Seer? Daughters? Selma gave her a hesitant look, but then nodded. Whatever a goddess had to say would be worth listening to.

She wobbled a little as she got to her feet and had to place both hands against the wall of light to balance herself. Her palms buzzed pleasantly at the contact.

Kain’s black gaze locked with hers through the wall, fear plain on his face. He put his hand against the barrier opposite hers, but pulled it back with a growl when sparks flew at his touch. Dark energy burst from his injured hand against the wall above her head, making the entire thing vibrate, and anger once again marred his features.

How did one go about calming down a demon Lord seemingly hell-bent on wreaking havoc?

Selma waved a hand to get his attention, and when he paused his assault, she shook her head determinedly.

His dark brows drew into a frown and he gestured agitatedly at the goddess, who remained seated on the ground with her back halfway turned in an obvious attempt at seeming nonthreatening.

Selma nodded at him, hoping he’d understand. He seemed to, because despite the less-than-amused expression on his face, he nodded once and stood back, arms folded over his chest. Waiting.

She smiled in thanks and then turned back around to the goddess.

“I don’t know how long he will hold back for, so you should hurry with that explanation. Please.”

She tacked on the last word at Bealith’s quirked eyebrow—it was undoubtedly bad form to make demands of a goddess, and Selma blushed at her poor manners. Apparently, being around demons for too long wasn’t good for her social skills. Carefully, she sat back down.

“Why are your here, child?”

Selma blinked in surprise. That wasn’t exactly what she’d expected to hear. “You mean at the Sanctuary? I was told it—you—take in Breeders who escape their Masters.”

Bealith wrinkled her nose delicately. “You are not a ‘Breeder,’ Selma. You are so much more than what those meatheads can imagine. You are a Seer, one of my beloved daughters.

“Yes, I take in those of my daughters who cannot accept a life by a demon’s side, if they are lucky enough to make it here. But you seem to care for the one who has chosen you, so I ask again: Why are you here?”

“I…” That question should have been a lot easier to answer. Selma glanced at the man who called her “mate” and felt her heart clench. “He gave me my freedom. If I don’t take it, I will forever be a slave to them.”

“Do you know how many demons have willingly given up their mates before?”

Selma shook her head. “Few?”