Page 66

CAMI

One Month Later

I chose a dark red dress.

With no undergarments.

Because I knew exactly what Melek wanted to do when this coronation ceremony ended. I’d heard him planning it for weeks, his mind weaving knots and ribbon all around me.

He fully intended to present me as a gift to Typhos tonight. And I was very much going to let him.

The prince in question came up behind me and placed a kiss against my neck as his arms encircled my waist. “Have I told you how beautiful you are, little angel?” he asked, his voice soft against my ear.

I smiled. “A few times tonight,” I replied. “But you can say it again.”

“You’re stunning,” he whispered, kissing me once more. “And you’re going to look even more stunning in about thirty minutes when I strip that dress off of you.”

A shiver traversed my spine. “You say the sweetest things to me.”

He chuckled, then moved to my side to survey the room with me. Ajax and Az were with Typhos, the three of them on a stage with several of Typhos’s lieutenants and a handful of Hellhounds.

One of those Hellhounds was Payan. He looked particularly uncomfortable, mostly because he’d fallen victim to Vivaxia’s control. And he’d nearly gotten Typhos killed as a result.

Fortunately for him, the Hell Fae King was understanding.

He didn’t fault any of his fae for Vivaxia’s trickery, knowing firsthand how manipulative and powerful she used to be. If anything, he blamed himself the most. Because he felt he should have known and stopped her sooner.

It was an unfair burden.

But I understood it.

Just as I understood what he was currently doing on that stage as he socialized with his lieutenants.

Well, I supposed they were our lieutenants now, as I’d been officially named the Hell Fae Queen earlier this evening.

The reception of the news had been one of great enthusiasm, the Hell Fae and Nightmare Fae cheering in approval.

Now, the energy had cooled a little, the fae all chatting amongst themselves about next steps for the realm.

Little did they realize that Typhos had another announcement coming. A big one.

But first, he was gathering all of his lieutenants in a show of solidarity. Because they already knew our intentions and had approved the plans a week ago. All that was left was sharing those plans with the Hell Fae Realm.

And the Hell Fae Bridal Candidates.

They were all in attendance. The unmated ones, anyway. Those who had been claimed during the initial trials were still in their respective Nightmare Fae Kingdoms.

Typhos had taken the time to talk me through everything he’d organized and had accounted for each of the six hundred sixty-six candidates.

Ajax had listened in, curious about the women who had joined willingly. He’d been under the same impression as I was—that most of the candidates weren’t there voluntarily.

“I heard their screams and felt their fear,” he’d said at one point in the conversation.

“Some didn’t realize what exactly they’d agreed to” had been Typhos’s response. “Others joined for the wrong reasons.”

Which I later learned was why certain brides had been removed. If the Source discovered they were in the realm for the wrong reasons, they were sent home.

Or killed , I thought, shivering. Because the Source protected its own, something I very much understood now.

It wasn’t the kind of power that gave second chances.

But it only hurt those who were a true threat.

And, unfortunately, some of those females had been sent to the trials for nefarious means.

“There will always be fae who wish to enter our kingdoms and cause problems,” Typhos had said when addressing his lieutenants the other day.

“I’ve tried to ensure they never cross my gates.

But in doing so, I’ve neglected those with sincere desires to be here.

Which is why we’ll be changing to a new process in the Hell Fae Realm, a process that promotes free will. ”

The entire dynamic of our world was about to change. For better or for worse, we would move forward into a new era. One where the gates no longer existed and the Source accepted anyone who entered.

“The kingdoms will rule themselves,” Typhos had declared. “With you as their true kings.”

We’d support them with our power, bolster their territories as needed, but we wouldn’t govern them. Unless, of course, fate required it.

Only the Hell Fae Kingdom would be ours to command. But even then, Typhos wanted to make it more open and welcoming to non–Hell Fae visitors.

It was a complete shift from his previous leadership, where he’d involved himself heavily in the affairs of his fae and barred many fae from entering.

But that had been the old Typhos, the one being manipulated by Vivaxia.

Now he was free.

And he wanted to share that gift with all of his fae.

