Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

Erebus and the Phonoi Heart stood their ground, their eyes fixed on Malia, ready to strike if necessary. The captains had encircled her with caution and waited for Erebus' orders. Leonis and Halcyon, moving deliberately, advanced toward the tense standoff.

"To sneak into Shadowbane's headquarters... how unusual," Leonis said. "Erebus, do you know this person?"

"She's an assassin," Erebus answered, his gaze never leaving her.

Malia appeared calm, but Erebus could see the panic rising in her eyes. "I am," she admitted quietly.

Leonis sighed and clapped his hands, drawing the sect members' attention. "Everyone is dismissed. Rest while we still have the chance. I'll call everyone back later to discuss the tournament proceedings."

Though curious about the assassin, exhaustion outweighed their interest, and the members shuffled out of the room. Only Leo and the captains remained, still wary of Malia. Leonis and Halcyon sat in nearby chairs, observing without interference.

"Does this mean you've made a choice?" Erebus asked once the last person exited, closing the door behind them.

Malia closed her eyes, ashamed of what she was about to say. "I will offer my loyalty—but you must help me first."

Erebus reeled at her words. Help her? He had already given her his patience and mercy. He had offered her the chance to uncover the truth about Kore without interference. And now she asked for more—for help—while his own world was crumbling around him.

"Do you think I'm a fool?" Erebus asked coldly, his tone drawing a dark laugh from the Phonoi Heart. "Or ignorant?"

Malia shivered beneath the edge of his blade. "No."

"I spared you once, Malia. It's not a courtesy I give twice."

"Still, I must ask," she urged. "Someone's life depends on it."

Erebus' blade pressed against her neck, drawing a thin line of blood. "Are you fucking blind? Can't you smell the smoke and blood blanketing the city?"

"Why bother with her?" the Phonoi Heart asked, tangling his claws tighter in her hair and yanking her head back. "Wouldn't it be easier to kill her?"

"My loyalties—"

"Fuck your loyalties!" Erebus roared. "You could beg to be my damn dog—leashed and collared—and I still wouldn't care. To the hells with your request."

The once-arrogant assassin trembled, tears streaking down her face. "I understand your anger, but please, I need you to save—"

"Two hundred people died tonight, Malia," Erebus snarled, cutting her off. "Two hundred shadow cultivators murdered and burned on the orders of your beloved Empress and Emperor. My people! And you dare ask me for help?"

"I know. I'm sorry—"

"Don't offer me empty apologies." Erebus scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your words mean nothing when you're still Kore's blade."

"I don't want to be her blade!" she cried, her voice cracking sorrowfully. "May the hells curse you, Demon! You told me to look deeper into the Empress, and I did. I did what you asked—and I hate you for it. I hate you for making me see that nightmare."

"Then what's the point of coming here with demands in exchange for your so-called loyalty?" Erebus asked coldly, lowering his blade. "Run away with your family, if you must. But don't drag me into your bullshit while I'm trying to protect thousands from Jericho and Kore. Unless, of course, you still want to follow her."