Page 86 of Hell Fae Commander

Dragonya immediately responded to that tone, her paws digging into the earth as she skidded to a halt mere inches from Aflora’s form. Rather than appear contrite, the dragon gave the female a big lick against the cheek before plopping into a seated position and panting like a very large puppy.

“Dragonya!” a little voice cried as a small girl ran into the garden with two males right on her tail.

Florica,I recalled, having met her briefly during my interrogation in this realm. She immediately threw her arms around the dragon just as a large white wolf ran up beside them.

My eyebrows shot upward, but no one reacted to the wolf’s sudden appearance.

Nor did they seem to notice as a crow, a bat, and a falcon swooped in to land on a few branches of a nearby tree.

Familiars,Ajax explained to me softly, probably catching the profound confusion on my face.Midnight Fae all have animals as familiars. The dragon appears to be Florica’s familiar, which I would normally find hilarious if that beast wasn’t so close to you. Because of course Shade’s daughter would have a violent, unruly creature as a familiar.

I frowned.All Midnight Fae have familiars?

Yes.

Then where’s your familiar?I asked, glancing at him.Is it a Nightmare Fae of some kind? Because those are the only beasts I’ve seen you socialize with in the Hell Fae Realm.

His lips flattened.My familiar has remained here. Where it’s safe.

So you do have a familiar?

Yes.

Where is it?

He lifted a shoulder.I haven’t seen it in years.

It’s very strange hearing your questions for Ajax but not his responses,Az whispered into my mind.Does he have a familiar?

Yes,I told him.But he hasn’t seen it in years.

Ajax’s lips curled down.Are you sharing that information with Az?

He asked,I replied.

That’s not his information to know,Ajax returned.

Then you talk to him,I said, exasperated.I’m not getting in the middle of you two.

Too late for that,Az drawled.

Not. Helpful.Irritation colored my mental tone.

Heput you in the middle,Ajax snarled.Or rather, his Phoenix did.

I sighed heavily out loud and in my mind.Yes. His Phoenix bit us both. But that doesn’t mean I’m in the middle of your issues with him. I know he hurt you. And then you hurt him with that spell. And now we’re all hurting. But I don’t want to be the go-between in this conversation.

I wish it were that simple,Ajax replied as Az said,I’ll talk to him.

“Enough,” I said out loud. “You’re both giving me a headache, and I’m not dealing with this right now.”

Rather than allow either of them—or the other Midnight Fae—a chance to respond, I turned on my heel and started down a random path.

They could all play with the dragon.

Or whatever.

I need time,I told them.Just… give me that, please.