Breathe. Focus. Live.
She wasn't going to make it long here if she lost control.
The demons they passed bowed to Darkyn, their eyes riveted to her once the scary creature strode by. They all looked hungry.
She quickened her pace, not wanting to end up the dinner of some demon before she had a chance to try to plan an escape. Assuming she hadn't missed more fine print in her deal with Darkyn, she wanted to survive the removal of the tumor.
Darkyn paused in front of a door guarded by two demons. One opened it for him, and she trailed him into a large bedchamber complete with a hearth burning black flames.
"The mate of a deity will be provided what hospitality we offer," Darkyn said.
"I take it that doesn't extend to blood monkey status."
She backed away as he approached, feeling the threat without needing to see it on his face.
"It extends as far it pleases me to extend it." His sharp tone made her jump. He reached for her neck again.
Deidre sucked in a breath and held it, squeezing her eyes closed. Instead of grabbing her, he slid something cool around her neck.
"To mark you as my blood monkey," he said. "You have five minutes to change."
She didn't open her eyes or release her breath until she heard the door close behind him. Deidre choked back a sob.
"I am so sorry, Gabriel," she whispered.
She had to stay focused. Swiping at tears, she registered Darkyn's words as her eyes identified the dark clothing laid out on the bed. Deidre lifted the dress with trembling hands. It was muted black, made out of material smoother than silk that draped over her arm like a second skin.
"I can do this," she told herself. "I kinda don't have a choice, since I fucked up."
She changed out of her familiar clothing into the dress that matched the black world around her. The simple cut reminded her of something she'd seen in movies about ancient Rome: loose-fitted and airy, it was secured by a thin cord around her neck. The material hugged the natural curves of her body, pooling at the top of her feet. It was light enough that she felt naked, especially with the cut that left her back, arms and shoulders completely exposed.
Her fingertips touched the metal choker he slid around her neck. It was solid and slender with no release mechanism or clasp. There was scarring on her neck from where he'd bitten her. Deidre dropped her hand quickly from the knotted skin, alarm pulsing through her.