DEVYN'S POV
"No! We are not doing this! I will not let you," Rae protests profusely.
"Rae, it's the only way to save them," Ilios responds calmly.
"No. It's too dangerous. You are not doing it."
Ilios heaves a sigh before turning to us. "Excuse us for a moment," the angel apologizes before taking Rae's hand and leading him out of the common room.
I watch them leave before my gaze trails over to the demon standing across from us. His red eyes flick to mine for a second before they quickly move on to Denzyl.
"What are you? You're not from Hades," the demon general addresses Denzyl.
"I am from Sendrum," Denzyl answers shortly.
Aklys nods his head. "I had heard of the leader's son going missing with their sacrifice." His red eyes land back on me. "I assume that sacrifice is you, little human."
Denzyl immediately brings me behind him at the general's words. "Don't worry. I don't meddle in other people's affairs," Aklys sighs. He seems tired, but a fire is still aflame in his eyes.
Denzyl relaxes slightly but remains protective. I peek around Denzyl and peer at the demon general. His pitch-black hair is cut short, and his red eyes contain years of hardship and struggles. I step out from behind Denzyl as Kilo goes over the map that Aklys drew of the major points of Hades.
"Will Rae let Ilios do it?" I ask Kilo.
"Ilios will do it whether Rae wants him to or not. It will just be easier on Ilios if Rae agrees," Kilo answers, eyes fixed on the plan spread on the table.
ILIOS'S POV
"Why? Why do you have to? We have already been through so much," Rae says, his eyes showing his pain and conflict.
I cup Rae's cheeks in my hands and bring his face close to mine. I look him deep in the eyes before answering, "I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing there was something I could have done to save Castyr but didn't. This is the only way, Rae."
"It's too dangerous," Rae says in a whisper.
"I'll be fine, love. Besides, I'll have you, and Kilo, and Denzyl, and the demon general right behind me. It's going to be okay," I persuade before placing a kiss on my angel's forehead. "I can do this."
"I can't lose you. I just got you back."
"You're not going to lose me. Stop thinking those thoughts." I take Rae's hand before adding, "I need you to back me on this, okay? Please, Love?"
Rae closes his eyes before reluctantly giving in. "Okay. But promise you will get out of there if things get heated."
"I promise," I smile affectionately before bringing Rae in for a kiss.
KILO'S POV
I straighten my stance as Ilios and Rae enter the common room.
"I'll do it," Ilios says quietly, holding Rae's hand all the while.
"Thank you." I bow my head. Ilios nods back slightly.
"Okay. Now that that is settled. There is a way to rid the world of that bastard," Aklys speaks up.
We all listen intently as Aklys explains his plan.
"So we just have to lure him into the machine?" Ilios asks after the brief.
"Yes," Aklys nods. "It's only fitting that the monster be put down using his own invention." A dark smirk comes to the demon's lips. Wow...his hatred for the king is strong. We can use that. It will drive him to carry out his promise of alliance.
"Are you a hundred percent certain this will work?" Rae double checks.
"Yes, and even if I wasn't, it is the only option we have. The king is too powerful to overcome with just our abilities. We are no match for him."
"What if he suspects something when you go traipsing in with his prize after you have been declared dead?" Devyn questions.
"He won't. He will be too caught up gloating about how he has the great Ilios in his grasp. Trust me, his ego is way too big to worry about something like that," Aklys assures.
"I hope you're right," Rae responds, his hold on Ilios' hand tightening. The blonde-haired angel looks up at Rae standing next to him and gives him a reassuring smile.
Aklys nods his head in agreement. "There's one more thing." The demon lifts his hand and points at Devyn. "He should stay here. His scent is too alluring. It will give away your location."
"I understand. I do not want to mess this up in any way. I will stay," Devyn agrees.
I watch Denzyl visibly relax. He did not want Devyn to go in the first place. I look at Aklys with respect as I know Devyn's scent is not that alluring. Sure, he has a nice scent of cinnamon and rain, but it is not to the level of giving away our position unless you were right next to him. Literally, I think Denzyl is the only one who can smell him right now. But it was kind of Aklys to come up with a reason why Devyn should stay. A human is no match for Hades.
We go over the plan numerous times before separating to prepare for departure to Hades.
DENZYL'S POV
Devyn watches as I change into the gear provided by his company. He stands from the bed and walks over to help me put on the bulletproof vest.
"Perfect," he says quietly as he takes a step back and studies my outfit to make sure everything is in top condition. "Thank you for helping them. You didn't have to."
"I'll do anything to keep you safe," I smile down at Devyn who looks up at me with his big eyes. I find myself under his trance as he leans up and kisses my lips. My hand naturally flows down his back to his waist, and I pull him into me to deepen the kiss.
Devyn flutters his emerald eyes as we pull away. He steadies his breathing before looking me straight in the eyes and saying, "I love you."
I am stuck. Never in my life did I think I would be loved by such a wonderful man. What did I do to deserve his love? He is so pure, and I am...well...a demon.
Devyn continues to look up at me, awaiting my response. My response...right! Pull yourself together, Denzyl! Let him know you love him, too! Do not leave him hanging. Wait...did I just confess I love him? Yes! I have known I have loved him ever since...well, ever since he came into my life. He is literally a gift from the Heavens. I do not know what good I did to deserve him, but I sure as hell will love him!
"I love you, too," I manage to return Devyn's confession.
The biggest smile appears on Devyn's face as he leans into me. We hold each other, just being immersed in the other's presence until Devyn looks up at me. He brings my face to his and kisses me softly.
"Come back to me, okay? We still have so much to do."
"I will," I smile.
"Promise?"
"Promise. I still have yet to love you enough."