We stared at each other across the ruined chamber for what felt like hours. I was the first to break the silence. "Okay," I said, clapping my hands once. "So this has been very educational, but I should probably get back to escaping my execution."
Mal raised an eyebrow. "You summoned a demon king and your primary concern is punctuality?"
"Death tends to motivate people." My sarcasm lacing each word.
He studied me carefully. "You're serious."
"Very." I gestured vaguely toward the tunnel. "Guards. Prison. Execution at dawn. Ringing any bells?"
"Several." He seemed to consider something. "Why were you condemned?"
"Apparently I tried to assassinate the king." I rolled my eyes at what had taken place just hours before.
"And did you?" He questioned.
"No."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Humans do enjoy blaming each other."
I frowned. "That's your professional analysis?" "It is surprisingly accurate." I rubbed my temples "This conversation is not helping."
Mal watched me for another moment. Then he said something that made my heart skip. "I could help you."
I looked up slowly. "Excuse me?"
"I said I could help you."
"You mean with the execution problem?"
"Yes."
Suspicion surged immediately. "Why would you do that?"
His smile turned sharp. "Because you summoned me."
"I didn't mean to."
"That does not invalidate the ritual." He stepped closer.
The pressure in the air intensified slightly.
"This circle binds us temporarily," he explained. "But there is another option."
My stomach tightened. "What kind of option?"
"A contract."
Of course it was. Every story about demons involved contracts. None of them ended well for the human. "What kind of contract?" I asked cautiously.
Mal's black eyes gleamed. "One year."
I blinked. "That's it?"
"For one year, I remain bound to you."
"And you help me clear my name?"
"And destroy those who betrayed you," he added. That part sounded particularly appealing.
"What do you get out of this?" I asked.
His smile widened slowly. "When the year ends…" He leaned slightly closer. "You give me whatever I ask for."
The words settled heavily between us. "That's extremely vague," I said.
"It is meant to be."
"What if I refuse later?"
"You won't."
"Why not?"
His voice dropped slightly. "Because by then, you will need me."
I hated how possible that sounded. I studied him carefully. A demon king offering protection. One year of help. Revenge. Justice. And the only cost was a future favor he refused to explain. This was a terrible idea. An incredibly dangerous idea. Which meant it was probably my only chance to survive the night. I looked down at the glowing circle. Then back at him. "If I agree," I said slowly, "you help me prove I was framed."
"Yes."
"And keep me alive."
"Preferably."
"Preferably?"
His expression remained amused. "Humans are fragile."
I sighed. "Fine."
Mal extended his hand. "Blood seals the pact."
Of course it did. I reopened the cut on my palm with a wince and pressed my hand against his. The moment our blood touched, the ritual circle exploded with light. Power surged through the chamber like a living thing. Something deep inside my chest shifted. A strange warmth spread through my ribs. Mal's eyes widened slightly. Then the light vanished. Silence returned.
I staggered back slightly. "What just…" Mal stared at me with an expression that looked almost… surprised.
"That," he said slowly, "was not supposed to happen."
My stomach dropped. "That's not a reassuring sentence."
He looked down at his hand, then back at me. "Our souls," he said.
"Yes?"
"They're connected now."
I sighed. "Of course they are."