Down below

Chapter 48. xxx

I mean, who doesn't like a nice massage turning into something else?

Vote if you do, comment if you don't...or whatever XD

Loki teleported back to Rue Royale the moment it was safe to do so. Thoughts were speeding through his head like racecars on a speedway. The Marquis definitely had closer ties to the Underworld than he assumed, perhaps even personal ones. Why else would Hades send his wife on a mission to kill Lestat other than to trigger her memories? Perhaps they were lovers? Based on how Hades and Lestat interacted, he could not imagine they were anything more than business partners, but the possibility of Persephone and Lestat made him sick to the stomach. Did Hades know about them? Did he approve or perhaps this whole thing was Persephone's punishment for her adultery? And if so, how can Lestat act so nonchalantly around them? He didn't show any particular attachment to any of them, yet he's a vampire with a completely different view on the world or emotions in general. Maybe he was just using them for his own gain, perhaps he had run into Hades during one of these orgies or maybe Persephone was just a little fun for him - like Loki is now. He let out an angry growl. "Who cares? Focus! How can you use this to your own advantage?" he told himself, reigning in his own chaotic thoughts, forcing them into the back of his mind with enormous effort, way too much effort that he didn't want to address, because if he did, he would be too caught up in analysing it and he didn't have the luxury to lose focus yet again. He was wrecking his brain over scenarios and after an hour when he heard David entering the house, his plan was more or less ready. He went to greet him.

'Loki! How was your evening?' David said.

'It was fine, thanks. Found a decent place to eat. Are you leaving?' Loki asked, looking at the suitcase he was carrying.

'Yes, I need to oversee some preparations back in Baltimore.'

'The annual meeting.'

'Oh, you know about that.' David said, looking a bit surprised that made him even more human.

'Yes.'

A moment of contemplative silence passed between them.

'I don't usually...' David started to speak, then fell silent. Loki looked at him with curiosity, because he wasn't the type of person who falters. 'I hope you won't be offended by what I'm about to say. Lestat is my friend and my maker and I care about him.'

Loki's brows drew together, but he was standing David's gaze, waiting for him to continue.

'Whatever it is that you two are up to, bear in mind that he...he doesn't allow himself to get attached. I have many theories as to why, but that's beside the point. What I'm trying to say is, don't forget that he is immortal.'

'David...' Loki cut in, but David carried on.

'He is very powerful and captivating and incalculably capricious. I have noticed a shift in him. He's glowing, but he can and will burn you. Don't ever let your guard down.'

'I'm not sure what you're trying to tell me.' Loki smiled at him.

'I think you're a good person, Loki.'

'Thank you for your concern, but I'm fully aware who he is.'

'And what he is.' David added. 'He is one of the most dangerous monsters you'll ever meet. I've seen him doing unspeakable things when his instincts took over and those instincts are that of a vampire's. His loyalties lie with himself and himself only.'

'I can't tell if you're trying to protect me from him or the other way around.' Loki tried to ease the tension.

'Both. I said enough. Take care, Loki, it's been a pleasure. Until next time.'