The First Book of Demons (The Book of Demons Saga) by Raquel Dove Page A

demon.”  The griffin’s tail snaked around, wrapping around Alexandra’s waist as he shot into the sky.  “But I will be keeping this little treasure.”
    Balthazar watched as the griffin flew away, the human shrieking in fear as she trailed behind.  He fought the urge to sigh at her constant lack of composure.  Did she really think he would let her get hurt so easily?  Perhaps she did not understand the extent of Balthazar’s power.  And apparently the griffin did not either. 
    Griffins coveted anything of value.  That usually meant gold and jewels, but the griffin had recognized the value the human had to Balthazar.   It had obviously chosen the girl as the new piece in his collection, and Balthazar would use that to his advantage.

Chapter Twenty Six
     
    Alexandra landed on a hard pile of sparkling objects.  Her eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness of the cave that was the griffin’s home.  The entire back section of the cavernous dwelling was filled from floor to ceiling with golden objects.  A thin crack at the entrance of the cave was the only source of light.  A tangled nest of small trees sat in the middle of the cave, a smaller griffin curled up on top of it with her black eyes following everything. 
    The griffin pair greeted each other, rubbing necks and making clicking sounds.  The griffin that had captured Alex curled up next to the nest and laid his head to rest on his paws.  Alexandra assumed Balthazar would be right behind the griffin to rescue her, but as the hours passed with no sign of him she became disheartened. 
    Alex began to feel her way around the cave, making her way to the entrance.  Her eyes nervously watched the pair of massive beasts that appeared to now be sleeping.  She stepped to the outside lip of the cave, her head swimming with the dizzying height as she peered over the edge.  As far as she could see in the distance, a rocky canyon spread out, killing her hopes of escape.
    “There is no need to be anxious little creature,” the griffin suddenly spoke, startling Alex.  She whirled back around to face the beast.  “This is your new home.”
    “Balthazar will come for me,” Alex said, but her words lacked the confidence she was forcing on her face. 
    “Will he?” the griffin asked sitting up on his hind legs and glaring down at Alex with his lidless black eyes.  “Demons are not known to be particularly heroic.  Why would he do such a thing?”
    “He will come,” Alex said, looking away. 
    “What are you?” the griffin asked, inching closer to inspect her.
    “I’m human,” Alex said.  Her eyes were wide as she watched him, backing up dangerously close to the edge of the cave lip. 
    “Is that so?” the griffin said, pulling back, excitement in his voice.  “It has been many centuries since I have heard of a human in these lands.  Have the worlds once more merged?”
    “The worlds merged?” Alex asked, her brows pulled together.  “You mean humans have been here before?”
    “Yes, of course.  Although it was quite some time ago,” the griffin said, his voice softened. “My name is Shirdal.”
    “I’m Alexandra,” she said.
    The griffin dipped his neck, spreading his wings out behind him and bending his knees in a bow.  “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Alexandra.”
    “It’s nice to meet you,” Alex said, a smile growing on her face. 
    “This is my mate,” Shirdal said, motioning to the griffin sitting on the nest.  “However, she is incapable of speech.  Please, come back inside.”
    Alex stepped back into the cool darkness of the cavern, settling down on the hard floor next to the nest. 
    “Tell me, Alexandra,” Shirdal said as he too settled next to his mate, whose eyes were watching them curiously, “Why is it you are attached to this demon?”
    “He ’s going to help me get back home,” Alex said, “That’s why we needed…”
    “One of my eggs,” Shirdal said, finishing her