EIGHT
Astaroth
DARKNESS ENGULFED ME LIKE a warm nest. I felt myself floating there, taking in the serene quiet around me. The pulse of my heart thrummed softly, reminding me that I was still alive. Yet, I was alone.
Stretching out, I gently brushed my fingers through the air. A smile touched my lips. For the first time, I was at peace. There was nothing for me to harm, nor could I be hurt. Here was a place I could call home.
Every failure could be forgotten, and I would be lost in a void of darkness, surrounded by the stillness of safety. Father’s twisted view of me had no reign here. The worthless crown prince was forever wrapped in the black void.
I closed my eyes and basked in my newfound home.
Wincing as a bright light trickled through the darkness, I covered my eyes with my arm.
No, I wanted to stay. This was my home now.
Yet, the light kept getting brighter, and a voice whispered my name, gradually growing louder until I lowered my arm. The darkness was illuminated by a small orb of white light speaking my name in Dios’ voice.
Dios. My mate. My light, as he appeared to be in this very moment.
Unsure of I was about to learn, I raised my hand and touched the orb with a gentle caress. A zap of sparks erupted, and I yelped, but my fingers refused to unattach from the orb. Warmth spread from it, covering my body until the darkness’ cold embrace washed away.
Safety. Reassurance. Home.
Dios’ voice brought all of that.
I brought the orb close to my chest, taking in its warmth until the light began to slip inside my chest. Squirming back from it, I tried to pry the orb away from me.
Another voice came through the orb, harsher, with growing agitation. It told Dios to hurry up and to not lose focus. My mind swirled with raging thoughts as to why Anton would be saying such things.
Dios growled.
Anton countered with another demand.
Finally, the orb completely slipped inside. The darkness rose above my head, swallowing me; suffocating me until I couldn’t breathe. The light was gone.
Yet, I knew I was safe. Dios was with me. A second heart hammered against my chest. With a startled gasp, I threw open my eyes.
