Page 70 of Hell-Bound

She almost vibrated with excitement as she draped it across the vanity. Only then did a shining necklace catch her eyes. It wasn’t adorned. It was a simple silvery chain with a dangling empty bracket like something had been removed. With a start, she withdrew the vurmite from her pocket and placed it in the brackets. It was a perfect fit. She would be the most beautiful Half-Elf in the realm with this, she was certain.

I can’t wait to see you,came his low, gravelly voice.

She swatted away the gathering smoke to dismiss himand went straight for the washroom. The tub was already filled, and soft red petals floated on the surface.

Ren clenched her teeth, wanting to disapprove but also incredibly excited for this little indulgence.

After washing every surface of her body and adding a little of the scented oils to some more intimate areas.

Not for him, obviously.

She slid on her perfect slinky dress and adorned her neck with her gem. Ren discovered she wasn’t much for hair styling, so she let her silver hair fall in flowy waves on her shoulders.

Rotating primly in the mirror, Ren heard a knock on her door. When she opened it, she had to stop herself from falling over. Azur was dressed in all black but wasn’t business attire that night. His ensemble was elegant and refined. His hair wasn’t slicked back, hiding his curls. Instead, he had allowed them to wind freely around his sleek horns, a couple falling down his forehead. His lips were slightly parted as he looked her up and down.

Realizing that this stunning male was staring at her, Ren could feel her chest flush and she hoped she didn’t look splotchy pink.

He held out his hand.

“Lady Ren, would you please join me for dinner in my sitting room?”

Sitting Room?

That seemed quite a bit more intimate than she was expecting. In her mind, she’d imagined a grand ballroom with an entire table between them.

Ren struggled to hide her anxiety as she placed her hand in his.

“Yes, sure.”

This was the first time they had touched since their kiss, and the sensation sent her head spinning as she thought back to where his hands had been.

He led her down the hall to two double doors that he opened for her, allowing her to walk first.

“Are you always so gentlemanly to your victims?” she asked, sweeping past him.

“Only the ones I need,” he said matter-of-factly.

“I see, you justneedme, is that it?”

She huffed.

“As I’ve mentioned, myneedis quite insatiable.”

Unmentionable areas in her body clenched at this statement.

He walked across the room and beckoned her to a small table in front of a roaring fire. The table was set, and food was plated with several types of meats and cheese, with an elegant bottle of red wine poised to be poured.

Azur pulled out her chair for her and, despite herself, sat primly, feeling increasingly like royalty.

“Please, help yourself. I know rations aren’t the most filling,” Azur said, smiling politely.

She looked down and, unable to control her growing hunger, did indeed tuck in, hoping Renata remembered table manners. It turned out she knew some formalities, and could get by, even remembering to place the napkin on her lap.

Azur reached across the table and poured her a generous glass of wine.

Ren’s mouth watered as she extended her hand and took the delicate glass. Lifting it to her lips, she noticed that Azur was frozen, not blinking.

She tasted the first sip—