Page 12 of Demon Demands

Dolyn’s training room was my second favorite place in all of the Underworld. Not much else could compare to the peace that this room could bring me. And godsdamnit, I needed some fucking peace of mind.

Whatever new toys Dolyn had created wouldn’t hurt either.

“I’ve been playing with some new designs,” Dolyn professed, his fingers running along the built-in cabinets against the far wall. “I think you’ll like them.”

“I’m positive that I will.”

I didn’t have one single thing from Dolyn that I didn’t like. His weapons and armor were the best in all the realms, and that wasn’t just my opinion.

He was selective about his clients, but they came from far and wide, seeking him out to make them as close to indestructible as possible.

He always saved the best for me, and the testing of said items was a thrill that wasn’t for the faint of heart.

“Put this armor on. It should fit you like a glove but still be breathable and moveable. That tiny gem in the center of the chest plate should have the capability to reflect magically enhanced weapons. We’ll test that first.”

Dolyn had his back turned to me as he picked objects from his shelves. I knew that some of the things that he chose were for me, but some would be for his other clients.

I enjoyed acting as his practice dummy. The adrenaline rush was like no other, and after the first few tests, I wouldn’t let myself be an easy target for him.

That was our push and pull. Our game. And we’d been playing it for years.

“What about weapons that aren’t enhanced? Are we going to practice with those too?”

I wanted to pepper him with more questions, but I could tell he was intent on picking the right pieces out. Dolyn was in his element, and contrary to popular belief, I knew when to shut my mouth.

I didn’t mind being in charge, but this was his domain, and me running the show wasn’t going to happen. When we started our hunt for Jack, Dolyn would defer to me.

His house, his rules. My hunt, my rules.

He rummaged around for what felt like ages. I idly worked my eyes across the room, stopping on the garage-like metal doors as they began to roll up. I could see my guys had been led to the room on the other side of this one, safe on the opposite side of the spelled glass behind the rumbling door.

I could bet on at least two of them freaking out about what they might see, so I reached out to Novak.

“He’s about to throw dozens of weapons at me. I don’t want any of you guys to panic if I get hit with a few.” I arched a brow at Novak, knowing that he could trace even the most minuscule of movements.

“We’re all fine, Trouble, don’t worry. Grim explained to us that this is what you and Dolyn do when you visit. I can’t say any of us are excited to see him shoot grenades at you or some shit like that, but we’re not gonna stop you. I’ll make sure that the guys know you’re okay.” He winked at me as I moved to stand in the center of the training room, so I blew a kiss before I focused my attention on Dolyn.

“I want you to try this out too.” It wasn’t often that Dolyn sounded unsure of himself, but that’s what I was sensing from his request. “I don’t know if it’ll work yet. I may need to revise some of the etchings before I officially hand it over for you to use.”

I shrugged, even though he couldn’t see me. I trusted Dolyn implicitly. If I walked out of this room bleeding, it wouldn’t be because he was trying to purposely harm me.

I mean, he would be throwing weapons at me, but not with ill intentions. It was all for research purposes to better his craft, or however you wanted to word it.

“Ready when you are,” I called to his back, knowing that if I didn’t tell him, he’d keep second guessing his choices.

I could come back for another round after we found Jack. I didn’t want to waste precious time when I could visit Dolyn whenever I wanted. I also knew he was doing his best to help me calm down and go into my hunt with a level head.

I could still feel Jack, though he’d cut off everything but his emotions. He was angry, spiteful, and encouraged me to chill out.

I wanted to roll my eyes at him, but he couldn’t see that, so I sent back the feeling of mild annoyance at him. To that, I felt his amusement.

Fucking asshole.

Dolyn turned, and without another word a dagger came sailing through the air at me. I fought the urge to dodge it, watching mesmerized as it stopped inches from my chest.

The blade floated for a split second and then clattered to the ground, the sound echoing in the silence of the training room. He wasted no time, throwing four more in quick succession. Each one stopped and then fell, landing at my feet.

From the next set he threw, I snatched two as they froze in the air, returning them to him but aiming wide. I didn’t want to hit him, but I knew he could catch them.