Evolution (Demon's Grail Book 2)

by Amy Cross

“You will,” I tell him, feeling as if there's no way he can ever be allowed to die. “I swear, Keller... You and I will one day walk back into the palace of Karakh together, and we will be waiting when my father returns to this world. I won't let you down, I promise.”

  Emilia

  Today

  He twists my naked body around, thrusting me down onto the bed so hard that all the air bursts from my lungs. I try to sit up, to show him that I'm not simply some plaything, but he grips my throat and holds me in place.

  Sweat runs like rivers down my body as he climbs on top, wrapping his arms around my waist and finally entering me.

  ***

  “I take it you have never been dominated like that before?” Kerial says a few hours later, as he watches me climb out of bed. “Don't be embarrassed. I can tell, that's all.”

  “I've never found the time,” I reply, wincing as I feel a sharp pain in my chest. Still, I refuse to show that pain as I make my way to the mirror in the far corner and start examining my injuries. I have to give Kerial credit for his qualities as a lover; he might be just a common soldier from the ranks, but something about him caught my eye and I was right to invite him to my bed. For the first time, I have found a lover who shows no deference to my position, and who treats me as an equal between the sheets. All my previous lovers were depressingly tender. “I've always been too busy training.”

  “What do you think this is?”

  I examine a tear on my shoulder for a moment, before turning to him. “And what exactly am I supposed to learn from five hours in bed with you?”

  “How to read the mind of another soul,” he says with a smile, sitting up. “There's a reason I insist on us retaining our human forms for these sessions, you know.”

  “Apart from the fact that I might inadvertently kill you if we were in our usual forms?”

  “Well, there's that, but...” He pauses, his eyes watching my naked body. “You're royalty, you know. It's not every common man who gets to take a princess to bed.”

  “Princess?” I turn and start examining my injuries once again. “No-one ever called me that before.”

  “But it's true. Your father was one of the greatest lords of Karakh. When he finally returns, he'll undoubtedly give you a prominent position at the palace.”

  “Undoubtedly,” I mutter, pressing a loose strip of flesh back into place on my neck.

  “And maybe one day you'll even...” He pauses. “Well, I mean, naturally he'll have to give some thought to the possibility of a successor some day, and there's no reason why that successor couldn't be female. Perhaps eventually you'll be ruling over the entire spider empire from the great throne at Karakh. How does that prospect make you feel?”

  “All warm and fuzzy inside,” I reply, unable to shake the feeling that something is wrong. Turning, I look over at Kerial and realize that there's a faintly irritating quality to his expression, almost as if he's a little too eager to please me. Granted, he happens to have taken a particularly appealing humanoid form, even if I should not really appreciate such things, but I wish he could have been a little rougher with me in bed. Maybe I was wrong; maybe he did hold back after all.

  “Are you in love with someone?” he asks suddenly.

  The question shocks me. “Like who?”

  “I don't know, I just... Perhaps I'm reading too much into the situation, but I felt that your mind was elsewhere while we were in bed. I know I'm just an idle distraction, and I'm not about to develop romantic feelings for you, but still... Who is it? One of the guards? One of your father's advisers?”

  “You don't know what you're talking about.”

  He smiles. “It would appear that I've struck a nerve.”

  “I don't have time to fall in love,” I continue, starting to get dressed. “I wouldn't know how to, even if it was something I wanted. I have a war to fight.”

  “But that doesn't mean some handsome spider can't still make an impression,” he replies. “I won't tell anyone, Emilia, I'm just curious to see the type of male who could win your heart. I imagine it must be someone very strong and powerful, someone who can dominate you completely.”

  “He's not -” I start to say, briefly thinking of Jonathan, before catching myself just in time. The truth is, Jonathan has been on my mind a lot lately, ever since I was torturing him in Keller's basement and he told me he found my belly beautiful. It was as if, just for a moment, he saw me as something other than his mortal enemy, and perhaps in return I saw him as more than just a vampire. I can't possibly allow these thoughts to develop, of course, but they're there, deep down, and I'm worried by the fact that an idiot such as Kerial has picked up on them. I can't afford to let this weakness show.

  “You're ashamed,” he says finally.

  “Please -”

  “You're worried about how people would react if they found out.” He sits up properly, as if he's far too keen to learn the truth. “Is it some poor commoner, perhaps a soldier from the ranks? Is it -” He pauses, and slowly a sense of concern crosses his face. “Oh, it's not me, is it? You haven't allowed your emotions to stray from pure physical pleasure to -”

  “Don't be absurd,” I snap, turning to leave the room before stopping as I realize that this fool is likely to start spreading rumors. Glancing over at him, I'm filled with the sense that I have to protect my position as much as possible. Before I can decide what to do, however, I hear raised voices outside the tent, as if something is happening out there.

  “Probably more of those creatures,” Kerial mutters.

  I turn to him. “What creatures?”

