Chapter 541: The Apostles
Fyren’s hands tightened into fists at her insults. "You have no say in this matter, Ixtra, and we will remain regardless of your wishes. Furthermore, her name is Xivyah, and she is no more tainted than your precious apostles."
The curse demon’s lips curled in a sneer. "I obey them at the command of my Emperor and for no other reason. They, along with this... Xiviyah belongs with the slaves in the Tainted’s camp."
The other tainted she was referring to were the demonkin and beastkin accompanying the army. They were crude and bloodthirsty. Did she believe I was no different from them?
Looking into her eyes confirmed that fear and so much more. I flinched as she met my eyes, and her sneer widened into a mocking grin.
"Perhaps I was too hasty to block your path, Lord of Ash."
"Then move," he said, stone-faced.
"Of course," she gestured, and she and the demons stepped aside. "After all, you named your slut ’conquered.’ It’s a suitable name for the apostle’s slave. Indeed," she said, nodding to herself. "I’d forgotten her role as his plaything. It would be unjust for me to deprive him of the chance to use his whore."
I lowered my eyes, tail curling limply at my feet. It was always the same, reduced to a tool, a symbol. Even with all my strength and Fyren beside me, I was just as helpless as before and could only endure the vitriol.
This demon, Ixtra, was too powerful to offend, a commander in the infernal horde. Disobeying her would turn the entire army against us, and even if Fyren and I would escape unscathed, could the same be true for Elise and R’lissea? After everything Luke had said, I had no doubt where his loyalties lay. It was his army, his chance at revenge, against some lonely girl he’d decided to help on a whim.
"Fyren..." I whispered, reaching up to take his hand. "Let’s just go."
His eyes were locked onto the Curse Demon’s, his hand trembling with anger, but he relaxed as my small fingers found his. His eyes turned down to me, a deep frown etched across his face, but I ignored him and walked forward, keeping my gaze lowered as I pulled him past the demons.