Page 6 of Bride of Death

But I learned long ago that looks can be deceiving.

In a universe full of supernatural beings, nothing is ever what it seems.

“The Netherworld Fae Registry,” Jack says, his comment sending a tremor down my spine.

It’s… it’s an irrational reaction. I already went through the process of providing my information and classifications to the Netherworld Fae Registry last month; it was a requirement for me to seek housing in the Netherworld Village.

But it’s impossible not to compare the list to the one I grew up fearing—the list of eligible candidates for the Day of the Choosing.

And that dreaded Chalice…

I wince with the thought, my mind conjuring up an all-too-familiar stage. The Viscount. My name being chosen for Monsters Night.

The confusion that followed…

“Says she’s not got no attachments,” Jack goes on, yanking me back to the present with his gibberish-like statement. “Which means she’s unclaimed.”

“Perhaps the one who has a claim on her hasn’t made that declaration clear,” Ghost murmurs, leaning forward and leaving the shadows behind. “Maybe she has no memory of him—or is it them?—at all.”

I frown, his words feeling a little too intentional. A little toopersonal. Like he knows something about me.Something about my past…

“Or it’s entirely possible that all of this is a game,” he goes on with a shrug. “Regardless, the Netherworld Fae Registry isn’t all-knowing. And more importantly, Jack, I don’t think she’s interested in what you’re offering. So it’s time for you to move on and fuck off.”

Jack bristles at the bar. “This has nothing to do with you, Ghost.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not entirely true,” he drawls, a flash of metal appearing in his hand as he twirls a blade. “Don’t make me ask again, Jack. I may enjoy the experience, but you certainly won’t.”

Dead Guy visibly pales, which is a feat considering his too-white complexion.

I swallow and take a step back. There’s something very deadly pouring off of Ghost. It’s not tangible. Not even an aura. It’s just…him. He exudes violence. And there’s a hint of madness in his gaze, one I didn’t notice before but clearly see now.

Or maybe it’s not madness so much as malice. Danger.An eagerness to kill.

Those golden orbs swing my way, his lips curling into a soft grin that belies the cruelty radiating from his eyes. “Don’t worry, little mystery. Jack was just leaving.”

“You’re an asshole, Ghost.”

“I am,” he concedes. “But in this case, I’m trying to save your life.”

“By threatening it?” Jack scoffs as he slides off his stool. “If ya wanted the female, ya could have just said so. No need for all the theatrics.”

Ghost finishes his drink and slowly turns toward Jack. “I adore violence, Jack, but not even I would be suicidal enough to flirt with the Bride of Death.”

Chapter 2

Sera

I blink.

Bride of Death.

“What?” I blurt out as Jack takes a shaky step backward.

“She’s… she’s…” His pupils blow wide, turning his eyes black. “I didn’t know, Maliki. I swear on the crypts, I had no idea.”

“As I said, I’m just trying to save your life,” Ghost drawls. He cants his head. “You can go now, Jack.”

“Thank you.” Jack bows and vanishes, leaving me bewildered in his wake.