Page 48 of Bride of Death

Hades falls silent.

Then he begins moving around my space.

I finally glance his way when I hear the fridge open.

“There’s a pack of blood ale on the bottom shelf,” I tell him, aware that’s his favorite beverage. I bought it when I first moved in, guessing that he might visit.

He grabs one, as well as a spider ale for me, then takes over the tiny recliner to my right.

Neither of us speaks; we just watch the film.

Our friendship, or whatever this is called, is abnormal. But he’s one of the few fae I allow into my personal space. He’s typically respectful of my need for quiet.

It isn’t until the end of the movie that he finally says, “That was dreadful.”

I huff out a laugh. “You wanted more of them to die, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” A flat answer.

I shake my head, still laughing. “The sequel is better.”

“I doubt it.”

My shoulder lifts into a partial shrug. “To each his own, my lord.”

“Stop calling me that.”

I take a page out of his book and simply reply, “No.”

His jaw clenches, his indignation painting a humorous picture, especially as he’s still all buttoned up in that suit while looking ridiculously large in that tiny recliner. “I’ll talk to her,” he says.

“Her who?” I ask, playing dumb.

The look he casts my way would cause most men to shrivel in place.

I merely smile. “About fucking time,my lord. Please tell me it’ll be soon.”

He casts me a withering look and stands. “Good night, Maliki.”

He disappears before I can reply.

“So it won’t be tonight,” I mutter. “Great.”

I pull up the sequel I mentioned and hit Play.

Nothing like a bloodbath to calm my soul…

Chapter 12

Sera

Pip appearsto my right as I enter my hut, his cloak swishing as he twirls in a circle of excitement.

I haven’t seen him since I snuck out last night. I asked him to stay here, mostly because I didn’t want to risk him touching my seeds—something that apparently wouldn’t have mattered.

Because the roses can’t grow here like the shopkeeper said they could.

I narrow my gaze in annoyance. I’ve been trying to create a rose for weeks. They were my favorite back home, and I miss the sweet fragrance that accompanies them, particularly when paired with the cold of a winter’s night.