The Darkest Secret lotu-8

by Джена Шоуолтер

  «What are we going to talk about?»

  Me. You guessed my identity, but I doubt you know exactly what that means. So here it is, flat out. I’m possessed by the demon of Secrets. He waited for a reaction; he didn’t get one. In the shower, he’d merely played with the details, never actually admitting he was possessed.

  «And?» she demanded.

  No, he would not allow her to irritate him. And you know about immortals, but do you know anything about the heavens and hell?

  «I know they exist.»

  That was a start. Recently I ventured into hell to rescue a friend.

  She gulped. «You rescued another demon?»

  In a way. Legion had been demon, but had bargained with Lucifer for a human body. A human body she still possessed. She wasn’t — isn’t — evil. Well, not totally — and she was being tortured.

  «She?»

  Did he detect a note of jealousy or was that wishful thinking on his part? Yes. During the few days I spent down there, I was…overcome by demon thoughts and urges.

  When he offered no more, she nodded.

  Those thoughts and urges are a part of me now, driving me…

  «Insane?»

  Now he was the one to nod, though his was stiff. Only when I’m with you do those things become manageable.

  Wariness fell over her lovely features like a curtain, but she didn’t attack. «Why me?»

  I have no idea.

  «Guess.»

  He released a sigh. Perhaps for the same reason I can project my voice into your head.

  «That tells me nothing,» she said, pursing her lips.

  How adorable she was, just then. A pouty princess. The thought made him frown. Whether we like it or not, there is something between us. Maybe, because of that, the demons know what I know, and they’re afraid of you. Afraid of Hunters.

  «Maybe. So…you hate these thoughts and urges?» Her question was soft, almost hopeful.

  Why hopeful? Because she wanted to believe the best of him? Yes. Beyond anything.

  She peered down at her lap, where her fingers were linked and now twisting together. He hadn’t expected such calm. Not from her, a demon-hater, when he’d just admitted to being poisoned by all kinds of evil.

  Was she playing him? Lulling him into a false sense of relaxation? If so, what was her ultimate goal?

  He should know; his demon should know. More than ever he hated that he couldn’t read her. Hated that the two times he’d peeked inside her mind, he’d seen her smiling. Heard her laughing.

  Hated, because the images were branded inside him, a part of him, haunting him. Hated that even so, he craved another glimpse.

  «Why did you tell me this?» she asked.

  Because of my affliction and your affiliation, we can’t stay here. I’m a danger to my friends, he told her, expecting her to argue. If she remained in one location, her associates had a better chance of finding her. And you, well, you’re a danger to them, too. As much a danger as they are to you.

  He didn’t want either group to find her. Plus, his twenty-four hours were almost up, and every noise outside the door had him stiffening. Sabin was liable to burst into the room with a flamethrower at any moment.

  «Yes, we need to leave,» she replied, thick lashes finally lifting. «So where do you propose we go?»

  Such pragmatism was admirable. Combine that with the we and the heat of her gaze, and she presented a powerful aphrodisiac. You wish to stay with me?

  «Of course.»

  There was no «of course» about it. Why did she want to stay with him? His suspicious soul floundered for an answer, and found only one: she was playing him. Perhaps she even meant to lead him to her fellow Hunters, just as she’d done to Baden.

  Amun’s hands curled into fists. Fists so tight and hard his already damaged knuckles cracked from the strain.

  «Amun?» she prompted.

  His name on her lips…another aphrodisiac. We will go to the only place I can purge the thoughts and urges.

  Her eyes widened. «You can purge them?» Once again she sounded hopeful, as if she truly cared.

  Though the prospect rocked him to the core, he revealed only mild surprise. While you slept, I spoke with someone in the know. And the conversation had pissed him off royally.

  «You must return to hell,» the angel Zacharel had said, unconcerned, when Amun sought him out.

  What? Amun had mentally shouted. When he remembered to sign, his motions had been jerky. My little jaunt into hell is the reason I’m like this. So returning isn’t really a solution, is it?

  «You took the demons out, now you will take them back in.»

  No.

