked by grace and power. Her heart fluttered at the memory of his touch, his voice that whispered sweet promises in her ear as they danced through the night. His eyes were like pools of indigo ink that seemed to swallow her whole, drawing her into a world where they were together against the tyranny of this twisted reality.

Her thoughts shifted, picturing him commanding her like this—gracefully guiding her steps and taking control of every movement while whispering promises in her ear that he’d never keep. But in her daydreams, he looked at her with adoration, not lust, and his handsome features would contort into a snarl when Belial dared to lay a finger on her, protecting her from harm even at the cost of war.

A chill ran down Ashe’s spine as she thought about the wings extending from his back, casting shadows across dusty floors and rickety walls. Wings that would shield them both from any harm. Ashe pushed herself away from such thoughts as if they were poisonous weeds growing within an otherwise serene garden, she hoped to one day tend to. It did no good dwelling on what could have been but instead needed to focus on a way out that would not send her into the clutches of another demon.

A loud clatter echoed through the dungeon-like chamber as another servant stumbled by with a tray of wine goblets, their silver clinking against each other filling the air momentarily before being drowned out by distant laughter. The scent of coal-fired bread filled the air mixed with musty straw and sweat, making Ashe’s stomach growl in protest as she continued clean, pushing aside any thoughts of the demon prince.

She finished fixing the window just as another slave passed by. She rubbed at the spot between her brows where a headache pulsed hotly, trying to clear her thoughts. She knew better than to indulge in such fantasies.

The loud gong sounded, giving them the one break a day where they could eat or sleep.

Ashe’s heart pounded as she raced through the halls, her mind yet again remembering from her conversation with Leviathan. She had turned down an opportunity to be with him, and now, she was bound to Belial, a sadistic demon who would make her life a living hell. “What have I done?” she whispered to herself, her steps echoing in the empty corridors.

Finally reaching her room, Ashe slammed the door, needing to vent her frustration. The doorframe shook with the force of her fury, objects rattling on the shelves and dust settling on the floor. Ashe’s fist connected with the wall, leaving a dent in its wake. “Damn it, Ashe, you idiot,” she growled.

A plan began to form in her mind, a desperate and dangerous one, but it was her only shot at freedom.

Ashe found Evelyn in her room, rolling up her sleeves to work on a tattered rug. The air reeked of mildew and stale sweat, but her only friend here didn’t seem bothered by the stench. Evelyn looked up.

“What’s got your face all twisted?”

Ashe sank down next to Evelyn, her heart racing. “I saw someone yesterday,” she whispered hoarsely. “Someone I don’t think I was meant to ever meet.”

Evelyn paused mid-stitch, brows raising in question. “No, you couldn’t have seen the prince?” She let out a low whistle. “I knew he was here yesterday, but I didn’t realize anyone but our lord and master saw him.”

Ashe nodded curtly, the memory of Levi’s presence still burning in her mind. “It wasn’t the longest meeting, and I got the impression he did it to piss Belial off more than anything else.”

“They’re not the best of friends, but Belial supplies the kingdom with a nearly unlimited supply of envy. In return, Belial believes he should be more than a lord.” Evelyn shrugged and set down the sewing needles. “The prince is more than a little handsome, but I can’t see why you’re thinking about him a day later.”

“He asked me,” Ashe breathed out softly, “to be his.”

Evelyn’s mouth dropped open. “He did not. The Demon Prince does not ask for anything. He takes. He makes others envious. He doesn’t ask.”

Ashe tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have no need to make this up.”

“Unless your aim is to make me envy you and your encounter.” Evelyn snickered. “You wouldn’t even know you were doing it. It’s what happens when you become part of the realm.”

Ashe frowned but didn’t say anything. Was it possible she insisted because it would gain her something? No, it happened that way.

“I told him no.”

“You fucking idiot,” Evelyn snapped, shaking her head in disbelief. “You had one shot at returning home, and you blew it.”

“I don’t want to owe anyone anything,” Ashe whispered sadly, rubbing at her temples as if it could ease the ache within them. Her cheek burned from the open wound. “If my stepmother sold me for a bargain, I don’t want to know what the price for accepting help might be.

Evelyn sighed heavily before continuing her work on the rug. “Be careful what you wish for,” she warned darkly. “There are worse things than slavery. You could escape from here and find yourself in another realm with far worse masters.”

A shiver went down her spine, but Ashe had no intentions of getting caught should she escape.

“You know,” Evelyn continued, her eyes staying on her work. “If you did get out, you could use the demon prince as a safety net. Tit for tat and all that. I’m certain there’s something he envies in you if he took you aside.”

“I have no intentions of getting caught.” Ashe repeated.

Shrugging, Evelyn resumed her silent work, heavily implying Ashe could and should leave her be.

Sighing, Ashe left the room to find what task Belial insisted she do next. One day, someone will slip and I’ll find a way to escape. Until then, I keep my ear to the wall.