The motherly scolding tone that broke through the sensation of bathing in light made Selma frown before cracking her eyes open. More than a little confused, she stared up into the most beautiful face she’d ever seen—high cheekbones, full lips, and dazzling golden eyes surrounded by golden-blonde hair. Behind the incredible woman was a starry sky beyond a shimmering veil of light.

“Who are you?”

“I am Bealith, Goddess of Seers. What is your name, my child?”

Goddess? She must be the one in charge of the Sanctum. “I’m Selma. What… happened?”

“You tried to cross the boundary while carrying one of them in your womb. The barrier expels all demons, including the unborn.” Bealith’s hand skimmed over her belly in a gentle caress.

If Selma hadn’t been so dazed by the shining light and waking up staring at a Goddess, she might have felt a bit more than mild surprise at that revelation.

“Oh. I thought it was supposed to be difficult to conceive with a demon.”

The goddess’ perfect lips quirked into a smile. “I take it the father is the demon who single handedly tried to tear down my defenses?”

Selma frowned. “Is he all right?”

The smile turned decidedly mischievous. “A bit upset, but perfectly fine. He claims he brought you here for protection. Is that true?”

“Yeah. Why is he upset?” She struggled to sit up, annoyed at the dizziness making her head buzz. It felt a bit like being drunk, only without the fun parts.

A shining wall came into focus when she was finally upright, and behind it was her mate, his face almost unrecognizable with rage as he slung wave after wave of pure black energy against the shield. A faint echo hummed through the air with every hit.

“What did you do?” Shock cleared her head and she whipped around to stare at the goddess again, anger filling her. “Drop that shield! He thinks I’m in danger—I need to calm him down. Now!”

Bealith cocked her head as she looked at her. “I will, but first you and I need to talk. However, if you could convince him to stop attacking my shield, it would be much appreciated—he’s very strong for someone who just poured enough magic into my Sanctuary’s barrier to crack a few of the wards, and I need time to explain.”

Selma narrowed her eyes at the beautiful woman. “If you trick me, he will kill you.” There was an odd feeling of calm in saying those words, in knowing that someone as powerful as the demon Lord raging just a few feet from them would stop at nothing to protect her.

“I know, but you have no need for his violence to shield you from me, little Seer. I will never harm my daughters. Please, tell him to stop and I will explain everything.”