The Devil (BOOK I + II)

7 | "Put The Damn Gun Away"

Chapter Seven
   "Put The Damn Gun Away"

"you have to learn to get up from the table
when love is no longer being served,"
~ nina simone

┏━━━━━━━┓

   It's official. My body bruises like a peach.

   My fingers were tracing over the different shades of marks all over my thighs and abdomen while I stared at myself in the mirror. I couldn't help but scrunch my nose at the sight of the fresh purple bruise on my side.

   You know what? I'm blaming my bruises on the fact that Vladik upped his game. Even though each round ends with him on the ground, he does manage to get some good hits. Asshole.

   With a grumble that ended up in curses, I slid on my black leggings. My sports bra was already on, tight and secure for today's festivities.

   The monthly trial. Fun.

   I wasn't even sure of Micah was participating. Three years ago he had, and he outperformed every dynasty, the cocky son of a—

   "Roza! They're starting to come. Hurry up," I heard Vladik's muffled voice coming from the hall, despite myself being in the bathroom.

   I rolled my eyes as I slid the tank top on. "Patience is a virtue, Vladdie," I called out.

   A faint snort. "I'm not virtuous. Bystreye."

   Before I could retort, I heard his footfalls moving down the hall, further away from my bedroom with each step. By the time I was glancing back to my reflection, I knew he was far from my door.

   After scrutinizing my face for a solid minute, I fixed my high ponytail and gave myself a nod of encouragement before opening the bathroom door. I was already in my running shoes as I took long strides, making sure my head remained up.

   I couldn't look like I was weak. But I had to let myself believe I wasn't first.

   By the time I reached the entryway, I was flinging the door open, not sparing Daemon a glance. But as I started exiting the east wing, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise, knowing his gaze was on me instantly.

   Luckily, by how fast I was pacing, I made it to the grand staircase quickly. Although, I hated how I nearly tripped on my feet at the sight of all the Seven Dynasties under one roof.

   Things were tense, that much was clear. And even if papa told them to leave their weapons outside, one wrong word and someone would pull a gun out of nowhere and start shooting.

   I couldn't help but smirk at the idea. That would be a great distraction.

   With that final thought, I tugged myself down the stairs, my eyes glazing over all the children, teenagers and adults. I first caught sight of the Mexico Dynasty: The Morales'. They had five children, three boys, two girls, all above the age of ten. The oldest was a year younger than Micah.

   Those from Albania: the Xhafa family, and their two sons, and the Nesser family from Switzerland.

   The Italian's only had Angelo as their legacy, similar to Japan. The Taoka family had their only son, who was older than Micah by two years.

   The UK Dynasty was nowhere to be seen though, but I knew they were somewhere in the estate. The Hunt family had two daughters and a son, but I knew one of their daughters were still under the age.