Next he took stock of the demon before them. Dressed in a chocolate coloured suit complete with matching waistcoat, resting casually on a silver headed cane, he looked a picture of ease.
Some vague image from the furthest reaches of his memory told him he had encountered the dreadlocked demon before, but the images were broken and fleeting at best. But there was no doubt in his mind that this was a Fallen and experience had taught him that most were deadly, dangerous and never to be underestimated. Any attempt to blink out would be detected before he could dematerialise and the demon wouldn’t hesitate in using his power to prevent it.
Beelzebub knew he was being studied as he cautiously approached the entwined pair. Fallen Angel he may be and therefore graced with the powers of heavy artillery, enhanced psychological ability and of course immortality. But immortality was seriously misrepresented. Never aging or dying did not necessarily mean he could not be killed, what it did mean was that it would be no easy task to do so lightly. However Beelzebub had learnt the hard way that the simplest way to survive once you have fallen from God’s grace is to never again make the same mistake of underestimating your opponent. And Quinn was one of those opponents that should never be taken lightly.
If the young demon ever learnt to embrace his birth right and develop his powers his potential could be staggering. But what was most worrying now was judging from the territorial manor in which he was guarding Darla along with the scent that clung to her skin, it was apparent that the young demon had marked the female as his own; one variable Beelzebub had most definitely not anticipated.
A delicate handling of the situation would be needed to prevent any mishaps. Too much was at stake to allow anything to go wrong so late in the game. The end goal was now in sight. Soon all the years of pain and suffering would be over and he would finally be back where he belonged.
“We meet again.” Beelzebub slowly circled the entwined pair, noticing how Quinn’s frame tensed as he passed behind them. “You were immobilised the last time we met and I would like to offer my apologies for using such force. Unfortunately it was necessary in apprehending Miss Gray. So tell me am I to address you by your given name or have you adopted a new one to complete your new identity.”
Quinn wasn’t at all surprised that the demon had recognised him. He would have been able to detect his biological scent even without such close proximity. One of the many powers the Fallen had managed to retain in their banishment was the ability to read a person’s soul.
“Quinn,” he offered rolling the name around on his lips, deliberately ignoring Darla’s questioning stare. “Of course; not so dissimilar to your own name but enough to go undetected. Is there a reason why you wished others to believe you dead or did you choose to become lost in your own suffering?”
It was now clear to Quinn that Darla was desperate to know what the demon meant. Her quick, clever mind had easily surmised that not only did he have a hidden past but it was in some way connected to Beelzebub.
“My reasons are my own business, I’m simply here to collect Darla so if you’ll just excuse us.”
Beelzebub smiled a cold sinister smile. “I’m sorry to disappoint but that won’t be possible. Miss Gray will not be going anywhere.”
Quinn’s arm tightened around her waist. “You’re gonna have to find someone else to play your sick twisted game with, I won’t stand back and let you destroy her.”
“Game! You think this is a game?” the demon snarled in a momentary lapse of control, his eyes narrowing dangerously with anger. “I do not deny that you have known pain and suffering in your lifetime but that cannot even begin to compare with what I have endured. I cannot… no… I will not continue to exist in a world such as this. Not when I know there is a way out.”
“Are you mad enough to believe this plan of yours will actually succeed?”
“Why wouldn’t it?” Beelzebub asked. “It has been thousand years in the making; numerous variables all leading and connecting to this exact moment in time. Miss Gray’s very presence is testimony to the final steps all falling neatly into place. I do not see how it could possibly fail.”
Quinn shook his head in amazement. “Everyone knows that prophecies are vague and tenuous at the best of times. Most if not all are open to speculation and interpretation and all speak of possibilities not certainties. One word… all it takes is one word to be misinterpreted and the entire outcome is compromised.”
“And that is precisely why I have followed every minute detail to the letter. My final piece of the puzzle will be arriving shortly and then everything will be in place. It will not fail! I have dedicated thousands of years to ensuring that tonight’s events run smoothly.” The demon fixed his sights on Darla. “Having met you I confess, I do not relish the idea of such a life being extinguished but be assured Miss Gray, tonight you will die!”
A menacing growl filled the air. “And you really think I am gonna stand back and watch you kill her without doing everything in my power to stop you?”
“Even armed with that knowledge it will not change anything. You are no match for me. Had you embraced your birth right, things may have been different.”
“My lord.” One of the Nephalim stepped forward. Nodding lightly he relayed some silently spoken message to his master.
Beelzebub’s face lit with an instant smile. “Excellent,” he hissed pleased by whatever the Nephalim had conveyed. “Well, I’m sorry to say I must leave you for now. My final guests are approaching and require my attention.
Beelzebub turned on his heels and headed for the door. “Please continue to make yourself at home…oh and Quinn, before I forget, I recommend you do not attempt to blink yourself and Miss Gray out of here. I arranged for a small detail of a dampening spell to be put in place as an added precaution. As you well know, any attempt to use your power will leave you in crippling pain.”
