Page 47 of Hell Fae King

Always,I replied, layering that single word with affection and promise. Because I was suddenly in a punishing mood.

Which had me all the more excited for Camillia’s training this afternoon.

Is she ready?I asked him.

As ready as she can be, I think.

Good,I replied, pausing outside of Dakota’s cell door.See you soon, little prince.

“Camillia had only been a visitor in this dungeon, not a permanent ward,” I said, facing Ajax. “You saw her accommodations as plainly as she did. But as you’ve learned, mirages are a powerful tool in this realm. And your dungeon is no different.”

The more I confided to him, the more I realized how badly I’d fucked this up.

I’d put him in charge of a prison he hadn’t fully understood, made him a Warden in name only while my power served as the grand master here. He’d basically been placed here toensure no one entered or escaped. But I hadn’t afforded him the opportunity to truly lead.

That would change.

Starting now.

With a single thought, I unwove the veil around us and let him see the prison for what it truly was—a dungeon of nightmares. Each one shaped for the captive in the cell.

For Dakota, it was a stage.

One I knew he would instantly recognize.

“The village,” he whispered, taking a step back as the landscape etched into her walls came into view.

A sea of faces stared at the Unseelie standing in the center of the room. Some shouted spells. Others screamed. And one in particular cursed up a storm.

That female seized Ajax’s attention, yanking him toward the door once more. “Emelyn.”

CHAPTER 13

AZ

Several Minutes Earlier

“Fuck!” I shook out my hand, then glared at my smirking half brother.

I’d still had some energy to work off after sparring with Ajax earlier, and I’d stupidly decided to seek out Maliki as a potential outlet.

Seems I wasn’t the only one spoiling for a fight, I thought, narrowing my gaze.

“Where the hell did you learn that trick?” I demanded, taking in the magical barrier he’d created around his face.

A face I’d just attempted to punch, hence my now aching fist.

“I asked if you wanted limits, and you said no.” He shrugged. “Your choice isn’t my fault.”

“And your response isn’t an answer.”

“There was a question?” he asked, feigning innocence.

I grunted. “Fine. Keep your secrets. I don’t need them.” But it was good to know how he wanted to play.

Black flames crawled up my fingertips and over my palms, causing his lips to curl in anticipation.

He crouched.