Taming Demons for Beginners (The Guild Codex Demonized #1) - Annette Marie Page 0,88
done yet. However, knowing the nature of your contract, I can’t disregard my moral responsibility. Allowing you to disappear, and potentially wreak the havoc and destruction only an unbound demon can inflict, would be unconscionably irresponsible.”
I shifted nervously in my chair. “So, if you aren’t turning us in but can’t ignore us, what do you plan to do?”
“My first inclination is to induct you into my guild. You can’t stay at the Grand Grimoire, and any other Demonica-licensed guild presents its own dangers. Here, I can keep watch over you two.”
Zylas hissed at the last part.
“However”—Darius’s face hardened—“I’m also responsible for the safety of my guild.”
And Zylas was dangerous. Powerful, unpredictable, and uncontrollable.
My shoulders wilted. “I understand. I don’t want to put your guild members in danger either.”
“Since inducting you isn’t an option, the best alternative would be—”
“Na?” Zylas cut in, his husky voice sharp with annoyance. “Why are you not asking me?”
Darius started as though he’d forgotten Zylas was an equal participant in the conversation—probably because the demon hadn’t spoken until now.
“Asking you what?” the GM inquired politely.
“Are you dangerous? Will you kill my guild members?” His imitation of Darius’s accent and inflection was so good I did a double take. Zylas planted his hands on the seat of his chair and leaned forward. “Or do you think I am a stupid beast and cannot answer?”
Darius blinked in renewed surprise. “My apologies, Zylas. However, I don’t see how I can trust your answers.”
“Because you did not ask.”
The GM placed his hands on the desktop. “All right. Are you dangerous?”
Zylas flashed his canines. “Yes.”
“Will you kill my guild members?”
“Yes.”
As silence settled over the office, I put a hand over my eyes and suppressed an embarrassed groan.
“Enlightening,” Darius commented dryly.
“Ch. You are as stupid as the rest.”
This time, I didn’t hold back my groan. “Zylas, would you just—”
“Ask me now: Will I kill Robin’s allies?”
Behind my hand, my eyes flew open. Zylas hadn’t used my name since I’d told it to him.
Darius was quiet for a moment. “Will you kill Robin’s allies?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because she needs them.” As Zylas spoke, I peeked over my hand. He gazed steadily at Darius. “If your guild members are her allies, I will not harm them. If they betray her, like the last ones, I will kill them.”
Studying the demon, Darius sat back. “I see. And I have your word on that? Your promise?”
His mouth twisted with distaste. “I will not promise you anything, hh’ainun.”
“Then—”
Zylas spun on his chair to face me. “Payilas. I will not harm your allies.”
I resisted an unexpected sting of tears. “Thank you, Zylas.”
“If you were not so weak, you would not need any allies but me.”
My sappy gratitude evaporated. “Every time you say something nice, you ruin it.”
“We talked about nice.”
“And I told you being nice has benefits, but you’re too stubborn to—”
Darius cleared his throat. “In lieu of a promise to me, I’ll accept his promise to you, but your abnormal contract must remain a secret, even here, Robin. I won’t implicate my entire guild in a coverup. If you’re discovered, I will have to turn you in.”
That had been a risk all along, and in his place, I would do the same. “I understand. Zylas is good at pretending to be properly contracted—”
“Enslaved,” the demon corrected.
“—as long as he can keep his mouth shut.”
“Do you accept my offer, then, Robin? And … you as well, Zylas?”
“We accept.” I shot Zylas a glare before he could speak. “Just be quiet for once.”
“Very well,” Darius said. “There are more details to arrange, but for now, let’s adjourn this meeting. I’ll have my AGM start your paperwork. If all goes well, we can formally induct you within a week.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Darius. This is … we really appreciate it.”
Zylas growled at the “we.” I ignored him.
Darius smiled and my anxieties quieted as a feeling of safety spread through me. He was taking a big risk—and saving my life. Without him, without this guild, I had no idea what I would do.
“Welcome to the Crow and Hammer, Robin.”
I tried to smile and my lips quivered with emotion. A true welcome. A safe haven. If I didn’t screw it up, this guild could be the sanctuary I needed. I wouldn’t let Darius down.
With that in mind, I thanked him again, bid him farewell, and hauled Zylas out of the office and into a larger work area filled with three unmanned desks.
“Zylas, we have to do this right,” I whispered ferociously. “This guild will