  “You really are out of the loop, aren't you?” he says with a smile. “I guess you only arrived at camp yesterday, so maybe you don't know... It seems your father and his assistants have brought in a little outside help to advise in the war against the vampires. I don't know what they are or where they come from, but those things sure as hell aren't spiders and they're acting as if they run the place. They give me the creeps, and I'm not the only one. I guess we can't question the wisdom of the great Karakh lords, though. They obviously think this is the right way to do things.”

  Heading to the tent's door, I pull the fabric aside and watch as several hooded figures make their way through the camp. It's impossible to see their faces, but from their clothes alone I can already tell that they're from the same species as Skellig. It's also clear that everyone else is keeping clear of them; various spiders, whether in their human or original forms, are watching the figures with interest while also making sure not to get too close.

  “Don't act so surprised,” Kerial says after a moment, from the bed. “Everyone knows that you travel with one of those creatures.”

  “My father sent Skellig to watch over me,” I reply, keeping an eye on the figures until suddenly one of them stops and turns toward the tent, as if he's sensed that he's being watched. We briefly make eye contact, and I see that he has the same burned, damaged skin as Skellig, along with dark pits for eyes. After a moment, I see a couple of small, brief sparks flickering across his flesh, signs that he has some kind of energy pulsing in his body. I pull back, not wanting to let him see me properly.

  “So do you know what they are?” Kerial asks.

  I turn to him. “My father told me that Skellig is from a race of ancient philosophers.”

  “They don't look much like philosophers to me,” he replies. “Have you seen their skin? There's some kind of energy inside them, constantly trying to burst out. It's like they're cooking from the inside, and their flesh is all burned and brittle. Whatever they are, I don't like the way they've begun to take charge. Spiders don't need help bringing down vampires.”

  “My father probably just needed assistance while he gathered our troops,” I point out, even though the explanation doesn't quite calm my worries. “It's traditional for our species to employ lesser creatures to perform certain tasks.”

  “And do those things look like lesser creatures to you?” he asks. “The way they
act, they seem to think they're pretty important. Some of us have been talking, and we're starting to wonder whether -”

  “It's not your job to second-guess our plans,” I snap, grabbing my tunic and slipping it onto my torso, and then quickly getting dressed. “You're an ordinary soldier, Kerial. My father does what's best for us, and you should spend less time gossiping and more time preparing for the battle that's coming.” I push the door open and then glance back at him. “I hope I don't hear you questioning my father's decisions again. Sedition is punishable by death.”

  “Just keep an eye on those creatures,” he replies. “I can tell you're concerned. I can see it in your eyes.”

  “The only thing you see in my eyes is disgust,” I mutter, “and that's only when I'm looking at you. Now get dressed and make sure you're out of my tent by the time I get back.”

  Emilia

  As soon as I reach the main tent, where final preparations are being made for the assault on the vampires, I see that the strange visitors are standing together on the far side of the room, watching proceedings with interest. The sight of them immediately fills me with concern, but I tell myself not to question Father's decisions and, instead, I make my way over to Skellig as he watches notes being made on one of the maps.

  “I need to speak with you,” I tell him, keeping my voice low.

  “I'm busy.”

  “This is urgent.”

  He pauses, before turning to me. For a moment, I'm struck by the intensity of his gaze, and by the darkness of his hollow eye-sockets. A flicker of energy sparks across his cheek, and I can't help but wonder whether Kerial was right: Skellig seems to have some great power trapped within his body, as if his flesh is just the dry crust that has formed over something brighter and stronger.

  “What are you?” I ask finally.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “When Father told me you'd be guiding me,” I continue, “and advising our forces, he said I shouldn't ask too many questions. He simply said that your species is ancient, and that this isn't the first time you've assisted the spider empire.”

  “All of this is true.”

  “Are you a type of Grayling?” I ask. “Sometimes you look...” Pausing, I realize that there's no way he's a Grayling. “I read about Bollusochs once,” I continue, “and the description wasn't completely different. Is that what you are?”

  He shakes his head, and it's clear that he's amused by my guesses.

  “Are you a Stiel?” I continue. “I've heard there are some pretty different mutations out in the far reaches of the Drazi home-world, so maybe... I mean, not that I'm saying you're a mutation, necessarily, I just... Am I right? Are you a type of Stiel?”

  “I am not,” he says calmly.

  “But your people must have a name,” I point out. “You must have a homeland.”

  “We have never troubled to name ourselves,” he replies. “Others have given our species names over the years, but there is not one name by which we are known across the eight worlds.”

  “And what name do spiders have for you?”

  “Friends,” he says with a grin. “Emilia, you must simply trust me. Like you, I wish to see Karakh located, and like you, I know the pain of seeking a home that was torn from me. I know what it is like to watch my entire species being tipped off the plains of this world and into the abyss of extinction, and I know what it is like to crawl out and seek a re-balancing of reality. A restitution, if you like, of the natural order. Our aims are remarkably aligned.”

  I pause for a moment, feeling a growing sense of unease. When I turn and look over at the other visitors, I realize that they're all watching me from beneath their hoods, as if they take great interest in the fact that I'm talking to one of their number.

  “Do you doubt us?” Skellig asks.

  I turn back to him.

