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I glanced up into his eyes, and he met mine with so much earnestness. “I’m not sure I can handle any more revelations. Is it important?”
“You’ll want to know this.”
I sighed, peering at his hand over mine on my knee. “Okay, what is it?”
“Lux, Stone and I, like all Hellborne, we gain our power from the fear and excitement of those around us. You share my power source, for now, but you have your own as well. If you can learn to access it.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“You can generate your own power, Tess.”
“How?”
“Well, anxiety is one way.”
“Nope. I don’t believe that for a second.”
“Why not? It’s true.”
“Nah uh. How am I not a goddess with the power to destroy this Earth then?”
“You’re a goddess to me, monstre.”
I rolled my eyes. “You said that was only one way. What else?”
“High emotions, so anxiety, excitement, fury, passion.”
“Fury will do it.”
“Yes. So will orgasms.”
“Did you specifically design this, Maverick?”
He laughed. “No, it’s just how it affects mortals.”
“I already told you. You don’t get that benefit anymore.” But even I didn’t believe it completely. We would fall into bed again soon. And then I would hate myself for it. Wasn’t that the point of the curse?
“We’ll see, Tess.”
His fingers tightened slightly, a silent promise as we navigated the labyrinth of streets, the shop’s neon sign spasming on the horizon like a beacon.
Chapter Sixty-Three: The Devil’s Paradise
Tess
Maverick and I arrivedat Empire Decay Ink. The sign shone overhead, painting a neon glow across the darkened street. Lux and Stone were already waiting outside the door, their figures silhouetted against the quivering fluorescent storefront. I flashed them a tight smile, the anticipation knotting my stomach as I fumbled for the keys to unlock the heavy metal door. The hinges creaked in protest as I pushed it open, revealing the familiar interior bathed in the soft amber light of the overhead lamps.
The air inside was stagnant, having been empty so long, but the faint aroma of sage remained, all contrasting with the cool autumn breeze outside. The three of them followed me inside,their presence a reassuring anchor amidst the swirling uncertainties inside me, despite being a big reason they existed at all.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked Lux as I prepared the equipment.
“No doubt in my mind, Tess,” Lux replied confidently, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering resolve.
He wanted a dagger on his chest, a symbol of strength and protection. We spent twenty minutes browsing through examples on Pinterest, scrolling through countless options until we found a few that resonated with him. We discussed the details—the hilt’s intricate design, the blade’s sharpness, and the subtle shading.
I pulled out my sketchbook and pencil, my hands moving with practiced ease as I sketched the outline. The graphite lines took form quickly, forming the image of the dagger that would soon adorn Lux’s chest. He watched intently, his expression that of both anticipation and approval. The scratch of the pencil on paper was accompanied by the steady tapping of my foot, a subconscious attempt to calm my nerves.
Once satisfied with the sketch, I showed it to him. “What do you think?”
