Page 82 of Hell Fae Warden

“But the book is lying. All of those things… none of them happened.”

“Yet,” Lucifer replied. “They haven’t happenedyet.”

Camillia blinked. “What?”

“I believe Vita is trying to explain itself by showing me why it’s decided to appear to you.” He finally looked at Camillia again. “Vita sees some sort of potential in you, which again has me wondering about your origins. It’s too bad your father eluded Azazel’s hunt.”

Camillia’s jaw clenched. “My father is a Hell Fae.”

“Yes, I’m aware. An abomination. Some sort of hybrid fae, which is the definition of a Hell Fae. Or perhaps he has Nightmare Fae roots. The question is,whatmade him a Hell Fae?”

“I… I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve honestly never asked. But I don’t think he’s a Nightmare Fae. I didn’t know those existed until… your trials.”

Lucifer nodded. “Yes, I’ve done my best to hide them within the Hell Fae world’s various kingdoms, guarding them with the Hell Fae Source. They would be hunted and killed in most other realms, just like all the others I protect within my gates.”

The abominations, I translated, very familiar with those after everything that had happened in the Midnight Fae Realm a decade ago.

Hell Fae were, as Lucifer had said, mixed-fae breeds. Which many other realms referred to asabominations. However, Lucifer took it a step further by also protecting all the species beneath the Nightmare Fae umbrella because he considered the Nightmare Fae to be a type of Hell Fae.

The Nightmare Fae were all created from various magical anomalies and chaotic power fluxes. So their existence essentially defined the meaning ofabomination. And then Hell Fae were true hybrid mixes of various fae types.

It was all tied together, but the heart of the matter for Lucifer was in protecting those he felt were wrongly discriminated against.

Many other fae didn’t realize that. However, the moment I’d learned of his true purpose, I’d committed my fealty. Because I’d wanted a chance to help safeguard those who needed it since I’d spectacularly failed to do so in my youth.

“Well, it seems clear to me that my Vita has high expectations where you’re concerned,” Lucifer said as he closed the book. “Whether or not those expectations are good remains to be seen. But you obviously can no longer participate in the bride trials. You’re hereby disqualified.”

Camillia sat up straight. “I am?” A hint of excitement entered her voice, only her expression took on a suspicious gleam in the next second, her mind catching up with what that might mean. “Does that mean you’re going to kill me?”

Lucifer grunted. “As much as I would like to, I can’t right now. So it means I need a new role for you.” His lips curled into a sly grin that reminded me a bit of Melek. “I do own your soul, after all. But maybe if Az can find your father, we’ll have a chance to renegotiate.”

“If that’s your way of trying to get me to reveal his location, it won’t work, because I don’t know where he is. Trust me, if I did, you’d be the first one I’d tell. I’d love to see you kill him.”

Amusement teased at Lucifer’s features. “You’re bloodthirsty, hmm? No wonder Azazel likes you.” He glanced at me. “Ajax, too.”

I swallowed, uncertain if that was a positive recognition or a negative one. With Lucifer, it was impossible to tell.

“Well, I think I’m done for now.” He set the closed book on the table as he stood. “But as you’ll likely be staying for a while, I think it would be wise for Ajax to properly school you on what it means to be a Hell Fae. He’s been studying for a decade. I’m sure he can provide excellent insight.” His intense gaze met mine. “Yes?”

“Of course, my liege,” I told him. “As you wish.”

He heaved a sigh. “I might have temporarily relinquished you from your Warden responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I’ve removed you from my circle. And you know how much the formal bullshit bores me. Don’t piss me off with it.”

“Sorry, this is all… very confusing,” I admitted.

“On that, Ajax, we very much agree.” He gave me an unreadable look and started toward the door. “Oh, and, Camillia, if I find you near my source again without permission, I will kill you. So don’t let the book tempt you into sin. It won’t end well for you.”

With that, he disappeared from the room, not bothering to use the door.

And left Camillia gaping at the now empty foyer.

CHAPTER19

CAMI

I retreatedinto the bedroom muttering something about getting dressed while I processed the shitshow of my first actual meeting with Lucifer.

The Hell Fae King.