  A shrug. «Then you will forever be chained to the woman’s side. Not that forever will be long. Not for you. Without her, the spirits overcome you, and the next time you are overcome, you will die by my hand.»

  If getting rid of the demons is as easy as going to hell, why didn’t you take me back already?

  «I did not say it would be easy. Nor did I say returning with me would be helpful. You must take the girl.»

  No, he repeated.

  «Your choice, of course. I have no qualms about removing your head.»

  It was impossible to argue with so logical and uncaring a being. How do I get them out of my body once I «take them back in?»

  Zacharel had walked away without answering, without offering even the slightest hint. Why? What was Amun supposed to do when he got there? How long was he supposed to stay? Exactly where in the endless pit did he need to go?

  He told me the only way to free myself was to return to hell, Amun said to Haidee now.

  «Return to…hell? As in the fiery pit of the damned?» The last was uttered in a horrified whisper.

  Yes. And you’re going with me. He waited for her to protest, to fight him. She didn’t, not yet, and he relaxed. Somewhat. He couldn’t subdue her, defend her and search for a way to liberate himself. You won’t burn, he assured her. I won’t allow the flames to reach you.

  «If we go,» she said with a tremor, «will there be anyone with us?»

  If, she’d said, and he relaxed a bit more. No. We’ll go alone. He desperately needed the muscle and support — because gods knew, he’d barely survived last time, and he’d had two trained warriors with him — but he wouldn’t place his friends in danger. Not from the demons, and not from Haidee. Besides, that would defeat the purpose of whisking Haidee out of their midst. Why? Do you wish to take someone with us?

  Her lips pressed together in that mutinous line, and he suspected he’d somehow hurt her feelings. No, surely not. She would have to care about him, he reminded himself, and she didn’t.

  «Will you — will you allow me to have a weapon?» The word allow choked from her, and he doubted she’d ever spoken it before.

  Yes, but if you attempt to use it on me, I will strike back in kind. Perhaps a lie, perhaps not. He valiantly hoped she didn’t try to test the claim.

  Silence stretched between them, an oppressive cloud he couldn’t shoo away. He gave her the time she needed, though. He was asking a lot from her and offering very little in exchange. Of course, he would have to force her if she refused him — they truly had no other options — but until she did, he would let her think the decision was hers.

  «All right,» she finally said on a sigh. «I’ll do it. I’ll go with you.»

  No fight at all.

  Once again he was thrown, but this time he couldn’t hide the intensity of his shock or the earth-shattering cascade of relief. Then his suspicions flared. What did she hope to gain, placing herself in danger to help him regain his senses? Or did she plan to go simply to gather intel? Yes, he thought with a nod. That was far more likely. She was a Hunter, after all, and finding ways to destroy demons was her business.

  Hunter. The blasphemy echoed through his mind, and he cringed. Stop reminding me.

  «Stop reminding you of what?» she sputtered, obviously confused by his sudden bout of disgus
t.

  Nothing, he muttered. He nearly apologized but bit the words back. He would not apologize to this woman. Ever. He had some pride, at least. We’ll waste no more time.

  Amun strode to the door and knocked. Behind him, he heard Haidee gasp, her clothes rustling again as if she had pushed to her feet. A few seconds later, the lock clicked from the other side, and the wood squeaked open, revealing the angel Zacharel. Black hair in perfect order, emerald eyes devoid of all emotion. White-and-gold wings arched over his shoulders and swooped down his robed sides.

  «Yes,» the warrior said. The greeting should have been inflected with a question, but surfaced as a mere statement.

  We are taking you up on your offer of transport, Amun signed.

  Zacharel offered no hint of his thoughts. «I’ll gather the necessary supplies. Be ready to leave in five minutes.» With that, the door shut, locked.

  Amun rested his forehead on the cool wood, reminded for a moment of Haidee’s skin. Hell. He was returning to hell when he’d sworn never to go back. In a deep, dark corner of his mind, he thought he heard Secrets whimper.

  Thousands of years ago, Secrets had fought to escape hell — and won. And yet, Amun kept taking him back. At least the other demons remained calm, neither crying nor cheering in regard to his plans. But then, they were more afraid of Haidee than anything else.

