Page 59 of Cuddly Demon

"Wait here."

Saint grips my hand. "No. Remember what we said at the altar? We're here for each other through thick and thin. Nothing anyone does or says can keep me from supporting you. Whatever happens, I’ll be by your side."

I turn to Saint, my heart melting in my chest. "What did I do to deserve a husband so sweet?"

I crush my lips to Saint's, needing to taste him before I complete whatever unfinished business I have with my old master. I feel Saint's arms wrap around me, pulling me close to his body as we deepen the kiss. The taste of his lips, the feel of his body against mine, all of it is so much better than I could have ever imagined.

Finally, I break the kiss, my eyes never leaving Saint's as I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. I clench my fists, feeling the fire in my veins begin to burn hotter.

"Let's do this."

I stalk over to my old master, my steps purposeful and my eyes dark with fury. He struggles against his chains, fear in his eyes as I approach.

"My disobedient little pet has come crawling back."

"I'm no longer your pet," I growl, the heat in my body flaring hotter. "I've come to settle a score."

"You think you can take me on?" he taunts.

I lunge forward, reaching for his throat. His chains rattle as he struggles to break free, but I'm too quick for him. My fingers wrap around his neck, my grip tightening as I feel the power welling up inside me.

"You owe me, and I'm here to collect," I snarl.

My old master's eyes widen in fear as he realizes his fate is sealed. I can feel the flames licking at my skin as I draw on my demonic power. I'm ready to release it all, to unleash my wrath upon this man who has wronged me for so long.

But then Saint's voice cuts through the darkness.

"Onyx. Stop."

I turn to see Saint standing there, his eyes full of understanding and compassion.

"Let him go," Saint pleads. "He's not worth it. We have a new life ahead of us, and this isn't the way to start it."

I take a deep breath and loosen my grip on my old master. I feel the flames inside me begin to die down as I turn away from him, Saint's words echoing in my mind.

"Tell me why you're here in Hell," I demand.

"I-I never wanted to hurt you," my old master stammers. "I wasn't able to pay what you demanded. I was in the closet and I wasn't ready to go all the way with a demon. After I put you in the Tomb, a swarm of hellhounds appeared while I was sleeping and dragged me to Hell. I've been here for three thousand years waiting for you to come back so we could clear up this misunderstanding. I'm sorry."

His words are a punch to the gut. I can feel the rage slowly dissipate from my body as understanding washes over me.

"You needed to tell me that you weren't ready to be my partner instead of placing me in the Tomb," I grit out.

My old master nods. "I wasn't able to own up to my desires. I was wrong."

My tension headache fades in an explosion of blue flames.

Saint hugs me while it happens. "You're okay."

I turn to my old master. "The curse has been broken. However, I'm not done with you."

Saint shakes his head. "Let's not seek revenge."

"You're right." I tug Saint close to me, my hands running up and down his lithe body. "Thank you for reminding me to put kindness over destruction. It's important to put positivity out into the world, and not contaminate the delicate fabric of the universe with negative energy."

"This is what you can't have," I say to my old master, my voice dripping with disdain. "This is what you lost—my love, and my life-giving energy. It's way too late for you now."

My old master sobs, his face pale and his eyes brimming with tears. I take Saint's hand and lead him away, leaving my old master to wallow in his regret.