Beelzebub paused in the open doorway. “And one last word of advice, should you even slightly entertain the idea of fighting your way out I will have no alternative but to issue the order to have my guests slaughtered.” The demon tapped his chin as if contemplating. “You may know them actually. Now what were their names? I believe the Vampire was Valmont, the Lycan Larissa and...”
“If you dare harm them…” Quinn snarled taking a menacing step forward before Darla moved to deter him.
“I will have no need to harm them as long as you give me no cause to.” All sign of pleasantries vanished from the demons face. “The ceremony will begin in a little over an hour.” His eyes raked the length of Darla’s body. “I suggest you spend the time wisely.”
The door slammed shut just seconds before Quinn landed against it, his fists striking the hard wood in fury. Drawing a deep breath his head slumped forward with a loud thud hitting against the door. They were trapped!
The others had deliberately ignored his instructions and were now rushing headlong into disaster. And Guests….. Why had Beelzebub referred to them as Guests? Surely they were enemies and if so the safest thing to do would be to restrain them until after the ceremony? But the demon had definitely referred to them as guests in which case Quinn couldn’t help but wonder what plan he had in store. But for now his primary concern was he only one hour left to save Darla…not nearly long enough time.
Wilful, beautiful and strong, he needed her as a drowning man needed air. Giving up and allowing the unthinkable to happen was simply not an option he could allow; a blink out had to be their only hope. The demon could possibly have been lying about the dampening spell, hoping he would take him at his word; without trying he would never know. Darla would need to remove her clothes, if they were successful in an escape no way was he having her exposed to prying eyes.
“Where the hell did that dress come from?” He frowned, finally noticing for the first time just how much flesh was on display.
“I was informed it was necessary for the ritual. I woke up wearing it”
“Woke up from what?” he asked sensing hi
s inner demon stir in anger.
“I tried to escape and ended up hitting my head.” Darla thought it wise to omit the events leading to her injury. “I blacked out for a while and woke up wearing this.”
Quinn couldn’t decide which made him angrier. The fact that someone had laid their hands on her while she was unconscious or that she had been harmed trying to escape. It was time to get her out of there.
“I wanna try to blink us out of here. I had intended to ask you to remove your clothes, but from what little that’s covered I’m not sure it will make that much of a difference. If we’re successful you can have my jacket at the other end.”
“But what about the dampening spell…?”
“If there is a dampening spell, we won’t know unless I try.” Quinn could see she had doubts. “Jeez Darla, you know of any other way and I guarantee I’m all ears, but the way I see it is what other choice have we got?”
“I just don’t want you hurt.”
Quinn smiled in light of the situation. Here she stood facing god only knows what kind of death and all she could think about was his safety. He had to hand it to Big G when he decided to pick his pure soul he went all out to get the best.
Gently brushing aside a tendril of her hair he couldn’t help but glance down at the generous display of cleavage on offer. “You realise if this works the dress is gone along with anything beneath it, not that there appears to be much.”
Darla flushed with embarrassment, keenly aware of his close proximity and not entirely immune to thoughts of her own. But if there was any man she felt safe with it was Quinn. “I trust you.”
Stepping forward she reached up and slipped her arms around his broad shoulders ready to blink right out. “What will this do to you if Beelzebub was telling the truth?”
Quinn’s chest tightened and he sighed heavily. If he could just get her somewhere safe… somewhere where there was no danger or distractions...“Let’s find out shall we?” Unable to resist he claimed her lips in a bittersweet kiss, dragged her closer and blinked twice.
Searing pain exploded inside his head and streaks of static electricity whipped around their body’s sending bolts of bright white light dancing around the room.
Darla reeled as his body slammed against hers, his spine arching in crippling agony. His hands gripped his head and his features distorted into agonising pain. Using all her weight to support him she struggled to guide him towards the bed barely reaching the safety of its support before his legs buckled and his large frame collapsed. Landing on the bed beside him she watched the last few tendrils of static electricity drained from his body.
Hurrying to the table she soaked a napkin in the glass of cold water and returned to his side. Gently as possible she lifted his head -mindful of the pain he was in from his involuntary groan- and laid it gently in her lap. Placing the cool damp cloth on his brow she lovingly stroked her fingers through his dark wavy hair praying he would be okay.
The last thing he was aware of before finally losing consciousness was the soothing sound of Darla’s voice reassuring him that everything was going to be fine. If only he could believe that.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
True to their word Valmont and the others had waited patiently, giving Quinn the hour they had agreed on. With the time now up and no sign of him or Darla making it out alive and well, they had since grown impatient and unanimously decided on what was now shaping up to be a double rescue mission.
Keeping low and close to one another the trio swiftly and silently crossed the open ground between them and the fortress, their only aid coming from the rapidly waning light. Knowing how exposed and vulnerable they were out in the open didn’t make the formidable castle seem any more welcoming.
Valmont couldn’t help but think that successfully reaching the thick, outer walls without the slightest hint of resistance could not bode well for them. To presume they had passed undetected would be a mistake that could cost them dearly. He closed his eyes and reached out with his vampire senses to listen. The sound of strong and healthy hearts pumping blood around a great number of bodies confirmed they were not alone and his fangs elongated alerting him to the fact that it had been a while since his last feed. A little resistance could prove most satisfying.
