Page 10 of Hell Fae King

The Hellhounds were part of my personal guard, but they also managed security throughout the realm.

And last I checked, General Garmr had assigned this particular Hellhound to not only guard the paradigm but also assist Ajax as needed with protecting the candidates. So he should be on general paradigm security watch, nightclub bouncer duties, or dorm surveillance.

Of course, a lot had changed over the last few weeks with Ajax being out of commission. Garmr had been playing double duty with managing his Hellhounds in the paradigm and coordinating the royal guard around my palace.

“General Garmr shifted me to the palace, Your Majesty,” Payan replied, bowing lower while still holding his tray and envelope. “I hope this doesn’t displease you, my king.”

Displeasedwasn’t the right term.Confused, perhaps. “I see.” Something must have prompted this change. I’d have to meet with Garmr later to determine the cause. “Thank you for bringing everything up.”

“It’s my pleasure, Your Majesty,” he said before creeping forward to set the tray on the small en-suite dining table. There were only two chairs, something I’d have to fix. Not that Payan noticed; he was still looking at his boots.

So rather than issue a request for more seating, I simply accepted the envelope from him and let him leave without further conversation.

While Melek lifted the tray covering to reveal a buffet of magical items beneath, I focused on the enchanted item in my hand.

This was no ordinary letter. I ran my finger along the familiar parchment, my lips curling downward.A deal, I recognized as I unfolded the document.An ancient deal.

Words glittered up at me in gold ink, causing my gaze to narrow.

I, Typhos Lucifer, agree to engage in all three mating vows with Vivaxia Lilithu. In exchange for this mating, Vivaxia Lilithu agrees to the following terms:

Azazel of Black Phoenix Clan will be a free entity. “Free entity” is defined in Appendix A. All terms apply.

Melek Morningstar will be a free entity. “Free entity” is defined in Appendix A. All terms apply.

Should the end mating prove unfruitful, the terms of this contract are still valid. However, in the event that a soul rejects the other…

The ellipsis melted down the page, the drops resembling blood as the words shifted into something new. Something that didn’t belong.

You remember what happened next, don’t you, love?

My heart fucking stopped. I could practically hear Vivaxia purring in my ear. Her presence was all around me, her words still scrolling across the parchment.

Your soul rejected mine. And our terms were quite clear, darling.

My jaw clenched as the deal reappeared…

However, in the event that a soul rejects the other, a blood sacrifice will be paid.

Blood was power. Upon my soul rejecting Vivaxia, I’d offered her a vial, just as the terms had implied.

But she’d grinned, her cold eyes exuding an evil I’d felt in my very soul.

You fell, love,the words said in time with my memories.But was that your choice or mine?

I snorted.What kind of question is that?

However, as more enchanted ink appeared…

Was that the blood sacrifice my soul desired?

I started to realize how important that question about my fall truly was…

“Blood sacrifice” was never defined. I rejected your vial and you fell. But did you bleed the way I wanted, sweet Typhos? Or did you grow into a being with so much more to lose?Tosacrifice?

The bold text on that final word had my blood going cold.

So many bonds. So much heart. So muchblood.