FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
SIMON WORTHINGTON

Worthington Estate, Meadowbrook, Grier Country

SIMON WORTHINGTON

Simon Worthington returned home to find his parents lounging in the parlor. An empty decanter and two half-drank wine bottles scattered over the tea table.

Outback, Simon rounded the linked kennel and flipped the latch to let Maxine out. Knowing full well how upset his mother grew at the dog’s presence in the Manse, but undeterred. Dropping to his knees, he rubbed her head and neck. “Hello Girl.”

She grunted softly in response.

Turning, he headed for his office, pushing open the door. Upon graduating Grier Tutelage last year, he’d take over operations of Worthington Grounds. Renting the Houses to Grier nobility. Since then the Duke of Worthington never returned to the offices.

Simon Worthington threw his overcoat along the chair back and took a seat at the desk. Caressing the cover of a ledger. Freezing when the atmosphere in the study shivered.

Maxine whimpered and crawled under the desk. Pushing her way between his knees to put her chin on his leg.

Simon stomped down fear. “Radix.” Still staring at the book, Worthington sensed the demon’s fury. “It took all sennight to get the repairs done in here.” He kept his voice neutral. Ensuring he didn’t disrespect the demon. “What-what do y-you want?”

“You dare question me?” Radix’s hoarse voice reverberated, echoing off every surface in the room. He paced with the slithering grace of a serpent. Step scraping the wooden floor. Sweeping gray cloak whispering as he gripped an onyx weight on the desk.

Abruptly tossing it at Simon’s head. “You’ve failed me, Worthington. I’ve little patience for incompetence.”

“Hey!” Simon squawked as the glass scraped his cheek.

Maxine snarled, shoving her way from under the desk to growl at Radix, teeth bared.

“Oh.” Radix’s eyes widened, and he dropped to his knees, face stunned. “She’s beautiful.” He said in awe. Hand fluttering toward her as if unable to resist.

When Maxine snapped at him, the demon jerked his hand back.

Simon glimpsed what might’ve been pain on the demon’s face.

Radix rose and turned his back. Murmuring, “Get her away from me.”

Simon obediently led the reluctant dog upstairs, locking her in his chamber. Reluctantly hovering near the entrance.

“Where’d you put the thing?”

Simon swallowed hard. “Locked upstairs. Where’s yours?”

“Chavias? He is in the caves.” Radix’s rasping laugh scraped through the room. “Being bled for an indiscretion.”

Simon couldn’t help the relieved breath. “Who’d he kill?”

“The opposite actually.” Radix commented thoughtfully. Eying nick knacks on shelves before returning to study Worthington. “Chavias was right about one thing. You are useless.”

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