Dancing With the Devil

Chapter 16

I have no idea how long I've been running, where I'm going, or how much longer he's going to let me think I've escaped. The only thing I know for sure is that I have to find my way out this time. Letting my demon guide my feet, I concentrate most of my strength into my legs, keeping the rest to hold Redgrave in my right hand. I won't stand another day of Vergil's obstinate obsession for power. Mostly because I fear he'll kill me even if I happily finish that... thing he dares call a sword. In all honesty, it feels more like I'm being forced to create a living being.

Redgrave suddenly comes alive with with two separate sensations in my hand. An intense cold pierced by a slight warmth. I don't dare break stride, theorizing the cold means Vergil is most definitely in pursuit. But that warmth... it's the same one I felt when Nero first walked into my shop. My concentration falters when an overwhelming wave of electric heat passes through my body. It's no more noticeable than the now bone-chilling realization that my pursuer is also acutely aware of the new uninvited guests. Like a haunting whisper on the wind, I hear Vergil's cold, irate voice growl his younger sibling's name in sheer disgust.

Doing my best to block out my own blind panic, I follow the beacon Redgrave provides to what I can only assume is Dante. Many twists and turns later, I skid to a halt at a dead end hallway. Beyond it, I know with absolute certainty, is the man whose embrace I thought I'd never feel again. As karma would have it, that option is once again brought to the metaphorical table as Vergil grabs hold of my throat, tossing me at the wall ahead with little effort. No sooner than a scream of agony rips from my throat does the wall burst open in a flash of blood red fire-. Then I ever so slowly wake up, cradled in warmth, my head propped against a firm chest, a soothing, familiar heartbeat drumming in my ear.

"So you mean to tell me that neither of you can wield the power in that blade?"

The chest of the person holding me rumbles in unison with each spoken word. Dante.

A female voice speaks next. I strain to listen. "Yes. Though it seems to react when it's close to Rose." Lady? No. Maybe Trish. I can't be sure wihout seeing what's going on.

My entire body freezes for a few moments when another male voice speaks. "You three seriously can't piece it together? She's the one who made it. Wouldn't it make sense if she was the only one who can use its full power?"

Thank fuck. It's Nero. I thought for a second it was Vergil.

Dante gently peeks one of my eyes open, peering down at me with intrigue. "Well, Kitten? You've been listening for long enough, I think. So's the kid on the money or not?"

I don't want to speak right now. Honestly, I'm still doubting this is reality. Even if they'd had the slightest inkling of where Vergil's hideout was, my better judgement tells me there's no feasible way they'd have found me so quickly. Just like that, my thought process having brought it about, everyone but Dante vanishes into an intangible mist. He kisses my forehead, petting my cheek with his thumb.

"You need to finish the sword, Kitten. It's the only way I'll be able to find you again."

I find tears quickly spilling down my face, and strangled sobs forcing their way up my throat. "But that thing... he intends to kill you with it. I won't do it, Dante! I'm not guiding you to me only to meet your death."

"Rosamund Elaine Jay, I promise you it will take more than some flimsy piece of metal to kill me for good."

Despite the reassuring tone and multiple kisses before he disappears, I can't stop myself from breaking down into tears.

"Damn it all... Why does loving you have to be so fucking difficult...?" I take a deep breath and throw my head back in frustration. "Dante, you cocky, egotistical womanizer!"

Begrudgingly, I line up my supplies and resume trying to finish the blade Vergil has so desperately demanded of me. Even my demon seems to be much more at ease. As though having seen Dante and heard his words was a confirmation that everything was going to be okay. While I was finishing it up, Vergil had come into the room and begun pacing slowly, each stride giving off an intimidating, predatory calm.

"Stop," he suddenly blurted, making me flinch.

Gulping down a lump of fear, I make eye contact. "What? Had a sudden change of heart?"

"No," he answered immediately, walking over to stand directly behind me. "But it would seem that you have. Why?"

"I don't have to answer that. All you need to know is that I want to get this over with."

I make to continue my work, but he stops me, and my heart sinks as he speaks. He knows.

"You will complete the blade at my safe house in Fortuna. We leave as soon as you've packed up all of your materials."