My heart was hammering in my chest. Crimson eyes that I remembered so well were staring back at me, arrogant smirk in its rightful place. I was angry. I was happy. I didn't know what I felt, just wished for these eyes never disappear again.
- Take good care of it, - he said and his voice burned my blood. I shuddered and nodded. I didn't trust my own voice. Right now it would be shaky and even whiny. God, I missed him so much.
- What? Cat got your tongue?
My cheeks flashed crimson from his teasing tone. I snatched the ring from his warm, gentle, but deadly hands.
- Like I need advices from a demon, – I snorted and pushed forward, away from him. Away from my burning desire to hug him, kiss him. OMG! I am damned.
His arm caught my wrist and in an instant I was next to him.
- Where are you going, William? – He whispered in my ear, hot breath tickling my skin. My body felt numb and at the same time tingled all the way down.
- None of your business! – I retorted, desperately trying to break his grip and get the hell out.
Dantalion was having none of that. His hold on me became stronger. I could do nothing, as I was not match for his strength.
- I missed you, - he whispered nuzzling my neck. My heartbeat became erratic. I felt flustered and very hot all over. – From your reaction, I judge that you missed me too…
My eyes stung. I didn't know why, but at that moment I felt like a substitute. From the beginning, demons were after Solomon not me. His power. His soul. His ring. I was a mere holder of his brilliance. I was nothing to them. I was nothing to him. It hurt.
- Let me go! – I hissed, losing my calm demeanour. I hit him. He felt nothing, but was surprised enough to give me a chance to free myself. I broke into a sprint. "Getaway! Get away! GET AWAY!" was my ultimate chant while I run.
I didn't get far. He easily caught me. His expression was sad, but it could not fool me. He wanted Solomon. I was not him. I would not be a replacement!
- Leave me alone, - my tone was harsh and cold, but I guess he saw something in my eyes, because I was enveloped in his warmth again. – Why are you doing this? - I asked and my voice cracked with desperate emotion.
- Because I need you…
I laughed hard and fake.
- Don't mess with me! You need him! I am not Solomon! I am William! Now. Let. Me. Go.
He hugged me even tighter.
- I know that and I need you, William. It is true that I loved Solomon in the past, but it is also true that I killed him.
- Why? – I managed to whisper, shelshocked.
- He asked me to. He saw what monster he become. Power corrupted him. I was grieving and didn't hope to feel the glory again but then I met you. Do you understand? – He took my chin and looked me in the eye. – Tell me, William do you understand what it means to long for the warmth of the sun?
I did understand. It was so hard to live in the world of endless winter. I longed for the sun. I needed its light and glory.
- Yes, - my voice was so weak he had to lean closer in order to understand the words.
- Thank you, my dazzling sun, - he murmured, kissing my lips. I surrendered to him. He was a demon, after all; and what a weak human being can do against his wish to be accepted? Nothing, just accept.