Unexpected Demon Encounters

Chapter 11

Once Akaza says that I've been declared the winner, I fall to my knees. "I'm worn out. That was a lot of fun. Thanks, Nakime." I look over at her and she just nods. I nod back. I feel like my heart is about to burst out of my chest from over exertion.

"Alright, Akaza. Massage my shoulders, please." I face away from him.

He chuckles. "A deal is a deal, mouse." He places his strong hands on my shoulders and he begins massaging them.

I can already feel my muscles loosening. My body feels light, turning into putty. I close my eyes and next thing I know, I'm falling asleep in Akaza's arms. My head nods downwards, my body leaning back of it's own accord. Letting my guard down, I sleep peacefully.

Akaza Pov

I look down at Lyla. She reminds me of my past a little bit. I shake my head and hold her against me as she sleeps. Lord Muzan may not be very happy about this development. But once he sees she can let her guard down around us, he will trust us around her more. Trust me more. My feelings can't go beyond seeing her as a little sister. My little Mouse.

Lyla Pov

Sometime later, I hear voices but can't differentiate who they are at first. I keep my eyes closed and focus on them talking. I'll pretend to sleep.

"Oh, she fell asleep after playing. I see." Muzan says, sounding pleased. "She seems to trust you, Akaza."

The next voice is Akaza. "She seems relaxed around me that she let her guard down and fell asleep." He says quietly. "I think she had a lot of fun."

"I'll take it from here now." Muzan whispers, and I'm being lifted into his arms. I slowly blink back the fake grogginess.

He smiles down at me. "Hi," I whisper, looking up at him. "You're finally back." He nods.

"Let's get you to bed, Lyla." Muzan says, carrying me into his room. I stretch out as I watch him take off his hat and jacket, then kick off his shoes.

I suddenly feel self conscious. I want to touch him. He's right there. Is he waiting until after the wedding? I feel impatient.

"Muzan?" My voice comes out quiet, almost a whisper.

He sits down. He turns so that he's lying facing me on the bed. He's giving me his full attention.

"Is something wrong? Is the bed uncomfortable?" He asks, his face showing how serious he is.

"The bed is fine." I bite my lip, looking down at his hands. "I want...?" I start to say but let the sentence end.

I reach out, taking his hand. I feel myself blushing already. I lean forward. I feel a sudden feeling of courage. I lean in until our lips are merely just an inch apart. This is it. I can do it.

I press my lips against his. He doesn't move at first. I lean back, gauging his reaction. He places his hand on my shoulder, moving so that he's leaning over me, looking down into my eyes.

He trails his finger lightly down my arm, moving so that his hand stops on my bare knee. He leans down, kissing me. His weight was carefully placed on top of me. He's trying to be careful.

His hand cups my cheek while his free hand slides up my hip, higher up my thigh. His fingers graze along my hip in a teasing manner.

He lowers his head. "I want to wait until after we're married. Is that okay?" He whispers, his breath tickling my ear.

"Yes." I tell him honestly. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Muzan." I smile as he lies back beside me, his arms wrap around me, holding me close.

I become sleepy quickly, worn out from today's events. Just before I fall asleep, I hear him whisper. "Sweet dreams, Lyla."

I have a pleasant dream of being with my brother again.

*

I wake up later on, finding myself alone in bed. Missing the warmth of Muzan's body. The bedroom door is cracked. I walk over quietly to see Muzan on the platform, and all the lower six demons are kneeling before him.

What could be going on? Have they done something wrong? Have they found something about my parents?

I stay hidden by the wall to listen.

"I told Enmu to find the person who killed Lyla's parents. Has anyone found anything?" He looks at every demon. His eyes narrow in anger. "Nothing at all?"

He pinches the bridge of his nose. He's losing his patience. His eyes travel over each demon slowly, patronizingly. "Try harder. Get out." Muzan announced and they disappeared.

I hear him whispering to Nakime. "Why is this so hard? Who could've killed Lyla's parents? Who would want to? They were good people."

I walk back over to the bed, sitting down. He's trying to help, but it seems to be stressing him out. I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling above me.

It's hard to fathom that a demon is stressing out on my behalf.

It could've been a demon slayer, but I don't believe their leader would've given that order. I've met Kagaya before. He had no reason to give an order to kill two humans. The Hashira protect humans against demons.

Did my parents have an enemy? Someone who hated them so much to kill them? Closing my eyes, I fall back to sleep.

There's no point in overthinking it. I'm sure someone will figure out the truth and I'll finally have my answers. I just have to sit back and be patient. If anyone can help me get answers, it'll be Muzan and all the demons that have to obey him.

I sleep peacefully until yelling wakes me. Sitting up too quickly gives me a headache. Now what's happening?

Getting up, I go over to the door. It's Doma. He's kneeling in front of Muzan. Muzan's veins are showing and his eyes are glowing. Is he going to attack Doma? What for?

"I told you, Doma. No one was to touch Lyla. Now I hear you've had her pinned down, as she fought against you. Your filthy hands have touched her." His voice deepens with his anger, uttering the next sentence with so much conviction and menace. Showing how angry he is. He's seething with fury. "I should kill you."