A Demon's Kiss ✔️

SIX

Word Count: 1712

~Aspen

Both Oliver and I are left speechless.

I try not to look at him, to reveal anything. If Kastriv knows I am a Demon, who knows what he could do...He claims to believe others like me are not dangerous, but that does not mean he can be trusted.

Oliver let's out a choked laugh. "Aspen is not a Demon."

"The spirits information may not always be reliable, however, this I am certain about," Kastriv says lowly.

If Kastriv is so confident in his assessment, what is he going to do? He clearly offered me that job knowing what I am, but is that his sole motivation?

"And why would I marry something I hate so much?" Oliver questions.

His arrogance is slipping away, although he retains that irritating smile, trying to disarm Kastriv, to make the Noble believe him.

Kastriv's eyes narrow. "Because enslaving one is more satisfying then killing them."

I can sense Oliver's panic as his fingers curl up against his palms. He can't physically intimidate Kastriv, so mentally, he is shifting through options, through lies to blatantly spew in hopes he can scramble back control.

"I can prove to you she is not a Demon," Oliver says suddenly.

Kastriv appears more doubtful than me. "How so?"

Oliver grabs my arm in a tight grip, holding it out. "Demon's bleed black, but Aspen bleeds red, like a true Territory One member."

I frown, not understanding what he's saying, until he reaches into his pocket and reveals a small pocket knife, which he doesn't hesitate in slicing down my arm.

"Ah!" I yelp, pushing away from him as pain lances through me, the stinging sensation followed by a powerful burn, bright scarlet blood immediately flowing from the wound.

Oliver looks triumphant. "See? Pure red blood."

"You cut her?" Kastriv tenses, looking so stunned with shocked, watching the blood dribble down my wrists, my fingers and to the floor, where a small puddle is gathering.

My quivering knees give out from under me, as I try to supress the waves of naseua that roll over me.

"I have proven she is not a Demon," Oliver announces.

Kastriv kneels down to my level. "You have proven nothing. That is an old tale that has been disproven numerous times. In fact, it was created by Demon's themselves as an act of self-preservation, although I figure you know that already."

I didn't even know that. It makes sense though, that Oliver would hide such a trick from me, so I couldn't use it against him at any time.

Oliver's eyes widen. "I...No-"

Kastriv seems unbothered by Oliver's excuses, focusing on me and how I'm bleeding out all over the floor. "She needs to be taken to a nurse."

"I can tend to her." Oliver kneels down also, grabbing my good arm. I don't have the energy to pull away.

Kastriv stands suddenly, taking Oliver with him. I watch with widened eyes as the Noble grabs him by the front of his shirt, shaking him a little.

"If she dies, or suffers anymore pain, I will kill you in the most vicious way possible. Do you understand?" Kastriv growls.

For the first time in my entire life, I'm seeing Oliver scared.

"I will take her to the nurse," he insists, failing to hide the panicked edge to his voice.