  «Why can’t you speak?» she asked, slicing through the tension he hadn’t realized had sprouted anew.

  My demon, he replied, offering no more. He straightened and turned to her. Mistake. She had stood, and as always, he was struck by the delicacy of her features, the passion that lurked under her glowing skin. More than that, his mouth watered for a go at those breasts, that stomach, those legs.

  He shouldn’t have dressed her in the T-shirt and jeans. He should have dressed her in a shapeless sack.

  «Because you carry the demon of Secrets, you can’t speak?»

  Yes. Had he ever thought to find himself in this position? Sharing his own inner mysteries with a Hunter?

  «I don’t understand. Why does your demon prevent you from speaking?»

  She wasn’t curious about him, he knew, but was merely fishing for information to perhaps share with her people. Still. He answered. I open my mouth, and everything the demon has discovered, every dark deed of those around us, every bit of information that could ruin families and friendships, slips out.

  «So you can speak?»

  What did that matter? Yes.

  «But you choose not to?»

  Yes, damn it. Why do you want to know?

  Amun’s uncustomary outburst didn’t faze her. «It’s just…it’s a good thing you’re doing. Very sweet.»

  So unexpected was the praise, he could only blink at her.

  «No one else can hear your voice? Inside their head, I mean.»

  No. Just you. Bitterness had crept into his tone, and he could do nothing to mask it. Not that he wanted to. Let her hear. Let her know.

  Twin pink circles stained her cheeks, and she cleared her throat. She eased back onto the mattress, prim once again. «So how did you guys hook up with angels?»

  A change of subject. Wise of her, yes, but foolish of him to offer more truth. A friend of ours married their leader. More like Bianka had claimed Lysander as her property, but Amun wasn’t sure Haidee would understand that kind of sentiment.

  «An angel and a demon? Married?»

  Pretty much. As stone-cold as Lysander was, the term «angel» seemed just about as appropriate as «fairy godmother.» The term «demon» fit Bianka perfectly, though. Her soul was darker than Amun’s, but in the best possible way. The Harpies were so open, so honest about their mischievous nature, they were a delight to be around. At least for Amun. For a while, he’d even considered pursuing Bianka’s twin sister, Kaia. War had gotten in the way. Speaking of angels, you should know that your precious Galen isn’t one. He—

  «Okay, let’s agree right now not to talk about your friends or mine,» Haidee interjected angrily. «It’ll only make us angry with each other. We should focus on the mission.»

  So she considered Galen a friend of hers? Of course she did, he thought next, and wanted to punch something. The leader of the Hunters wanted every Lord of the Underworld — excluding himself — dead and buried. Because of Baden, Haidee had to be a prize among prizes for the keeper of Hope. Or was it possible Galen didn’t know who she was?

  Amun’s teeth gnashed together — he was doing that a lot lately — grating the top layer into a fine powder, but he nodded. Very well. There will be no talk of our friends.

  «I just, I don’t want us to fight,» she said. «And just so you know, Galen isn’t a personal friend.»

  «Time is up,» Zacharel’s hard voice proclaimed before Amun could reply.

  At the vocal intrusion, he whipped around, at the same time moving in front of Haidee to act as her shield. The door was still closed. He frowned — until the angel simply stepped through the wood, a backpack dangling from his hand.

  He’d possessed the ability all along, yet had only now opted to reveal it. Why?

  «I will take you to the place your journey must begin,» Zacharel said. As with all angels, there was an undeniable layer of truth in his tone, and Amun couldn’t doubt a single thing he uttered. «But know that Lucifer is angry that he was thwarted in his quest to destroy you and yours through Legion, and will be out for eternal blood. Be wary, trust nothing and no one.»

  I never do.

  «Except, perhaps, each other,» the angel added.

  Amun glanced over his shoulder, and he and Haidee shared a look.

  Zacharel nodded in approval. «I can promise you that your last journey through the underworld was nothing compared to what you will soon face. In reparation for his role in Legion’s freedom, Cronus has returned it to its former glory.»

