Page 12

CAMI

A Few Days Later

P ancakes had become a daily ritual. Chocolate chip. Doused in syrup. With a side of Irish coffee.

All courtesy of the Hell Fae King.

At least until yesterday when he’d disappeared after saying something about having a meeting with his lieutenants. I didn’t know the details, but I also hadn’t asked about it.

Then this morning I woke to a note warning me that training would begin today. Or perhaps he’d just meant it as a casual communication to let me know about his plans for us. But I’d translated it as a warning, one that both excited me and scared me at the same time.

It excited me because I wanted to learn more about Lucifer and his realm. I also really wanted to spend some alone time with him.

Which I shouldn’t want at all.

Hence the reason it terrified me as well.

Although, I supposed I wouldn’t really be alone with him. Because Ajax planned to come, too.

“I don’t trust him,” he’d said earlier after I’d shown him the note. I’d been in bed between him and Az, the fiery parchment having somehow landed on my pillow—without singeing it—while the three of us had slept.

Az hadn’t commented or replied to Ajax’s words, just rolled off the mattress and went to prepare some coffee for the three of us.

“I don’t not trust him,” I’d told Ajax softly. “A convoluted way of saying I want to see where this goes, I guess.”

Ajax had studied me for a long moment before nodding. “Then I’m coming with you.”

But first, he’d vanished with Az, likely to go spar or something, leaving me to my own devices for the morning.

Which was how I’d ended up in the Hell Fae Palace Courtyard.

Having a picnic.

With the Hell Fae Prince .

He’d substituted crêpes for pancakes, each fluffy pastry filled with melted cheese and smoky meat. A bit of a different fare than our usual morning sweets, but I wasn’t complaining. Especially since he’d paired it all with caffeine.

Not Irish coffee this time, but cappuccinos. Somehow he’d created little hearts in the froth, a touch that I’d found both endearing and suspicious.

Because this whole picnic was a ruse.

Well, not a ruse, necessarily. But a way to butter me up before my training with Lucifer.

“I know what you’re doing,” I told Melek softly.

“Oh?” His eyes twinkled from the dual suns shining overhead, his pale skin a shade pinker thanks to the reddish glow all around us.

My limbs resembled a similar hue, the ember-like atmosphere here in the palace courtyard seeming to represent all of the Hell Fae Realm. “And what am I doing, little angel?”

“Distracting me from thinking about Lucifer’s training.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, taking a sip from his cup. “Or maybe I’m simply here to prepare you.” He glanced around the courtyard, his irises lighting up from a nearby pillar of fire, one that was decorated with a variety of vibrant flowers.

I admired the colors for a moment, noting the way the vines trailed along the stone paths—paths that Hell Fae were openly walking while conversing softly amongst themselves.

“How is this preparing me for training?” I wondered aloud, watching as two Hellhounds sauntered up a path while tossing a flaming ball back and forth like a toy.

When they took off at a sprint for a field of black grass, I winced, recalling the razor-like blades that had decorated the Midnight Fae Palace Courtyards.

Fortunately, this field didn’t appear to be the same as they ran across it with ease while continuing to throw the fiery sphere to one another.

“Because this is where Ty plans to meet you,” Melek said, snapping my attention back to him.

“What?” I glanced around the courtyard with renewed interest. Or maybe fear was the right word. “Here? Where everyone can see us?”

A shiver traversed my spine. The last time Lucifer presented me in front of his Hell Fae, I was dressed in chains.

Chains that barely covered my feminine assets.

I swallowed. What is he planning? I wondered, memories of that infamous evening in his club assaulting me from all angles.

That was his version of a punishment, Cami, Melek answered into my mind. “He wants everyone to see how powerful you are,” he added aloud. “That’s why he chose this venue.”

I glanced sideways at him. “How powerful I am?” I repeated aloud. “You mean he wants them all to see why he considers me a threat?”