Clearing his throat from the podium, he instantly captured the audience’s attention. Though, a few glanced my way like they were surprised that I wasn’t up there beside him.

But this was his final chapter to close.

I was part of the new book, one we would be writing together with our mate-circle. Maybe we’d find a way to re-create Vita. Or perhaps her memory would reside with his past in his mother’s journal.

Regardless, we were moving into the future.

However, to do that, we needed to close the past.

I supposed Melek should be up there as his Hell Fae Prince. He’d been part of the opening ceremonies for the Hell Fae Bride Trials, just like Az and Ajax.

I’m simply an ornament, little angel, he whispered into my mind. The admirers can still see me. But I choose my own views. And right now, I rather like this one .

I glanced at him to find him staring at me. You’re being cryptic again.

Not really, he replied. My riddle is fairly straightforward.

“There’s just one more announcement for this evening,” Typhos said, his commanding tone drawing my focus away from Melek’s playful commentary. Not that I knew how to respond to his newest riddle.

Or maybe he was just being straightforward, like he’d said.

With Melek, it was hard to know for sure. It was a trait that should annoy me, but I was beginning to love it. Because he kept everything fresh.

And he often served as my necessary escape from the intensity of Az and Typhos. Their dominant personas could be overwhelming at times, especially when they shared me.

My stomach clenched at the thought, my mind instantly recalling the other night when Az had held my arms at my sides while seated inside me. Then pulled me forward so Typhos could take my ass.

Our king is trying to make a speech, Cami, Melek whispered into my mind. A speech that’s about to end abruptly if you keep fantasizing about him and Azazel fucking you.

I swallowed and met Typhos’s blazing gaze from across the crowd. It reminded me of the time he’d focused on me in the arena. During the opening ceremonies.

How fitting , I thought.

Indeed , the Hell Fae King returned. You’re as enchanting as ever, Camillia. Now, unless you want me to fuck you in front of this crowd—which I will—I expect you to behave.

My thighs clenched at the threat. You wouldn’t dare to share me in that manner.

Even from across the room, I saw his eyebrow arch.

You’re not wearing anything under that tight little dress, Miss De la Croix.

It would be very easy to yank it up to your waist, bend you over, and fuck you while Ajax and Azazel stand guard.

No one would see a thing. But they would absolutely hear you scream, my queen.

Melek hummed beside me, no doubt sensing the heated conversation flowing between me and the Hell Fae King. While my mates couldn’t hear specifics when I spoke directly to one of my men, they could pick up on moods.

And Typhos was absolutely giving off a punishing vibe right now.

I’ll behave, my king , I told him softly. For now .

Though, if he wanted me to stop thinking about sex, he should probably stop threatening to fuck me.

Melek chuckled beside me. Ty is giving me a list of items for this evening. It seems you’ve worked him up with your wicked thoughts, little angel.

I rolled my eyes. I was just thinking about the other day.

“As I was saying,” Typhos continued out loud, his tone commanding once more. “I have another announcement, and it’s regarding the Hell Fae Bridal Candidates. First, I want to start by expressing my gratitude to you all for your patience while we’ve sorted through the recent events in the realm.”

He surveyed the crowd, his charisma palpable throughout the ballroom. He truly was a magnificent leader. Easy on the eyes, too, I thought, admiring the cut of his flawless all-black suit.

Camillia.

Typhos , I returned. You really should focus on your speech, my king.

He mentally muttered something about having two brats in his head but continued out loud as though he hadn’t been distracted at all.

“Second, I want to personally thank the bridal candidates for participating in the Hell Fae Bride Trials. When we began this journey, my goal was to diversify our realm by welcoming female fae mates. But given recent events, I’ve realized that the methodology was flawed.”

Whispers erupted through the room, the fae surprised by Typhos’s admission.

But that admission was what made him such a good leader. He wasn’t afraid to own his faults. And more importantly, he wasn’t afraid to correct them.

Which was what he proceeded to do now as he announced, “The Hell Fae Bride Trials have officially come to an end.”

The whispers grew to louder chatter.

