Demon’s Quest (High Demon #4)(5)
Author: Connie Suttle

"What did you think of them?"

"I brought three into the ASD immediately. One of those even you’d be proud of."

"In training?" Norian grunted.

"Yes. Do you think Ildevar will offer membership into the Alliance again?"

"I haven’t asked him." Norian sipped his tea.

"One—the best one—worries that those pirates may attack Falchan."

"A reasonable fear. They took Lidrith, and it was better armed."

"But Lidrith isn’t home to a race of warriors, born and bred," Lendill pointed out.

"True. Are you training the one you’re so proud of to combat pirates?"

"Absolutely, among other things," Lendill grinned. He had plans to visit Reah later. Had asked one of Lissa’s Falchani to fold him to Karathia. Drew was glad to offer.

Radolf and I had just placed the ox-roast in the oven. I’d wanted to serve it to Wylend and the others—Radolf wanted to learn how to prepare it. We both got our wish. I was washing my hands at the sink when a woman appeared in the kitchen. Now I knew where Radolf got his eyes, nose and chin.

"Mother, what are you doing here?" Radolf sounded unsure, suddenly.

"I just wanted to look at the filth you’ve chosen for yourself," his mother snarled. I almost dropped the towel I was using to dry my hands—her voice was filled with hate. And what was she talking about? She already knew Radolf was a cook—he’d said she was still dealing with his decision over that.

"Reah is not filth," Radolf hissed right back. "Leave, mother, before you destroy everything."

"I’ll not leave. Not until she tastes what a Karathian Witch can do to her." I blinked as light formed around her hands. The blasts were hurled in my direction seconds later, only to dissipate into nothing before they reached me.

"Keetha, leave. Now you see why Wylend is wise to select Reah as his mate," Garek appeared beside his son. "Power of any sort cannot be used against a High Demon—they are immune. Leave, Keetha. Do not make this worse than it is already."

"I will not," she snapped. I was staring at her now. What was Garek saying? That Wylend was using me, because power wielded by his kind had no effect? Was that what I was—a shield for him? I blinked stupidly at Garek and then at his mate.

"That’s not all I have to say," Keetha seethed. "You’ll never give my son children. I don’t care how much he wants you. You’ll never be welcome in my home or in my family, you stupid filth. Leave my child alone!"

"What is the meaning of this?" Wylend was suddenly in the kitchen and thundering, his anger more than evident. I stared at him in confusion. Had it all been for show? Had they courted me—treated me as they had, to reel me in as protection for Wylend? And Radolf? What was this? I sobbed and skipped away.

Chapter 2

"What. Have. You. Done?" Wylend was glowing, his power gathering as he stalked toward Keetha. Only now did she realize the extent of the foolishness she’d committed.

"I didn’t know she’d just," Keetha’s voice trailed off and she shrank back from Wylend’s anger. Radolf stood, stunned. Garek, the spineless fool, wasn’t doing anything to protect her from Wylend. Keetha had never despised her mate more.

"Your power is removed," Wylend hissed, the light around him blowing outward. Keetha shrieked as she felt her ability fall away. "I’m holding back from killing you because I love Garek. That is the only reason you’re enjoying life now, Keetha. I suggest you not forget it. You are banished from the court and the palace. Do not," Wylend bent over her, his voice deadly soft, "come within my sight again." He waved an arm and Keetha vanished.

"Find Reah," Wylend snapped. "Find her. Immediately." Several ran to do his bidding.

Renegar had shown me the old palace on Beliphar; had told me I could use it if I wanted. That’s where I was, huddled in blankets on the wide bed. Everything in this wing was placed in stasis. The fabrics, walls, roof, food, everything was pristine. No dust touched any of it. None of that mattered. Was Wylend using me? Why had Radolf’s mother called me filth that he’d chosen? Where had that come from? Where? It didn’t matter; I was homeless again. I should just get used to it. Nobody wanted me for me.

"You have such a low opinion of yourself." Kifirin sat on the end of the bed. A tiny curl of smoke filtered away from his nostrils.

"What opinion should I have, mighty god of the Dark Realm?" My voice dripped with sarcasm.

"You are loved, and not just by the ones you left behind moments ago," Kifirin said. "I exercise patience with you as a gift. Do not push me, daughter of my heart."

"Or you’ll what?" I snapped. "Have me beaten as a child? Used up by the ASD? Kill my unborn child?"

"Reah, do not. I would hold you, if you would allow it. I see now that you do not know how to truly accept love. It was withheld when you were young, so now you know not how to deal with it as an adult. I will consider this. What I want to tell you is this. Your father loves you now."

"What? Are you crazy?" I was probably well on my way to being burned to a crisp for calling a god crazy.

"Reah, time has no hold upon my kind. Six lifetimes of penance your father served for his treatment of you. Just before Edan Desh was scheduled to be released from his prison, I switched his current spirit for one six lifetimes from now as he lay dying upon another world. That Edan never had a child, although he longed for one. This Edan you might love. Might take your troubles to. Sit in the shelter of his arms. He searches for you, little Demon. To offer apologies."

"And I’m just supposed to skip right to him and call him father?" I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

"I ask that you give him a chance. He is not the man you knew. Through six lifetimes, he has done many things to protect children. That was his punishment. Think on this, little Demon. How many will you punish by withholding your love? Yes, some have mistreated you. Take what they have to offer. Give them the opportunity to make amends. Forgiveness is difficult for you; I know this. Allow them to treat you gently now, in recompense for harder times before."

"Well, stupid me—is that all it is?" I snapped. "I have a hard time forgiving? Listen to yourself. Did you wonder when you were six what you did to make your father hate you? At least I thought Addah was my father then." I hugged myself to keep my hands from shaking.

"No. The one who made me gave me love." Kifirin disappeared.

"Sure. Disappear when you don’t have a good answer for something." I wiped wetness from my cheeks.