Chained to the Devil’s Daughter (Mating the Elements #1)

45

Ash’ren

H ands in my pockets, a serene grin on my lips, and vengeance in my little black heart, I soared over gate after gate of Hell like it was a typical day. After all, it was a day I’d lived through in my mind a thousand times, too common to be anything but ordinary. Fuck it, I decided to have a bit of fun, flying up and down and through the gates as I went.

Whenever I flew low, the most peculiar thing happened. The people of Hell stood at attention. Watching me, saluting me. There must’ve been dozens of folks dotting the pits, loitering around the gates as I zoomed through, but I didn’t count them. I didn’t feel the burning need to flee or fling flames.

I wasn’t born in Hell, thankfully. I grew up on the streets of Kindra. Fate was the only reason I was here. The people in these trenches weren’t mine by birthright, as they were to Firefly. The only place I’d ever been accepted was with Searra. She was my true home, no matter what. And yet. . .

“Ash Render.”

“Hell’s savior.”

“Hero.”

Searra’s people claimed me.

I wasn’t alone. I belonged. I belonged in Hell, by her side.

On the outskirts of Ring Nine, I landed in a jog. My hands slipped from my pockets. The smirk had fallen from my face.

A tiny voice squeaked my moniker. A human girl no older than seven clung to her father’s legs. His fist was planted over his heart. The girl gave a tentative smile, and I winked.

As I turned my boots toward the tower, I couldn’t help imagining Searra’s likeness in a small child, mixed with my own. Would our pups have my horns? Would they have her nose? Would a stranger see us in a crowd and know we belonged together?

The day would come when I would meet our offspring, and it would be a beautiful day indeed. Today, the sun cast the rot-infested tenth ring in crimson red light, bathing the landscape with blood. A fitting setting for Devil’s demise. I flexed my void-coiled fists, a fitting means to Devil’s end.

At the bottom of the looming tower, I pressed my palm to the stone bricks. They were rough and warm. I trailed my fingers along as I circled the imposing feature to the links of the chain. Even with my palm an arm’s length away, dark magic radiated from the cursed thing. I closed my fist and stared up at the window.

I’d sworn never to return here. I’d made many vows over the years. To be with my childhood friend for every day of our lives, to protect her. If I were to keep those vows and live to make many more, I had to take this first step. Devil’s destiny was to die by my hand.

One deep breath.

Seven broad strides.

Ninety-eight stair steps.

I turned the doorknob.