Page 80 of Dream in Darkness
“I had a spa day planned for Beelzebub this afternoon, so this better be good,” Luc says, and I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.
“We received a notice from The Legion,” Draven says, and everyone visibly stiffens.
“A notice?” Raph asks, his eyes wide with surprise.
Reina looks carefully blank, and Gemma… Gemma must already know what’s in store.
Draven neatly unfolds a small slip of paper. Luc nods, and he begins reading the contents of the document. “Our Infernal King,” he starts. “The Legion is writing with an important proposal that demands your immediate attention. As King of Hel and reigning monarch, your leadership and reach span every continent. Your siblings work as governors, organizing and controlling each individual continent under general order, but they do not all act with the same level of care for their citizens.”
My heartbeat picks up in pace, my palms sweating in anticipation.
“The monarchy has systematically ignored or marginalized the half-demon, hybrid, and lupion populations, despite a direct connection to your lineage. The status quo under the leadership of the Morningstar family has become volatile and untenable, leading to issues ranging from taxation without representation, to deadly working conditions, and famine. Demons rule this planet, but it is obvious they do not consider other species when making decisions that affect the entirety of their continents.” Draven pauses and gives Raph a look that saysthey obviously don’t mean you.“This letter serves as our official demand that you align your future with the evolved demographic reality of your planet. The era of full-blooded demons is over, and it is time for a new species to reign. Specifically, we require that you marry a half-demon or human of appropriate standing within the next five years, with a soul bond, and produce a half-demon or hybrid heir who will inherit your throne. This union is meant to solidify the future for half-demons and all species on Hel.”
“Do they not understand how poorly this will be received?” Luc asks, face warm with frustration.
“May I continue?” Draven asks, and our leaders nod. “We are aware that this decision may rile the governors, challenging the traditions and expectations of the upper-echelons of demon society, but it is pertinent that you understand times have changed. The planet has transformed substantially over the years since The Convergence. We must not keep acting like it is the Dark Ages. The rebellion is well underway, and the support we’ve garnered is substantial. We have earned the endorsement of not only the majority of half-demons and hybrids, but many of the lupion packs around the globe as well. It is only a matter of time before the lupion and felion settle their differences, and the felion join the resistance.”
They’re all staring at me now, and I don’t know what to say, so I don’t say another word. As much as I have loyalty towards Luc and Raph, I would join in an instant if it meant better treatment for the felion species. Raph and Zada might be fantastic governors, but I know firsthand the kind of vile atrocities Cavan’s citizens are subjected to.
Draven continues reading, his brows furrowed. “You may have innate magic, but we have found ways to access ours as well. Additionally, there are threads we have dug up from history that we have pieced together, and we are not afraid to reveal more of our cards that could challenge your siblings’ leadership. We may be a separate faction from Malo, but we will rejoin forces if necessary. This is not shared as a threat, but as a way to provide the information you need to make the best decision for your future.”
Reina’s eyes are wide and Raph looks concerned, but it’s Luc’s reaction that strikes me as odd. It’s not rage or fear that settles across his features, but a deep sadness.
“To be clear: this is not a request. It is a demand,” Draven says, paper still in hand. “Within the next five years, we expect to see the initiation of this union. You have an additional five years to provide a half-demon or hybrid heir. This is only thefirst step of many towards forging a future where half-demons and hybrids have equal voice at the table, and continued access to our magic. Inaction will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with these demands within the provided timeline will result in further action from The Legion. Malo’s faction has agreed to withhold all militant force until the deadline. This information is not to be shared with the public or anyone outside of your direct council. We look forward to your wedding announcement.
The Legion.”
Luc is now smiling, the look on his face unnerving as the rest of us process the gravity of these orders. There’s almost no way Josina and Cavan will handle this well, and I have no idea about the other Morningstar siblings.
“Fucking Hel,” Reina says, stress lining her eyes. “What are we going to do?”
Gemma’s brows furrow. “It’s obvious. Luc is going to search for a spouse.”
“Awife,” he corrects her, and the ridiculousness of his reaction pops the bubble of tension in the room.
“Sorry for assuming,” Gemma says through muffled giggles. Almost everyone in this room is bisexual, and I’m a lesbian, so in her defense… It was a fair assumption.
“No, you fools.” Draven folds the piece of paper back up. “Demons choose their physical form, so none of that matters. He’s correcting you because he has someone specific in mind.”
I always forget how different demons are compared to the rest of us. Even the smallest percentage of humanity changes the way you’re physically formed.
The humor in thinking Luc cares about things like our perception of his sexuality dies out, replaced by the realization of his intended meaning, and I instantly want to go back to about twenty seconds ago. The brevity was necessary, but now the weird, maniacal smile spreading across Luc’s lips as he nods is making my stomach churn. He still wants Lilian.
“Might I remind you she’s married?” Draven glares at Luc.
“Might I remindyouthat he’s vile?” Luc says, and his body language alone is more terrifying than the stupid letter.
“I don’t particularly like Baelor, either, but the law is clear, Luc. We’ll find you a wife, but it just can’t be her,” Gemma says, genuinely trying to comfort him.
I think, while listening to the letter, Luc allowed his mind to wander too far. I watched as his face went from melancholia to a sort of delusional state, and I unfortunately relate. I too find myself dreaming of a future with someone when I know it’ll never be. The difference is, I’m not leader of our fucking planet.
“Do we have any idea what the vague stuff was about, threads of history?” Reina asks, but Gemma and Draven shake their heads.
“Not a clue. At some point when we’re not drowning in felion-lupion business and Baelor, I’ll have Yasmeena and Gemma investigate further and see what they can find, but as it stands, I agree with my wife. We need to meet their demands,” Draven says. “It is time.”
“I’m not going to marry someone.” Luc shakes his head, his tone deadly serious.
Draven’s nostrils flare. “As your hand, I require that you do.”
