"My Lord… resemblance or no, I am not quite familiar with your mortal females of this realm, " Sitri shot an arrogant glance at Rowan, "though I am a quick study," "I wish you would all stop talking about me like I'm not even here anymore…so I've got demonic brands that are possessing me…"
"No…not possessing you Laurel…they're changing you….like they said, bit by bit you'll become more like them…like me,", Rowan moved the jagged parts of hair away from his jet black eyes. Rowan had become what Dantalion once was. He switched his attention over to Sitri, extending his razor sharp claws in front of him.
"Don't do anything stupid with her."
"Not to worry my Lord, we stand behind you. We will keep her well," Sitri assured him.
"How will we see you… will you shape shift back?" I started to feel an emptiness penetrate my core.
"Don't worry. You'll see me again. Remember what I told you about our immortality? It's what they want… it's what might keep us alive."
Rowan gently traced the demon brands on my arms leaning closer … "Hide these."
The heat from the brands burned hotter when we came in contact with each other, and I knew this was only the beginning. I was somewhat grateful to get as far away as possible as I knew the brands would begin taking hold of me, though I was losing my best friend in the process.
Vine, Druitte, Halphas and Sitri guided me away from Rowan, leaving him standing alone in the dimming light. The medallion Dantalion entrusted to him as guardian of Gywnnedd still hung from his neck. Every day his powers were increasing and every day reminding him he wore the mark of a demon.
As we left toward the Courtyard, the closer Sitri got to me, the stranger my heart beat. Flashes came and went, each one a memory of Dantalion. It was as if he were keeping my thoughts focused on him. I reminded myself it was a lie. There were only two reasons for living, Dantalion and Rowan. I couldn't ever forget that..
"Stop getting so close to me…you're really starting to freak me out," I complained.
"My Lady, I'm sure Lord Dantalion held an unbreakable bond with you, but I assure you, I have no intention of seducing you," Sitri replied sarcastically.
Halphas chimed in…"Lord Dantalion was cursed. It was in his nature to inflict lust."