Just as we stepped into the first hallway of the palace, I spotted Primus standing in the corner. His daughter, Lara, was half-hiding behind him, peeking out at us in an innocent, curious way.
"How are you doing, Primus?" I asked, my voice calm.
His eyes met mine, then flicked to Steve, then back again. That one glance told me everything. There was fear in his gaze now, a sharp difference from the last time we had met.
"We are doing good so far," he answered, forcing a strained smile.
Beside me, Steve muttered under his breath, "A demon? You wanted me to meet a demon?"
I nodded.
"Yeah. Steve, this is Primus Blood Reaver. And behind him is his daughter, Lara. And this—" I gestured toward Steve "—is my friend, Steve."
Primus dipped his head toward Steve, but his eyes quickly returned to me, tense and watchful.
"How about all of us go out for breakfast?" I said, trying to cut through the stiffness.
