Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Three
ALEXANDER’S POV
I watched Daemon as he walked around the hall, spacious enough to contain at least a hundred people.
“It’s soundproof, so this should do.”
Daemon turned to me. “I’m sure Thane and Riley would be proud of you and what you’ve done with the pack. You know, I did rule for a short while–back when I pretended to be your father, Thane,” he said, a smirk spreading across his face. “It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
I had forgotten that–Daemon had the ability to take on different forms.
My first instinct was to demand what had happened, but something told me Daemon had brought it up hoping I’d take the bait. So I held back my curiosity.
“I find it strange. Most of the abilities the Empress possesses are similar to those of a demon. They can shift- move from one place to another in matter of minutes. They can take on different forms, like Cynthia did… control minds, wield fire…”
“Come to think of it, that’s true,” Daemon replied. “Maybe their so–called ‘god of light‘ isn’t so different from Mavok.”
Mavok is considered the father of demons, though most never really believed in the myth.
“Daemon.” I began, “You might have saved my mother’s life once–given yours for hers…”
“A decision I’ll regret for the rest of my eternity,” Daemon cut in, and I couldn’t tell if he was being truthful.
“As I was saying, I know of your sacrifice, and I’m grateful. But I also know the harm you’ve caused. You’re only here because I believe this might be a way to save my mate. But if you step out of line–just once–I will make you pay and that is a promise I intend on keeping.”
“I have my own goal,” he said with a shrug. “So don’t worry. I think I can keep myself in check… for now.”
I could tell what was going on.
“I didn’t know the Demon Overlord was capable of falling in love. Then again, the problem with you is–you always fall for the wrong people.”
Daemon seemed deep in thought. “You’re right there. But I might’ve screwed up whatever chances, I had with her.”
I wasn’t typically the curious type–especially when it came to relationship issues–but for some reason, I wanted to know more.
“That shouldn’t be new to you, you seem to be very good at screwing things up.”
Daemon chuckled. “That’s true, but this time, I don’t think it can ever be mended. I should’ve protected her, but… I went after the Nexus Amulet instead, and she was taken. I failed her.”
The Demon Overlord had been seen as many things, but in that moment, all I saw was a man in love. He wasn’t as soulless as people believed; he did have feelings, though he dealt with them differently than most. In the end, he had something resembling a heart–and that must have been what Riley had seen. My mother always saw the best in people, no matter how small or scarred that good side might have been.
“If she truly cares, then she’ll give you a second chance,” I said, thinking back to Kaida. After everything that had happened, we’d managed to move past our differences. Turns out Daemon wasn’t the only one who excelled at
1/2
Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Three
screwing tliings up.
+25 BONUS
“I can’t believe I’m having my first brother–to–brother conversation,” Daemon said. I scowled, backing away.
“Not to hurt your feelings, Daemon, but mostly, I see you as a threat one I’ll eliminate if things go south.”
“Well, you did hurt my feelings, brother,” Daemon replied settling into one of the wooden chairs. “What if I don’t possess the same abilities my father did?” asked, idly twirling a smooth pebble between my fingers.
“You don’t,” Daemon said. “He was a Lycan; you’re… different. But the ability lies within your wolf–you need to let it out to discover what you’re truly capable of.”
My thoughts drifted back to the time I’d let my wolf out, and couldn’t transform back. Part of me wondered if this was all some kind of ploy. He might be my half–brother, but he was still the Demon Overlord- and I would be a fool to overlook that.
I reached out to my wolf, and it answered to my call.
“Up until now, you’ve tapped into its strength, speed, and sharp senses, but you need to dig deeper,” Daemon instructed. I didn’t know exactly how I was supposed to do that. Until now, I hadn’t even considered the possibility of having that ability.
My wolf forced my body into transformation.
“No. You have to make it understand that it can be in control without having to shift.”
I paused. “What do you know about werewolves? You aren’t even one.”
“What I do know is the source of that ability, and I want to believe this will work for your sake and mine,” Daemon said.
“Are there any others with this ability?”
“A few Alpha wolves, in particular, do possess it.”
“Here I was thinking it was rare.”
“It is,” Daemon replied, “because having the ability and actually being able to use it are two different things. Thane and a few other Alpha Kings are the only ones who’ve managed to tap into it.“.
And I had to believe I was one of the rare few who were lucky enough. I let my wolf take control, eager to understand its full abilities. That’s when I felt it—a strange, raw power.
I looked up at Daemon. He stared at me, wide–eyed, then shook his head as if trying to clear his mind.
“You almost got into my head. I don’t think anyone’s ever done that on their first try,” he said, an incredulous look on his face.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“But I felt it. Now it’s time to try it on a person.”
