A Demon's Kiss ✔️

THIRTY THREE

Word Count: 1736

~Aspen

Kastriv's hand squeezes mine as we face the towering entrance of the Noble's manor.

"I'm not going to leave until she affirms this mate bond," he assures me gently. I nod numbly, overcome with the desire to turn and run for my life.

I never want to see Atari again.

"Or she agrees to back out of our lives," I mutter. I couldn't care less about whether she accepts us as mates, I just want her to stop trying to ruin my life.

Kastriv breathes in deeply, pushing the door open. "Exactly."

There are no Noble's around today, which is a relief. Last time having eyes on us, even if they were trying to help, only makes this more difficult.

And none of them will truly stick up for me. Not when I'm a Demon, and not when Atari has something over all of them.

I'm hoping today that whatever she is using to manipulate Kastriv is revealed.

I hear her approach before I see her.

"Ah, I was wondering when you two would visit again," she exclaims, clasping her hands together.

I've forgotten how beautiful she is, in a cold, cruel way. She looks especially magnificent today in an emerald green dress that flows around her legs as she approaches us.

The whole ensemble is accompanied by a sickening smile.

"Why did you do it?" Kastriv growls, wasting no time on pleasantries.

She rolls her eyes, as if she cannot be bothered explaining it to us. "I think I made myself very clear. There will be no continuing this relationship between you two."

She doesn't deign to look at me. It's as if my existence is more than just bothersome, but completely repulsive.

"This mate bond was decided by nature. It is not for you to decide," I snap, tired of being disregarded.

"But it is. I am responsible for all my Noble's. I must ensure that any love matches that occur will benefit them," she responds coolly.

The way she says my Nobles. It's like she believes she owns them.

Kastriv frowns. "What could benefit me more than my mate?"

"You always knew there was a chance I would not approve of your future mate," Atari says tiredly, as if the nature of the conversation is beyond her. "It's why I always advised you wear gloves, to reduce your chance of being hurt."

Kastriv glances down at me as I swallow tightly. It's not as if I'm not aware of powerful people doing that. Atari doesn't need to know that Kastriv and I chose to touch each other willingly because we felt a connection and wanted to rule it out.

If she did know...I get a feeling we may be introduced to her darker side.

"How does keeping my mate away from me benefit me?" Kastriv question. He still has my hand in a tight grip, as if Atari may physically banish me at any moment.

Atari shakes her head. "She's a Demon, Kastriv. What would your ancestors say?"

"I don't give a fuck about them," he growls.

Atari takes a step toward him, but he matches it back. "They gave you your gift. They have allowed granted you this wonderful position, your ability to speak with spirits-"

"My magic is not a gift."

Looking up at him, I can see the anger he struggles to keep contained. He's been manipulated by this woman for many years, and from finding his mate, there is a chance of freedom.