Page 77 of Hell Fae Warden

Because he was right—the Ghouls were starving. Which was why their trial had been moved forward. They were going to have their chance in the mating ring right after the Corpse Fae.

Until their little Monsters Night initiative had ruined everything.

I ran my palm over my face, exhausted from the last thirty-plus days of mayhem.

My Nightmare Fae were growing restless, their need to taste the bridal offerings a palpable presence in the back of my mind.

But on top of all that was a deep-seated sense of uncertainty, one caused by the formation oftwoillegal portals in my realm.

No one had directly questioned my powers or strength yet, but it was coming. Because these acts were undermining my authority and threatening my position.

They needed to cease immediately.

We’ll figure this out, Ty,Melek whispered into my mind.Az wanted to try talking to Maliki first, and to reinvestigate the site of the portal here to see if we can find a trace similar to the one in the Underwater Kingdom.

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me.We were so distracted by Monsters Night that we likely failed to sense it.

That’s what I told Az, although he already had a similar thought.

Of course he did. That’s why he’s our Commander.

Yes. So trust him and your favorite prince to figure this out.

I snorted.You’re myonlyprince.

Just as you’re my only king,he returned.So please go easy on Cami today. For me.

I already let her rest for fifteen hours,I reminded him.That was our only deal.

Melek had agreed to help Azazel track the source of magic so long as I vowed to let Camillia and Ajax rest for a minimum of fifteen hours before I began my interrogation. I could have forced him to go with a few coaxing words—such as pointing out that this issue was far more important than a Halfling’s comfort—but it was much more fun to engage in Melek’s games than to thwart his efforts.

Would you like to make another one?he offered now.

I always want to make deals with you, little prince. But I think I’ve made far too many where this female is concerned. She’s mine now. I’ll report back when I’m finished.

As you wish, my king,he replied, his flirty tone a kiss against my senses.I’m here if you need me.

I know.And I would forever be grateful for that.Stay safe.

I’m in your world, Ty. Here, I’m always safe.

I wished I believed that as much as he did. Because right now, nothing felt safe to me. Someone had infiltrated my domain, and worse, I had a Halfling that could not only read my book but had also touchedmysource.

Things felt chaotic.

Like I’d somehow lost control.

I’d spent a thousand years preparing for the Hell Fae Bride Trials. There were thousands of plans, all with caveats and twists meant to anticipate even the smallest of deviances. But nowhere had I factored in these rogue portals and Vita showing a female the source.

Well, at least I could do something about the latter now.

I slid out of my bed and frowned as a mug full of freshly brewed coffee appeared. Melek’s ambrosia-like scent circled through the air, telling me he’d bespelled that to happen the moment my feet hit the ground.

Thank you, little prince.

Just ensuring you’re cared for,he replied.Now I have to focus on Maliki. He seems to be caving to his brother’s will. Finally.

I didn’t respond, letting him focus, and took a sip of the heavenly brew that only Melek seemed to know how to make. He did something with his magical essence to freshen the flavor; I was certain of it.