Pressing securely to the exterior walls he signalled to the others to stay alert. One by one they silently slipped through the imposing gateway into the inner courtyard. Valmont sent a silent signal to Gallion who immediately began to scale the walls easily finding footholds where there were none.
Larissa hugged the shadows keeping to the outskirts of the courtyard while Valmont cut across the centre at preternatural speed to stand directly before the main entrance.
Hollow silence filled the air, all traces of life intentionally removed in order to create a false illusion of safety.
“Trap.” Larissa silently mouthed to Valmont as he slowly approached the elaborately carved doors of the inner sanctum.
Valmont nodded. Either that or an invitation, he thought.
Larissa edged closer.
“Had Beelzebub wanted us dead he could have orchestrated it while we were incapacitated at Mama Grace’s.” whispered Gallion from above.
Valmont raised his head to eye the pixie hanging precariously from a stone ledge. “Exactly, which leads me to believe we have been lured here for a reason. I say we go in and find out what.”
Larissa rolled her eyes and shook her head at Gallion. Valmont was evidently starting to enjoy himself. Having lived for so long it was rare for something to intrigue the centuries old vampire and when it did it was almost impossible for him not to enjoy himself.
Exiting the shadows Larissa joined Valmont at the entrance. Smiling up at him she shrugged her shoulders. “We can’t all live forever right?”
Gallion landed silently behind them, before boldly following Valmont and Larissa into the dark interior of the castle.
Beelzebub appeared from the shadows the instant they entered. “Greetings my friends,” he said, a broad smile on his face. His strange cat-like eyes glowed ever so slightly in the dim lit interior. “I’m so glad you have arrived. Welcome to my home, please come inside.”
Valmont smiled salaciously at the shadows, plainly aware of the creatures obscured by the darkness. His lips peeled back in a warning hiss displaying the deadly tips of his fangs.
“There is nothing for you to fear here,” Beelzebub reassured. “You are my honoured guests and I will personally guarantee your safety. Now if you would like to follow me…”
Valmont looked at the others with a slight raise of his brow. Content for the time being to go along with whatever game Beelzebub was playing he strolled behind the fallen angel following him down a long corridor, Gallion and Larissa trailing close behind.
Beelzebub led them through another set of heavily carved doors into a vast central chamber lit only by a blazing fire heartily roaring in an ancient stone fireplace. The leaping flames cast a huge array of dancing shadows on the stone walls making it harder to fathom an accurate size of the grand hall. Surprisingly emptied of all furniture which ordinarily would add softness to such a large open space, the hall appeared almost cavernous. But what drew their attention was the large stone platform strangely resembling an ancient altar in pride of place at the far end of the room.
“Gentlemen …and lady of course,” Beelzebub added bowing slightly in Larissa’s direction, “perhaps you might enjoy a beverage while we wait for the others to join us?”
“Others?” Larissa asked.
“Quinn and Miss Gray of course! That is who you are here for?”
Larissa looked at Valmont, surprised by the open admission.
“Oh both are quite well I assure you, they are momentarily … reacquainting with one another in one of my guest rooms, but will be joining us very shortly. Now, what about those drinks!” Beelzebub snapped his fingers.
His summons was answered immediately by a Nephalim male emerging silently from the sha
dows. Carrying a small tray of drinks which he offered first to Larissa and then to Gallion. Bowing to the small group he turned and walked away without uttering a word.
Beelzebub noticed their reluctance to drink the amber coloured liquid. “I gave you my word you would be safe in my house and I always honour my word. The drinks have not been drugged or tampered with in any way.”
Even with the reassurance they still hesitated. Gingerly lifting her glass Larissa sniffed cautiously at the liquid inside, relying on her Lycan sense of smell to detect anything unusual.
Deigning to ignore their obvious distrust Beelzebub- feeling their actions were more than justified under the circumstances turned his attention to Valmont instead.
“I hope you can forgive me for not being able to accommodate your particular requirements. Would it be too impertinent of me to enquire when it was you last fed?”
Valmont hesitated in his response. Somehow it felt that the question was posed with more than just the idle curiosity of a conscientious host. But vampire feeding habits were a matter of general knowledge so what harm could it do in answering? “It’s been a while, but then vampires of my age do not require substance as frequently as young ones. I am for the time being, quite comfortable and fully in control of my bloodlust.”
“Indeed?”
Was it just me or did the demon just purr? Valmont thought.
“Well perhaps we could sort you out with a little something later.” Beelzebub added. “For the moment however there are a couple of things that require my attention so if you would all please excuse me, I will arrange for your friends to be brought down shortly.” The demon bowed curtly before leaving.
“Definitely a trap, so what do we do now?” asked Larissa tossing the amber liquid into the fire.
“What can we do?” Valmont replied shrugging his shoulders. “I have no doubt that there is a substantial Nephalim army guarding all exits to prevent us escaping. The way I see it our only option for the time being is to go along with whatever game Beelzebub is playing. If he was genuine about bringing Quinn and Darla to us it will save us the added problem of finding out where they are being held. Once they have joined us there is always strength in numbers.”
Redemption - A Darla Gray Novel Page 26
