A Demon's Kiss ✔️

FIVE

Word Count: 1767

~Aspen

"I can't believe he did that."

I stuff my head deeper into my pillow. "Neither can I."

My friend stands by my bedroom window, gazing out.

Kaia has been the only friend I've had since meeting Oliver. He made me cut off all of them, and right now, he doesn't know I'm close to Kaia. He suspects, but ultimately, he thinks so little of his staff, I don't think he believes I would befriend her.

"We need to get you out of here soon, okay?" She turns, looking tense.

No one wants Oliver dead more than me, although Kaia is very close behind. Over the years, her and I have conspired to get me out, but it's always fallen through.

Oliver has power in this Territory. No matter where I wanted to start my life, people would turn on me, and I would be sent straight back into his arms.

"I'm taking money where I can, but it's not as easy as you think. If I'm caught, he would either lock me up, or kill me," I murmur, turning over in the bed.

I haven't got out of it for a few days since denying Kastriv's job request.

"I know. I've got plenty of money saved," she reminds me. The staff get paid well here, which is only because Oliver wants to maintain that he is a generous man.

It's laughable, really.

"You know I don't like using your money." I sit up, watching her.

The afternoon sunlight drenches her, casting a halo of her copper coloured hair. I envy her freedom, her ability to walk from this looming estate to enjoy a relatively normal life.

She stalks toward me. "You're my friend...I want you out of this abusive relationship more than anyone."

"I'm going to have to go far. Somewhere I can't be tracked down, because he will stop at nothing to kill me," I muse.

I'd even agree to go to a more desolate Territory, like Eleven or Thirteen. Or maybe I could go to Territory Twelve, and blend in amongst the large city and all it's unique inhabitants.

"I know that. I'll help you. I've always wanted out of here," she insists.

I get up, throwing my arms around her. "I love you, Kaia. You are a true friend. My only friend."

When she pulls away, she's grinning mischievously. "So, did you sleep with Kastriv?"

My skin immediately heats. The word must already be spreading, which won't be pleasing Oliver. Everyone thinks I've become the Noble's toy, and frankly, I'm not ashamed. There are worse titles to be anointed with, including being Oliver's wife.

"No. It was a set up to test Oliver. Kastriv didn't lay a hand on me," I tell her, my voice hushed, despite us being in my private room.

Kaia taps her finger against her lower lip. "Oh...Wow. I would say you're lucky, but I would do terrible things to bed that man."

Her and a lot of people.

"Were his words true that night, I get the feeling I wouldn't have enjoyed it." He only said it to strip Oliver of his remaining dignity, but they have haunted me ever since.

"I'm glad you're safe though. Oliver is a monster," Kaia muses, grabbing a book off my bedside table, flicking through the pages mindlessly.

I sit back on my bed, plagued by unnerving thoughts. "Surprisingly, Kastriv isn't. He likes Demon's. In fact, he offered me a job to help find them."