Page 37 of Hell Fae Captive

“My desire is to leave,” I tossed back.

His lips curled into a charming grin as he set the book aside and stood. “Is it truly?” he asked softly, taking a step toward me and leaning down until his face was directly in front of mine. “I suppose we’ll see in a few days, hmm?”

I took in a breath, his near proximity making me dizzy, and his scent washed through my senses.Sinfully decadent. Dark. Masculine. Fresh air. A dream. All those words ran through my head as I tried to describe his cologne. But it was… indefinable, and utterly addictive.

“Until tomorrow, angel,” he whispered, his lips close enough to kiss.

But he stood upright in the next second, taking with him that intoxicating air of wickedness.

“Th-thanks,” I stammered, feeling the need to say something.

“Oh, don’t thank me, Cami. I assure you, my intentions are not at all what they seem.” With that ominous statement, he winked and wandered out of my room just as the clock chimed the three o’clock hour.

Curfew.

Fuck.

Picking up the book he had left open, I scanned the pages, trying to look for the information he’d described.

But there was nothing there that mentioned talismans or spells. Only information about creation and light and power. Which, while interesting, wasn’t what I was looking for at all.

So much for clarifying what Melek had been talking about.

Shaking my head and puzzling over the book, I closed its heavy cover, then shoved the last bite of pizza into my mouth.

Heading into the living room, I sat down and pulled out the documents Ajax had left me and flipped through them, searching for anything I could find about the opening ceremonies.

After scanning over what I should expect at the ceremonies tomorrow, my mind wandered, unable to focus.

My gaze landed on the talisman Melek had given me. It was a pretty little thing. Cupping it in my palm, I gently caressed the harsh edge with a finger.

There was something about it… something that called to me.

More magic,I thought with exasperation.

But with what I had to deal with tomorrow, I’d need it.

After another moment’s hesitation, I slipped the chain around my neck. The talisman rested gently against my breastbone. Comforting.

I’d listen to my instincts even if I should have learned my lesson against accepting gifts.

I’d wear it, betting on Melek liking me more than the Warden did.

Because in this case, one more screwup could cost me my life.

CHAPTERNINE

CAMI

A dress appearedon my bed the next day, the fabric silky and black. Beside it was a note instructing me to wear it for the opening ceremonies.

Part of me wanted to rebel and burn the damn thing. But after reading several more chapters in the unending law book, I decided it was better to play by the rules.For the time being, anyway.

I still couldn’t find the sections Melek had read to me. However, I had found some interesting parts about travel in the Hell Fae Realm. Portals were hidden in plain sight and activated with a few choice words. I’d memorized them in case I ever caught the signs of a nearby exit.

Of course, I still hadn’t figured out what to do once inside one.

The pages had blurred when I’d reached that section, creating a new chapter all about edible items in the lands. When I’d tried to go back, the words had followed me, forcing me to read about various plant life and known animals in the Hell Fae Realm.