Deidre's Death

I won my battles. In the context, Gabriel almost thought Darkyn was admitting to taking a mate. But it wasn't likely, given the demon lord's renowned temper and thirst for blood. He was rumored to go through five to ten blood monkeys a day and was said to have single-handedly wiped out whole villages. Gabriel pitied even the foulest of demonesses, if Darkyn took her for his mate.

"Why did you choose this location?" Darkyn asked.

"It's where we met last time," Gabriel said with an unconcerned shrug. "It means something to you, though, doesn't it?"

"Not as such. A curiosity only. Right over there is where I sucked Harmony near-dry." Darkyn motioned to the wall across the kitchen.

Gabriel glanced the way indicated, noticing the blood on the wall. He didn't pity her, even after their relationship. She'd chosen a side deal with Darkyn and betrayed him.

Like Deidre, only Deidre came back from her deal with Darkyn. Standing before the Dark One, he grew more unsettled.

"Your women have a habit of seeking me out," Darkyn observed.

"Yeah, they seem to," Gabriel agreed, unwilling to let the Dark One see he was thinking the same thing. "At least you freed the one that matters." Inside, he was burning with anger at the reminder.

"I am pleased you feel that way."

Gabriel eyed him. He'd dealt with Darkyn a few times since the demon lord was released from his exile in the pits of Hell. The demon lord was brash, aggressive - and almost always honest, until it came time to deal. Right now, the Dark One was amused but also satisfied, like he just won a deal Gabriel didn't know they made.

"Why?" Gabriel asked suspiciously.

"I went to great lengths to assist your mate. I am pleased that she turned out the way you wished."

"What were the terms?"

"A private deal is a private deal. You are not the only one who knows how to be discreet."

Gabriel was ready to challenge the Dark One when Landon and the demon reappeared. Landon's grim expression was enough to tell Gabriel the route to the underworld was there.

"If you have any desire to address the rebellion in the underworld, you know how to summon me," Darkyn said with a cunning smile. "But before you go, I want to show you something. It's for your eyes only."

Gabriel tossed his head towards the portal. Landon and the demon both went.

Darkyn was entirely too satisfied with himself for Gabriel's comfort. He shifted, waiting.

"Gabriel."

For a moment he was certain the familiar voice of a woman was a memory, perhaps brought on by standing in Deidre's apartment. Only when he sensed the approach of someone behind him did he realized it was real.