  Why would he—?

  The angel held up his hand, halting Amun’s tirade. «It was either that, or return Legion.»

  He made the right choice, then.

  «Let’s see if you still agree when you get there. Monsters you’ve only heard whispered about, you will soon encounter.»

  Haidee stood, her cool hands flattening on Amun’s lower back. He had to bite his tongue to stop his moan of pleasure. Finally, contact. He felt as if he’d been waiting forever to feel her, any part of her, again. That she now offered comfort…comforted him.

  Gods, he really was pathetic.

  You won’t allow any of my friends to follow us? he signed.

  «Correct. I will ensure you and the girl remain undisturbed by them.»

  Amun took no offense. If anyone could keep the brutes here from getting their way, it was this hard-as-steel creature. Thank you.

  «Now. Something else you should know.» A breeze ruffled the golden down streaked through the angel’s wings like a flowing, molten river. «With the changes, there are now six realms you must pass through before you even reach the gate — and the gate is another obstacle altogether.»

  Haidee stepped to Amun’s side, but didn’t break contact. «How will we return here when we’re done?»

  Zacharel’s green gaze briefly shifted to her. «Should you save Amun, you will have nothing to worry about. Should you not, you will never leave.»

  The ominous warning rang through his mind. Then Amun shrugged. They would save him; it was that simple. We’ll find a way, he told Haidee.

  Her hands trembled against him, but she said no more.

  What about weapons? he signed. Food?

  «Everything you need is in here.» The angel tossed the pack, and Amun caught the too-thin, too-light duffel with ease. «Good luck to you, warrior.»

  The moment his fingers wrapped around the straps, his surroundings completely fell away. From light to murky dark, the smooth white walls were replaced by jagged stone stained with crimson splatter. Bones littered the equally rocky ground, and the temperature instantly flared hundreds of degrees — or so it seemed.

  A
cavern, he realized, deep in the earth. And there was no sign of Zacharel — no dainty hands on his back. Fighting a rush of panic, Amun swung around. He relaxed, but only for a second. Haidee was a few feet away, hunched over and vomiting. Beside her rested a toothbrush, toothpaste and bottle of mouthwash.

  Amun closed the distance between them before he realized what he was doing. With one hand, he smoothed her hair out of the way. With the other, he stroked her back, trying to comfort her as she’d comforted him. Flashing from one location to another in a mere blink of time affected some but not others. She, apparently, fell into the «some» category. The angel must have known she would.

  As strong as she usually was, the weakness probably appalled her.

  The sickness will soon pass, he told her. Even as he soothed her, he thought perhaps she had infected him with a toxic mix of hunger, stupidity and unwanted tenderness — and he would never find a cure.

  She spit, wiped her mouth with the back of her trembling hand. «Thank you. For not kicking me while I’m down.»

  I’m not a monster, Haidee. Yet.

  «I know,» she said weakly. «Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.»

  She, apparently, suffered from the same toxic mix.

  That did not bode well for their mission.

  Chapter Thirteen

  «Before we get started, let’s see what we’ve got to work with,» Haidee told Amun after she disinfected her mouth. Twice. She ducked her head as she walked away from him so that she wouldn’t have to see his expression.

  He’d had his hands on her the entire time. Did he regret it? She’d vomited in front of him. Did he find that amusing? She had responded to him, goose bumps breaking out over her skin. Did he feel smug?

  He offered no reply, and she experienced a wave of hurt. A wave she ignored because it was stupid. He wasn’t her boyfriend, wasn’t a tame pet dog, and was merely using her, the enemy, to stay calm.

  Still. Would a «that’s smart» or «are you okay?» have been amiss? After all, she had agreed to venture into hell with him. Was actively trying to reach the fiery pit for him.

  And because of that, she was alone with him, she thought, suddenly dazed by the way things had worked out. She was completely, utterly alone with the demon-possessed immortal who set her body on fire. The demon-possessed immortal who would probably try to kill her after they found a way to free him from the evil that plagued him. The demon-possessed immortal she should despise, did despise, but couldn’t convince herself to hurt, even in the smallest way.