Melek sighed and cut off a piece of the crêpe to bring it up to my mouth.

When I didn’t accept his offering, he ate it himself. Then he leaned back on the blanket and propped himself up on his palms, his long legs stretching to cross at the ankles.

I stared at him, waiting for him to reply.

Instead, he tipped his head back to bathe his gorgeous face in the sunlight, his blondish-brown hair flowing back in a majestic wave.

“Your beauty isn’t going to distract me, Melek,” I told him.

“You think I’m a beauty?” he replied, his lips curling as his eyes closed. “I think you’re stunning.”

“He says without looking at me,” I deadpanned.

“I don’t need to see you to know what you look like,” he murmured. “You exist in my mind. In all ways.” He canted his head to peek at me through his thick, alluring lashes. “Although, I am a fan of your outfit choice.”

I rolled my eyes. “I assumed training would require running or fighting or something athletic.”

Ignoring me, he went on by saying, “Your legs look a mile long in those little black shorts. And that tight tank top exquisitely frames your breasts. It’s too bad you’re wearing a bra.” His gaze turned devilish, his thoughts just as sinful. “Maybe I should fix that before Ty arrives?”

“Stop trying to derail the conversation.”

“Would I do that?” he asked, the picture of innocence. His expression, tone, and general soft aura gave me no doubt as to his angelic heritage. But a sensual demon lurked beneath the saintly veneer.

A sensual demon that was currently considering ways he’d prefer to derail the conversation and ensuring I overheard every thought and detail.

“Do you do this to Lucifer?” I wondered aloud. “Fantasize openly about him?”

“Previously, yes,” he admitted. “Lately, though, I’ve focused on you. And before you ask, yes, he’s heard every word.”

“I wasn’t going to ask.”

“Perhaps not out loud,” he returned, grinning again as he tipped his head back once more into the suns’ rays from above. “You can lie about your intrigue all you want, little angel. I know the truth. And it’s a truth your mind has allowed me to learn.”

I bit my lip, not wanting to touch that comment.

Was I interested in Lucifer? Yes. I’d have to be a fool to ignore his charm. Exquisite looks. Athletic physique. Addictive kisses.

I shook my head, forcibly clearing my thoughts. Typhos Lucifer is not mine.

Yet, Melek hummed into my mind, adding his own ending to my sentence. But he could be.

He hates me.

Does he, though? he asked softly. Or were things just easier when you believed that?

My jaw clenched. “Tell me about today’s training,” I demanded out loud, refusing to indulge him in the topic of our mental conversation.

Because I didn’t want to think about what I believed or what could be.

I wanted to focus on the now.

This courtyard.

The one littered with fluttering fireflies and blooming flowers that looked more venomous than harmless.

And the Hell Fae males dressed in black fatigues.

“Does he expect me to spar with a Hellhound?” I wondered, searching for the two that had been playing fetch with that flaming ball.

Melek huffed a laugh. “No, little angel. I think our king is well aware of your fighting abilities. Otherwise, he’d send you back to the camp to play with the other brides.”

My brow furrowed, my gaze sliding to him. “What?”

He sat up, his eyes holding mine. “I suppose you wouldn’t be aware of what they’re currently doing, would you?”

Panic sent a bolt through my heart. The Hell Fae Brides. The trials . I’d been so removed from everything that I… I hadn’t even thought of the others. “Are they okay?” I asked, a feeling of dread tightening my stomach. “What are they training for?” Oh, fae. “Is there another trial soon?”

Of course there was another fucking trial soon. Why did I even bother to ask?

And how could I have forgotten about the other Hell Fae Brides?

Fuck. I’d been blinded by Lucifer’s beauty. His kisses. His… his everything . So much so that I’d forgotten the monster beneath his suits. The king who had taken me against my will.

Was it just the other day that I’d joked about Payan? How I’d stabbed him in the balls when he’d tried to retrieve me?

I’d… I’d made light of my situation.