Chatter he halted with a raise of his hand.

“As you know, the gates are now open to our realm. That means the former candidates are free to leave. But I hope you’ll choose to stay. To welcome in our new era of inclusivity. To be part of a progressive age of the Hell Fae Realm.”

The energy from earlier returned, the fae buzzing with excitement over this proposed future.

That excitement only grew as Typhos announced that his council of kings—formerly known as his lieutenants—would reign in the truest sense of the word.

“I’ll be there to provide guidance as requested, but your kings will be your leaders now. Work with them to establish your entry requirements. Manage your portals. Do what you need to do to thrive. And know our Source will support you in whatever fashion you require.”

There were caveats, of course, ones I already knew existed. Cruelty would not be accepted in our realm. Fae seeking to rule in a vein similar to the way Nos had would also not be tolerated.

But generally, we wanted the fae to choose their paths. Pick their mates. Find their purposes. And thrive.

That included the former brides, whom Typhos offered relocation services to. He also said they could remain in the bridal camp for as long as they needed. Then he announced that I would personally be available to provide guidance to any candidates with concerns or questions.

I’d anticipated that last part. And welcomed my first task as Hell Fae Queen.

Well, second.

Removing Vivaxia had technically served as my first task.

By the time Typhos finished his speech, the room was abuzz with enthusiastic support. “It’s been a pleasure serving you all. Truly.” He gave a bow, the gesture one of great respect. Then he raised his hand, flames dancing over his fingers. “To the next chapter!”

He sent the Hellfire flying through the room, causing all the candles to sizzle and burn as the flames changed from orange to a glowing red.

Then his wings burst from his back, and my mate vanished.

Only to reappear right behind me, his arms circling my waist. “Now, Melek” was all he said before teleporting us back to our suite.

Which really wasn’t necessary. The coronation had been hosted in the ballroom of the palace. “We could have left like normal fae,” I told him.

“There’s nothing normal about us, Camillia,” he returned, releasing me. “Now lose the dress and get on the bed.”

Az ashed in with Ajax beside him, the two of them loosening their ties.

But Melek was nowhere to be seen.

I thought you were tying me up, I whispered to him.

His chuckle kissed my mind. Eager for my ropes, little angel?

Just wondering where you are , I admitted.

“Here,” he replied against my ear as he switched positions with Typhos. “Now do what our king asked and get on the bed, love.”

“I didn’t ask ,” Typhos replied.

My lips curled, his impatience intensifying the moment.

The Hell Fae King was going to punish me for not immediately obeying him. And I very much welcomed whatever punishment he had in mind.

Because this was our dynamic.

I pushed him and he pushed me.

Melek indulged in riddles that always resulted in something informative. He also took care of me in his own way.

Ajax listened to me. Stood up for me. Would always have my back.

And Az was the mate that protected me without a shadow of a doubt. All while exploring my limits and introducing me to new horizons.

The five of us were our very own Source. A power unlike any other. A circle with more passion and energy than could be defined.

While they each meant something unique to me, they also had their own bonds. Some of them older than others. Some new. Some still growing.

But we had eternity to explore our inner connections. To cherish one another. To love . To exist in our own beautiful utopia.

As the Hell Fae Warden, the Hell Fae Commander, the Hell Fae Prince, the Hell Fae King, and the Hell Fae Queen .

The End

Thank you for reading the Hell Fae series. If you’re not quite ready to leave this world, then click here to read about Melek tying Cami up for her mates. And click here for a sexy scene where Ty is the one tied up in chains, as well as some deleted scenes…

What’s next?

Follow Morpheus, Hades, and Maliki into the Netherworld Fae Kingdom for a loosely inspired Persephone and Hades tale with a “why choose” twist.

Learn more about the Strigoi Princes who escaped through the illegal Monsters Night portal to find their mate by reading Their Blood Queen .

Indulge in the Unseelie world where King Erebus and his soldiers chase their Hell Fae Bride by checking out Their Pixie Mate .

Or pick up any of these related fae worlds below:

Never Kiss a Fae

Bitten by the Fae

Fortune Fae Academy