Bittersweet Blood (The Order #1)

He was expected.

He’d tried not to think of Tara. Now he allowed himself one last image of her. Sprawled on the black silk sheets, her eyes smiling as she told him she loved him. He could imagine how furious she’d be, but he trusted Piers to handle it. She would be safe, and eventually she would be happy. He pushed her from his mind and stepped into his enemy’s stronghold.

The entrance to the fortress was a narrow tunnel, utter darkness that gave way into a courtyard. It was light here; flaming torches formed flickering shadows that danced across the stone walls.

A figure stepped out of a doorway. It approached, bowed low.

“Christian Roth,” it said. “My Lord Asmodai awaits you.”

He followed the hooded figure into the building, along a stone corridor and into a great hall. A huge fire burned at one end, and seated on a wooden chair was the demon prince. Two hellhounds flanked his seat. They raised their heads and growled, their hackles rising as Christian approached.

Asmodai stroked the hounds until they quieted, then rose to his feet. Standing almost seven feet tall, with black, feathered wings furled at his back, he bore little resemblance to the minor demons who served him, those inhuman creatures who filled the nightmares of man. He was lean and handsome with pale skin and dark impassive eyes.

Christian came to a standstill a few feet away. For long minutes, the two men stared at each other. Christian had hated this being for so long, but now, standing before him, he was unsure of what he felt.

There was no fear, but rather a feeling of inevitability, as though his life or rather his death had been leading up to this. He couldn’t destroy Asmodai, but he could weaken him so he’d be stuck in the Abyss for a long time to come.

On the other hand, Asmodai could destroy him and probably would, but if he agreed to Christian’s terms then Tara would be safe.

“So,” Asmodai said, “what do you want here, Christian Roth?”

“I want you to finish this.”

“This?”

“You’ve been killing innocents when it’s me you want dead. It’s a coward’s way.”

Asmodai shrugged. “I didn’t ask for details, just that they go after the ones you love.” His dark gaze ran over Christian, and the first signs of emotion showed in his eyes. Black hatred, deeper than the Abyss itself. The wings at his back unfurled, framing him in darkness. “Oh, yes, I want you dead, but first, I want you to understand what it feels like to have those you love ripped from you.”

“You showed me that many years ago.”

A frown flickered across the demon’s face. “I did?”

Disbelief swept over Christian. He’d always held Asmodai accountable for the death of his wife and children, and now it appeared the demon wasn’t even aware of it. “You probably don’t recall all the humans you slaughter.”

“Actually, I very rarely slaughter humans, myself. I have no taste for the sport. At least the fae or even vampires show a little spirit.” He studied Christian carefully. “I killed someone close to you?”

“You killed my wife and daughters.”

“Humans?”

Christian nodded.

Asmodai paced the room, deep in thought. When he returned, he was frowning. “When you insisted on my banishment after the last wars, was that in revenge for what I did to your family?”

“No, you were banished because you broke the Accords. You started a war.”

“I asked for time.”

“I chose not to give it.”

“Because I murdered your wife?”

Christian forced himself to acknowledge the truth. “Perhaps.”

“I understand revenge,” Asmodai murmured. He sank back onto his chair, rested his chin on his fingers, regarding Christian through heavy-lidded eyes. “Are you aware why I have ordered the death of those close to you?”

“No.”

“Do you wish to know before you die?”

“All I require is that it ends here. That you won’t pursue those close to me after this night. Fight me now, and whatever the outcome you leave my people alone.”

“Fight you?” Asmodai seemed amused at the notion. “You know there’s no way you can defeat me here.”

“I can try,” Christian snarled.

Asmodai smiled. “Are you aware of the closeness of bravery and stupidity?” He studied Christian, and his eyes narrowed. “I see it. There is one you love. One you seek to protect. You have no choice in this.”

Asmodai stood again and paced the room, then came to a halt in front of Christian. “Very well. I take into account the ones I have already taken from you and will consider the books balanced with your death.”