Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 22

Dominic's face contorts slightly and I know the name, 'Zull' has struck a nerve. He slowly lifts his hood and walks over to the alter before blowing out a single white candle and closing his eyes. I know it's killing him to break his vigil. He's proven to me more than once that he is a man of true honor and the sacrifice his men took for me and for him will never be forgotten.

He whispers something in Latin but I can only make out a few words before he opens his arms, chanting what sounds like a prayer. I remain silent, watching him in awe as he reaches for another candle and repeats the whole thing again three more times. Finally, he kneels down and bows his head, the silence in the room comforts me as he takes his time, praying quietly.

Slowly, he gets back to his feet and turns around, pulling off his hood as he begins to walk toward me. The expression on his face is void of emotion and I'm not sure if he's upset that I interrupted his grieving period, or if he's just putting up with me. It doesn't matter because he reaches for my hand and escorts me through the chapel doors and into the torchlit hallway.

He instantly glances left and then to his right, like he's making sure no one's around before asking, "What makes you think Zull is back?" his voice so low I have to watch his mouth to hear every word.

Just the touch of his warm, massive hand almost does me in and I have to concentrate to remember what he just asked, "It's--it's Zack," I shake my head, "I mean, the woman he's been dating for the past three months," I whisper.

Dominic looks at me like I've somehow grown two more eyeballs, "What are you talking about?"

"Emily Mansfield," I blurt out and glance around, hoping no one heard me, "She's the new doctor, I mean, psychiatrist, he accepted into the Realm."

Dominic cocks his head, "this is news to me," his brows push together, "what does she have to do with Zull?"

I have to take a deep breath to keep myself from leaping into his arms. He's only been gone for two days but it feels like years since I've heard his voice or looked into his beautiful brown eyes. He must have noticed or maybe, felt my emotions, because he guides me over to a bench along the wall just a few steps away.

He takes a seat beside me and squeezes my hand, "Okay," he looks down the hallway again like he's making sure we're completely alone, "tell me more about this doctor."