  “We want nothing more than to lead the spiders back to Karakh,” he continues. “That is why we are here, and that is what will happen.”

  “Is my father paying you for your services?” I ask.

  “In a manner of speaking. We shall not be disappointed by the outcome, nor shall we go unrewarded.”

  “Are you mentioned in the Book of Karakh?” I ask. “I don't remember reading anything about you.”

  “We...” He pauses, as if the question is difficult to answer. “We have taken great pains,” he continues finally, “to keep ourselves out of all the historical texts that other species have written. The Book of Karakh, the Book of Gothos, the scrolls of Sangreth... None of these accounts mention us by name, although from time to time some vestige of our presence can be detected, if one knows where to look.”

  “But you've always been allies of the spiders?”

  “Our work together goes back many years. Emilia, do you not trust your father's judgment?”

  “Of course, but -”

  “So do you not feel that his decision to involve us in this campaign must be wise and good?”

  “Yes, it's just -”

  “Then if you have any further questions,” he adds, “maybe you should take them up with him.”

  “But Father's temper...” I pause again, feeling as if I'm being deliberately kept in the dark. He knows full well that I can't simply go and ask my father about such things. “One day I will hold the throne of Karakh,” I continue. “That's what Father says, anyway. I simply want to understand my race's history so that I can better plan for the future.”

  “You are wiser than your years would suggest,” he replies. “I'm glad that you came to me with these questions, and I hope that I helped calm your fears.”

  “I'm not -”

  “And I shall not tell your father about our discussion,” he adds. “He might not be pleased to learn that you have expressed these doubts to me. Your father is a great ruler, but he does sometimes become angry if he feels he is being doubted. I would hate to see him punish you again.”

  “Are you -” I want to ask him if he's hinting at a threat, but finally I realize that there's no point pressing him on such matters. Instead, I turn and look down at the maps, and I see that a mark has been placed on one of the pieces of fabric, indicating a location close to the Navarian mountains. “What's that?” I ask. “A staging post?”

  “Not quite,” Skellig replies. “I was going to wait to tell you, until I could be certain, but...” He pauses. “My brethren arrived in camp just a few minutes ago, as you no doubt saw, and they brought great news. Through tireless work and searching, it would appear that they have achieved one of our greatest goals ahead of schedule.”

  Staring at the mark on the map, I start to feel a shiver of anticipation in my chest. “What is it?” I whisper.

  “I believe,” he continues, “that we have finally located the lost palace of Karakh.”

  ***

  “Is it true?” Kerial asks as he hurries after me through the crowded camp. “Emilia, wait! Is it true?”

  “Is what true?” I reply, increasing my pace in an attempt to lose him. Before I can get much further, however, he grabs my shoulder and I turn to face him. “What do you want?” I hiss. “I'm busy!”

  “There's a rumor going around,” he says breathlessly. “It's almost impossible to believe, but some people are saying that Karakh might have been located.”

  “That rumor is not new,” I point out. “Every week, another idiot makes the same claim.”

  “This time they're saying that you and the generals have been informed,” he continues. “So come on, tell me... Is it true this time?”

  I open my mouth to reply, but for a moment I hesitate.

  “It is!” he replies, his eyes widening with shock. “I can see it in your expression!”

  “You can see nothing in my expression,” I reply, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him aside, away from anyone who might overhear us. “If you say something like that again, I'll tear your head off!”

  “But Karakh has been located,” he continues. “Please, Emilia, just te
ll me the truth. I won't tell anyone else, but I have to know!”

  “There's a...” Pausing, I realize that even though I swore to Skellig that I'd keep the secret for now, news is already getting around. “A structure has been spotted,” I continue finally. “It's far from here and it hasn't been properly checked, not yet, but based on all the available evidence so far... There's a chance that it might be Karakh.”

  “If -”

  “Just a chance,” I say firmly. “You understand, don't you? Nothing is certain, but there is a chance, and that's more than we had before.”

  “Where is it?”

  “Near some mountains,” I reply. “Please, I can't tell you any more than that. Skellig's people have sent scouts to examine the site more carefully -”

  “We must go immediately!”

  I shake my head.

  “Karakh is our home!” he continues, with clear excitement. “We've been searching for so long! This is everything we've been waiting for!”

  “And if Skellig's scouts return with good news, we'll go there at once,” I tell him. “For now, we have to wait and focus on attacking the vampires.”

  “Why are those creatures suddenly in charge of the search for Karakh?” he asks. “It's our ancestral home, not theirs!”

  “We should be grateful to them,” I reply. “They found it and brought news at once. Without them, we might have spent another thousand years searching. The information we gained from the minds of Abby Hart and her brother was incomplete.”

  “I'm starting to think that these creatures are taking control,” he continues. “Emilia, you must feel the same way! Whatever they are, they've begun to take all the big decisions. I even overheard some of the generals saying the same thing, admitting that they're against the idea of us going after the vampires, that they want us to wait until we've found Karakh. They've been overruled, though. Your father's special advisers are calling all the shots and suddenly we're supposed to mount an attack on the vampires before we go anywhere else.”