Hell's Throne (The Devil's Assistant Series - 5 ) - Unedited

Hell's Throne - Chapter 15

I drew in a deep breath and fought not to sigh aloud. Several days passed in overbearing monotony. It was a welcome relief after Danny's ordeal but it did nothing to stop the racing in my heart and the sick sensation that swirled in my gut. I enjoyed the quiet moments thoroughly. It just felt like the crazy moments were happening far too often these days. It meant that the absence of drama therefore offered little comfort. Instead, I spent the days following coiled in nervous anticipation, sure that the next crisis was going to appear at the next moment.

Apparently I was the only one who felt that way.

Lucius was determined to keep all troubles swept under the rug. Instead of allowing me to hide away, he had ordered we continue with all activities as normal. It meant a few demons were given time to dedicate to the research I would have preferred to be doing personally.

Instead, I was part of the welcoming committee. Demons of all shapes and sizes flocked into the palace for another audience with their ruler.

As I sat, straight backed in my crystal throne beside his, I knew my heart wasn't in it. Even as Lucius' spoke to his people from beside me, I fought to remain seated. How was he so calm? I looked into every face and saw a potential enemy. We were still no closer to finding out who had killed one of the guards and maimed dozens of well-trained demons. It also meant that a powerful enemy remained out there, just waiting to attack us.

I swallowed and forced my brittle smile into place as I watched a young man bow just a few feet away. He kept his arm clutched to his chest and while his entire body shook from within his torn clothing. I blinked. For a moment I almost thought I saw -.

Leaning forwards, I watched as blood dripped from the Demon's elbow, fell through the air in slow motion and then splattered onto the floor. I sucked in a sharp breath, my gaze flicking to the Demon as he struggled to pull himself upright.

"Are you alright?" I asked, earning a raised brow from Lucius. In response, I gestured back to the young man who now had a small pool of blood collecting at his feet.

Stiffly, the demon lifted his face and I could see the lines of strain forming around his mouth.

"Do you require a healer?" Lucius asked, leaning forwards within his seat.

Despite his words, his face was oddly blank as he looked at the young man. I never stopped being amazed by Lucius, I had no idea how he was so calm. Too calm. Clenching my hands around the arms of the throne, I fought to stay in my seat.

With a pained grunt, the demon shook his head. "No healer can help with this."

Silence filled the air as everyone waited for him to continue speaking. Even those, who had been waiting rather loudly for their turn with Lucius, had turned their attention to the man with anticipation. Instead of being emboldened by all of the attention, the young man looked as if he was ready to keel over.

Leaning across the space between us, I tapped Lucius's arm to get his attention. When he turned his head my way, I nodded at the demon. "I think it might be better if we do this without so many people here to watch. I get a feeling this is not something that should be heard by the public."

Lucius lifted his gaze, his eyes cold and assessing as he looked between the faltering demon and the gossip hungry crowd in the back. With a simple flick of his hand, the guards set into motion, guiding out those gathered at the back of the room.

Despite the new level of privacy, the young demon was no more at ease. If anything he was even more skittish.

"What is your name?" I asked softly, drawing the bald headed demon to turn his attention to me. His eyes were glazed with pain and he wobbled precariously on his feet. I wondered whether he could actually see me – he looked too far gone. I placed a reassuring smile on my face just in case.