Page 116 of Hell Fae Captive

My brow crumpled in confusion as he whispered spells and added several bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other items to my bathroom. He even conjured some toothbrushes.

Then he walked by me in the doorway and headed to my kitchen area off the living room.

And stocked my fridge.

“Perfect,” he murmured. “Very accommodating, yes?”

“Sure.” I folded my arms. “Should I be expecting company?” Because I couldn’t think of any other reason for his bizarre behavior.

“Yes.” He clasped his hands in front of him. “Which reminds me, I have several favors to ask.”

“Oh, do you?” I feigned interest. “Too bad I don’t care.” It was probably the rudest thing I’d ever said to him, but I wasn’t in the mood. “I have a Centaur to piss off. Excuse me.”

I started toward the door.

“I may not be the king, but I am his prince. It would be unwise to dismiss me in this manner,Death Blood.Particularly as you are our guest, hmm?”

My fingers curled into fists as I turned toward him. “In a Midnight Fae paradigm. But sure. Send me away.”

“I could,” he threatened, power emanating from those two words alone. “But I need you.” He calmed in the next instant, his expression softening once more.

It was then that I realized he’d been displaying immense power. A subtle reminder of his position and the very “other” energy that swarmed his dangerous aura.

That he could switch it on and off so quickly was just a further indicator of his unnatural power.

I had no idea what kind of abomination Melek truly was, but he clearly possessed some lethal talents.

Talents I really didn’t want to test right now.

Because in my current state, I might just let him well and truly hurt me.

Which is probably what I deserve, I thought darkly.

Melek frowned as though he’d heard all that. Or perhaps he saw the grim fate lurking in my features. “What do you want, Melek?” I asked, and even I could hear the exhaustion in my tone.

“It’s not really what I want,” he said softly. “It’s what Camillia needs.”

I frowned. “Camillia?”

He nodded. “Her cell accommodations are inadequate after the day she’s endured. I would like her to stay here. Where you can keep her safe.”

My lips moved but words failed me. “Camillia?” I repeated again, sounding like an idiot.

“Indeed,” Melek replied. “But she needs more than just improved accommodations. She needs training for the next trial. Training that I can’t provide.”

“Training,” I echoed, struggling to process his words.Have I fallen into a weird alternate reality? Is a Paradox Fae fucking with timelines?

Melek nodded. “Ty told me the next trial is in the Netherworld Kingdom. It’s the one place I can’t go. And I’m worried Cami won’t survive it.”

But she didn’t survive the first trial, right?“Camillia’s dead.”

Melek scowled. “Well, that’s not the spirit I’m looking for, Warden. I want you to teach her about the Corpse Fae in preparation. You’re a Death Blood. You’re ideal to help. And if she’s staying here with you already, then…” He shrugged as though to complete the sentence with whatever obvious phrase he felt existed there.

“But she’sdead.”

“No, Warden. She is not going to die. Because you’re going to help by training her.” His expression turned severe again. “I thought you might do this as a result of whatever friendship you two created last night. But if that’s not enough reason for you, then name your price and we’ll strike a deal.”

“You don’t understand. She’s already dead. I saw it. On the screen. Shedied.”