Alice in Demonland

I came forward as did the others, except Gilbert who was being examined by the doctor. Heathcliff was a scientist as well as the Society’s physician. I’d heard he worked for years in Massachusetts at one of the colleges with his father, a vampire called Adam Henry. At the college, Heathcliff created supernatural formulas and used his discoveries to help those in the human realm as well as supernaturals like me. We were lucky to have him.

Lined up, Wrythe walked down the line. As he went, we each took a knee, placing a fist over our hearts. He rested a hand on each of our shoulders before moving on, even waiting until Gilbert was able to join us and did the same for him.

I looked on in awe. The king was an ominous man. Describing him did him no justice. He stood nearly seven feet tall, the same as every other male warrior. His eyes shone with intellect and he had long ebony hair. Though his eyes and hair color matched every other Dark Moth, on him it was as though every feature, every muscle and sinew had lined up flawlessly. In truth, he was nearly too gorgeous to look at.

His markings were deep red, the color of the Wrath demon. He possessed an exceedingly strong note of anger. It seemed to boil through him, like a living creature just beneath his skin. Being near him was intimidating. It was apparent in the way he held his shoulders that he knew he was meant to be king, that he was right where he belonged. I wondered what that felt like. To know without a doubt where you fit in.

Once he’d walked the line twice, Wrythe stopped in front of Eric. “Rise, trainee.”

Eric stood, keeping his eyes on the ground.

“You fought like a champion this evening. You will be a fine warrior.” He patted Eric on the shoulder.

Then his gaze fell to Pamela. “Stand.”

Pam rolled her shoulders as she straightened. All female Moths were a foot shorter than the males, so she tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. I internally rolled my eyes. “Your Highness,” she said.

“It is apparent you were sired by a Pride demon.” He touched her arm. “You’ll have much to overcome. Take care to school your prideful thoughts lest they get the better of you.”

A small sigh escaped her lips before she checked herself and nodded.

He gave her a grim smile. “Still, there is hope. You fought well.”

He spoke a few words to each of the other trainees until he reached me. “Hello, Alice.” He held out his hand to help me stand even though I didn’t need it. For the longest moment he studied me. I worried I’d done something wrong. Then he said, “You aren’t like the rest of them.” He flipped over my hand so he could get a better look at the markings on my wrists. “Haven’t you reached maturity?”

“I have. When I’m fighting I feel the demon’s power, but my markings haven’t changed color,” I said, feeling small, especially since I wasn’t quite as tall as the other female trainees. The oddities were plentiful.

Peter came to stand beside the king. “Between the lack of color on her markings and her eyes, we aren’t sure which demon is her sire,” he said as though he were studying a new species.

Wrythe leaned in so close I could smell the spicy scent of his aftershave. “I’ve seen rare cases where the demon’s genetics are revealed through eye color, which would make her sire a Pride demon.” He lowered his head and moved even closer as though he might kiss me.

I couldn’t help but notice the fullness of his lips and was suddenly embarrassed. My eyes wanted to cross, but I held his gaze, hoping he would be able to give a solid answer. Perhaps my demon sire was a Sloth, but there where certain times that my eyes would change from blue-green to green-blue, so did that make my sire a Greed demon then?

“The other trainers and I have discussed it and can’t say for certain. She doesn’t fight like a Sloth demon. Her movements are too quick and calculating,” Peter went on.

“You’re right. She doesn’t move like a Sloth warrior. I would guess Wrath by her aggressiveness.” He seemed satisfied with that guess.

“We’ve considered Greed as well, but she doesn’t display a Greed demon’s appetites.” Peter continued to study me, clasping his hands in front of him.

“I would also agree with that assessment based on what I’ve seen tonight.” Wrythe straightened. “You’re a mystery, Alice Blackburn.” He crossed his arms in front of his bulky chest, causing his rippling muscles to flex under his black tee shirt. “And you’re also tonight’s winner. Congratulations.” He clapped and the others joined in even though I could tell they weren’t thrilled.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” I bowed at the waist, locking eyes on his inky combat boots.

“What do you intend to do tonight?” he asked.

“Um,” I glanced at the other trainees. “Would you mind if I invited everyone to go up into Wonderland with me?”

The king’s brows crunched together. “Most definitely not a Greed demon sire and much too beautiful as well.” He considered me thoughtfully.

My face heated and I wanted to hide.

“That wasn’t the agreement,” Peter chimed in, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try.

“It’s true. But,” Wrythe paused, and smiled a large, genuine smile, making him even more gorgeous. “I like your style, Alice Blackburn.” He walked to the exit where he pushed open the door. “Yes, I think that would be an excellent idea.” He gave Peter a pointed look. “Go with them. They deserve the break.”

Peter nodded. “Of course, sire.”

“Besides, I believe it’s Eric’s birthday?” the king added.

Eric lifted his head a bit higher. “It is.”

“Well then it’s more than settled. Be sure to eat some cake for me too,” Wrythe said and left.