While forgetting that others are still suffering .

Hell Fae Rule #6: Only Look Out for Yourself—No One Else.

I’d really taken that one to heart, apparently. I’m a selfish ? —

“Cami,” Melek said, the sharpness of his tone yanking my attention back to him. “The Hell Fae Brides are fine. The trials have been on hold since the last portal incident. Ty doesn’t want to risk anyone’s life—bride or otherwise—until we’ve handled the Virtuous issue.”

I frowned at him. “Yet he has no problem sacrificing brides in the actual trials.”

Melek’s eyes narrowed, the expression uncharacteristically irritated. “He has no problem sacrificing dark souls. There’s a difference.”

I huffed at that. “So he plays God.”

“Yes. He’s the creator of this realm, Camillia. It’s his duty to protect everyone and everything inside it.”

“Then maybe he shouldn’t have kidnapped and dragged a bunch of unwilling women here for the pleasure of his men,” I snapped back.

Melek considered me for a moment, his cheekbones seeming to protrude against his skin as anger simmered in his gaze. “How much time did you spend getting to know the other brides and their motives?” he asked softly. Too softly. “How many of them were actually kidnapped and dragged here?”

When I didn’t immediately reply, he arched a brow.

“Don’t you remember what I told you after the first trial?” he pressed.

My brow furrowed. I hardly remembered the aftermath of that event. I’d barely been lucid.

Although, there were a few who had entered the trials willingly, their excitement having been both palpable and memorable during the trials I’d participated in.

But most of them had seemed nervous.

Only, I hadn’t considered the cause of their nervousness. I’d just assumed they were in a situation similar to mine and displeased by being forced to participate in the Hell Fae Bride program.

Was I wrong? Did I make assumptions on behalf of the brides?

“Yes, but no one can fault you for it,” Melek replied, obviously hearing my thoughts and choosing to answer aloud. His palm came up to cradle my cheek. “To understand the trials, you must first truly understand the purpose.”

“To provide the Hell Fae with mates,” I told him, aware of that part already from previous discussions.

Yet Melek shook his head. “Not quite. That’s what Ty says, but his desire to satisfy the Hell Fae and Nightmare Fae runs much deeper than simply supplying mates for them.

This is about his Source, his balance of power.

Everything is at risk, which is something he’ll never admit.

But I see it. And I know that’s the driving force behind every decision he’s made, even if he’s not aware of it himself. ”

Melek reached for my hand, his thumb gently caressing my skin.

You are the only one who can save him, he whispered softly into my mind. That’s what the Hell Fae Brides have been about from the very beginning—saving him from himself.

I stared into his multicolored eyes. I need you to elaborate, Melek. No more riddles, I told him mentally, earning me a small smile from my Hell Fae Prince.

But rather than speak, he released me and wove his hands through the air. I squinted at him, not understanding his motions until a screen appeared before us.

One that displayed a gym.

And several women running around.

Bridal candidates , I realized after a beat, noting their numbers on the backs of their shirts. However, now their shirts reminded me more of jerseys. Maybe because they appeared to be playing some sort of game.

“They’re training,” he informed me as the screen panned to view the scene.

“For what?”

He shrugged. “Anything they desire, really.”

“You’re being cryptic again,” I informed him flatly.

His lips twitched. “The trials are on hold, so many of them have opted to form alliances and play as teammates. It’s an intriguing development, to be honest. One that demonstrates their compatibility for this realm. Because working together here is important. It’s how we all survive.”

“I see.” Still a somewhat cryptic reply, but he’d provided a bit more context. However… “How is watching this going to help me understand the true purpose of the trials? And what does it have to do with today’s training?”

Maybe I sounded impatient, but I was really tired of having to read between the lines. I wanted a straight answer. No more games. No more puzzles. Just a coherent response that helped me prepare for whatever Lucifer had in store for me today.

Because right now, I wasn’t sure if I should be excited… or run .