Hidden Hallows

"For example, you"ll come across several food stalls and candy stalls that are marked "FREE" but once you eat one piece, you can"t stop. Literally. The demons running those stalls feed off your pleasure before it turns into fear and misery. Then ultimately dying from overeating."

I stare at him without blinking and slowly nod my head. Mentally noting to never take anything for free down here but to be honest, it was slightly terrifying. What if he hadn"t come back down here? Would I have ever made it to the city? And if I did, would I have survived here? No.

As we step out of the slate condo, I notice with worry that it"s still dark. Kian slips my hand in his and leads me down the street. I lean in close and ask "Why don"t any of the buildings have windows?" As he continues to walk he leans in and says "They don"t want demons or other things crawling in at night when they"re sleeping."

I nod and ask "You said some of the demons down here will feed off another"s pleasure, pain, and other stuff, right?" Kian nods and weaves us through others as I ask "I thought they only fed off humans?" Kian shakes his head and quietly says "Humans taste a lot better than any demon ever will but they can still feed off other demons. Especially new demons that don"t know how things work."

I nod and silently follow him as the streets become more and more crowded. A fight breaks out as several demons start blocking off the street. Other demons walking by and unlucky enough to be caught, are pulled into the fight.

When a head goes flying, I swallow hard and stay close to Kian. There are no authorities here... nothing. When I go to look back at the fight, Kian lifts his hand and blocks my view before saying "Don"t"

As we reach a club, he pulls me to the side and says "Listen closely... You are the only demon down here that actually still has a soul and that soul can be seen in your eyes so you need to be careful. Kindness is seen as a weakness down here and fear will get you killed."

I bite my lip and take a deep breath. I nod my head and say "I got it... I"ll keep a straight face." He gives me a s.e.xy grin and says "Anger, s.e.x, violence... that"s all fair game. Just stay close, dollface." I slowly nod and let him lead me into the busy club.

I"m slightly surprised about the ba.s.s boosted music but I guess I should expect it after seeing everything else. A blood-red light makes everything and everyone look b.l.o.o.d.y as they dance, drink, and... yeah...

I try to ignore the female demons and even a few males touching Kian as we walk by but to be honest, it was starting to p.i.s.s me off. Why are they always trying to grope someone!? Kian walks us past all the groping demons and straight to the back corner.

Two large, male demons sudden step in front of Kian before someone behind them says "h.e.l.ls b.a.l.l.s... I didn"t think I"d see you again for some time, Kian! Move out of the way!" The two large demons slide to the sides like a parting sea, allowing Kian and I to step forward.

"Ignis, it"s good to see you again." Kian says as a way of greeting and says "This is my woman, Eris." Ignis is an attractive demon with long black hair and blood-red eyes. He wears a black and red j.a.panese kimono that"s left open at the chest.

Judging by his looks... he"s very much j.a.panese and very... hot. Are all demons attractive!? Come to think of it, I don"t think I"ve seen a single ugly demon! His almond-shaped eyes look me over before his full lips arch up in a pleased smile.

"New beautiful demons are always welcomed at my table. It"s a pleasure to meet such a beauty." Ignis says with an alluring smile but Kian cuts him off saying "I actually came here to get an update on Enzo. Have you heard anything on the dark prince?"

Ignis finally takes his eyes off of me and says "You know I always have information but it always comes at a price." Kian reaches out and something like a small red stone appears in his hand. It faintly glows, catching Ignis"s attention immediately.

Ignis"s red eyes reflect the red glow as he looks up to Kian and says "For that, I"ll tell you everything I know on that b.a.s.t.a.r.d." Kian smirks and tosses the stone to Ignis before taking a seat at the round booth table.

I slide in next to Kian as Ignis practically pets the stone before putting it away. I wonder what it is... "Word on the slates is that the dark prince is looking for a female witch. It"s said that she has silver-white hair and silvery-blue eyes. Anyone who brings her to the dark prince will be given more money then they know what to do with."

He leans in closer and says "It was the one they were sending all the other demons after. Apparently, they all died! When they realized that sending the demons after her wasn"t working, they did some kind of a reversed summons and it actually worked! Tons of demons have been seen heading to the wastelands so I can only a.s.sume something didn"t go right and she ended up in there."

Kian looks mildly interested before saying "I should probably try and cash in on that as well... What does he want the witch for?" I try to keep a bored look on my face as Ignis leans back and says "I have no freaking clue. No one does. There are all kinds of rumors though. Some say he wants to kill her and drink in her blood, others think he"s in love... some just think he wants her for more power."