Page 98 of Bride of Death

I glance back at the beast again and note the way their heads are all pointed in different angles as they take in every inch of the hallway.

Ossa, Mort, and Howl.

Each one of them has a collar around their respective necks, just like a dog would, but they’re all joined in the same body.

It’s unnerving.

But also kind of amazing.

Who controls the legs?I wonder as Ossa stares down a column lined with more skulls. They’re like ancient pillars but made of bones. I want to believe it’s just decoration. However, I fear they’re actual remains.

These decorations didn’t exist near my previous accommodations in the palace. Although, the dark colors and general gothic atmosphere did.

Reaper is the one who taught me that term, saying how Gothic architecture is a favorite of his.

I didn’t really understand it until he started showing me pictures on a screen of other building types. He seemed to take great pleasure in teaching me and Alina things about the “real human world.”

The more I learned, the more I wondered what it would be like to visit.

I still wonder that today but don’t dare to hope that I’ll ever be permitted to see it.

No, my fate as the Bride of Death is pretty much sealed now.

A fact that seems quite clear to me as I once again look back at?—

“Oof,” I mutter as I walk into a wall.

Er, not a wall.

Maliki.

Shaking my head, I slowly face forward once more and find him staring down at me in amusement.

Which is when I realize he caught my hip with one hand to keep me from falling when I ran into him.

And he hasn’t let go.

If anything, he pulls me closer. “You all right?” he asks, his voice soft, his lips slightly curled. “Or are you still freaking out?”

“I’m not freaking out,” I counter, scowling. “I’m fine.”

“Hmm,” he hums. “Yes, you are. More than fine, actually.” He winks and releases me, leaving me to gape at his back.

What doesthatmean?

It sounded like something one of the fae at the bar would say to me.

But Maliki makes it so much sexier. His compliment rolls over me like a hot wave, exciting my nerve endings.

And I’m right back to thinking about the way he pinned me against the wall.

The almost kiss.

His admission.

I shiver despite the heat rushing to my cheeks and nearly melt on the floor.

But he distracts me by saying, “This is your room.”