Page 3 of House of Demons and Bones (Shades of Ruin and Magic #5)

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Barbie

K illian and Rowan stumbled through the shimmering door after me, their blood staining the marble rooftop. Killian sealed the portal, cutting off the stream of curses and shouts from our pursuers at X Palace.

It was a close call—the other heirs had nearly caught us.

I shot Rowan a dirty look for hurting Killian. Sure, I hadn’t forgiven the chaos prince, but in my book, I was the only one allowed to mess with him.

Sy rolled her eyes inside me. Your man carved mine up too.

The air thickened, and the link between Killian and me pulled taut, crackling with electricity. His raw need slammed into me, matching mine, curling my toes. I caught the pulse between Sy and Rowan too, fainter since she was lurking within me.

Like looking through frosted glass, Sy peered through my eyes, drinking in the sight of her lover with fierce hunger.

I ran my fingers through my tangled curls.

Shit, we’d left pure chaos in our wake. Where the hell were we supposed to go from here?

I cupped a hand over my eyes to shield them from the intense light as I took in the surrounding snowy mountains.

We’d landed at Killian’s cliff-top villa. The ice never melted here, but his dragon packed enough fire to keep him warm—I hoped. He called this place his dragon’s haven, untraceable and safe.

Last time he’d carried me through that door, I’d been in heat, too lost in clawing at him to notice the view. Lust had ridden me hard, turning my brain to fog.

The canopy bed where we’d last mated was gone. I turned to find his eyes on me, blazing hot, and I knew he was remembering every filthy thing we’d done there. Heat flooded my core at the memory of our wild coupling. I pushed those erotic flashes away before they could sink their claws deeper.

My heart fluttered like trapped wings, and I forced myself to lower my gaze, afraid my eyes would give away everything I felt for him. Like I said, I wouldn’t make this easy. He hadn’t even started groveling yet. Even if he did, his betrayal wasn’t something I could just brush aside.

Sy’s hand flickered in the shadows, signaling her frustration at my stubbornness.

“This way,” Killian said, gesturing toward the table. His muscled forearm brushed mine, sending electric tingles across my skin and igniting that familiar ache in my core. The air between us whipped with tension.

Even with all this space on the rooftop, he’d found a way to touch me—a move too precise to be accidental. I jerked back even as every instinct screamed for me to jump on him, but I shoved down the urge, as I had another concern. I needed to stay sharp, keep this mating heat locked down tight before it could surge back and tear through me again.

A hint of a smirk played on his lips. The chaos heir always found my antics amusing, oblivious to his own bleeding wounds as he guided us to the round stone table circled by four chairs beneath a canopy of white blossoms.

I blinked. The ancient tree had definitely grown since my last visit, its branches heavy with dense clusters of flowers. Magic pulsed from its roots, reaching out to greet me. Through our connection, I felt Killian’s dragon stir, drawn to the magic of his realm.

The table was packed with platters of food. My stomach answered with a growl, my eyes lighting up at the feast. The familiar bite of mountain wind carried the scent of snow that now mingled with the metallic tang of blood.

“Stop,” I called.

Both heirs froze in their tracks, eyeing me warily.

“You two need to clean up first,” I said firmly, wrinkling my nose. “You’re bleeding everywhere, and it’s kind of killing the vibe. Do you know Japanese gentlemen always take off their shoes before they eat?”

The blank looks on their faces said it all. Rowan probably didn’t even know Japan existed. Fae had always hated humans, and before the Veil split their worlds apart, they’d warred endlessly. Now humans dismissed magic as stories and myths, which, honestly, worked out better for everyone.

As the most destructive species, humans had wiped out beings far more powerful than them and obliterated countless civilizations.

Only the Veil stood between the worlds now, but when magic failed, that barrier would crumble. Nothing would stop humans from pouring into this last pure realm. The immortals could face extinction.

But neither side had any idea that my father would devour both worlds when he came.

A wicked smile tugged up Killian’s sensual lips. “I’ve never claimed to be a gentleman, little scorpion. Rowan’s the one who plays nice just to get women into bed.”

Rowan flashed his fangs at Killian, as did Sy.

I left them to their drama and made a beeline for the table, dropping into a chair and sinking my teeth into a cream bun. The sweetness exploded on my tongue.

The knot in my chest loosened as I watched Killian and Rowan heal, their wounds closing like a video on fast-forward. Supernaturals could bounce back from almost anything, and these two were walking, talking regeneration machines.

I grabbed a mug of coffee that was liquid sugar with a splash of cream—exactly how I liked it. No black coffee for me, not since I’d learned that was serial killer fuel. After a long sip, my nerves settled.

I drink gin and whiskey like a real woman, Sy declared.

Yeah, you had your fun while I dealt with your hangover, I said.

The two heirs were still cleaning up.

“How the hell?” Rowan demanded.

“You’ll have to be more specific, Rowan,” Killian said lazily.

“You shouldn’t be able to open a portal alone,” Rowan accused.

It took all five princes’ combined power to teleport, but Killian had become more powerful. He could now slip between places solo—a secret he’d only shared with me.

Killian shrugged. “And yet I opened it alone.”

“What else have you held back from us?” Rowan’s voice dripped acid.

“If I told you everything, I’d have to kill you,” Killian mocked.

“You already tried and failed.” Rowan's lips curled into a sneer, transforming his handsome features into something unpleasant.

Liar, Sy protested. My sugar looks great no matter what.

“Weren’t we supposed to be brothers?” Rowan’s words cut like glass. “Yet here you are, keeping us in the dark this whole time.”

Killian sighed. “I can only travel to my dragon’s realm.” He caught Rowan’s look and added, “Not exactly breaking news that I’m bonded with a dragon, and he’s an ass. And yeah, I can also show up wherever Barbie is when I’m dream walking.”

My heart did a little flip. Did he mean that we had a serious link that mimicked a solid bond? But wasn’t he already tied to the demon queen?

He meant that he can find you whenever he wants to fuck you, dummy, Sy said.

If you can’t say something nice, zip it, I snapped at her.

Rowan gave Killian an odd look but dropped the subject.

Killian flicked his wrist with a flourish, and poof—bloody clothes gone, replaced by a black shirt and worn jeans. Every heir could pull that convenient quick-change magic, and Cade could even whip up a feast, like he had done in that prison cell in the House of Mages. Everyone in the academy knew that all the heirs were keeping some of their powers under wraps. They never showed their full hands, not even to each other.

I can magic up dresses too, Sy bragged. You missed my show at the party while you were passed out. By the way, you should keep your mouth shut when you sleep—you snore like a chainsaw.

Rowan snapped his fingers to summon his outfit and got zilch. He let out a growl when it became obvious that no one could conjure up magic in this pocket dragon realm except Killian.

Killian slanted Rowan a pitying look, then waved a hand. A stack of clothes appeared in his grip. He held them out like a peace offering, and Rowan grabbed them with a grunt. He didn’t thank Killian, not even with a nod—not when they’d just finished trying to kill each other five minutes ago.

Rowan’s blank look turned to a scowl when he saw the farmer getup Killian had offered him. A sheltered fae prince raised with silk sheets knew cheap clothes when he saw them.

“They’re all I’ve got,” Killian said. “Wear them or stay away from Barbie. She’s not having drinks with anyone who looks like they’ve just walked off a horror movie set.”

“And whose fault is that, asshole?” Rowan snapped. “I stayed in my lane and fucked my own woman, and you came at me like a psycho.”

He stripped off his frayed tunic and squeezed into Killian’s handouts. The shirt rode up above his belly button, and the pants looked like he was ready for a flood. Next to Killian’s superhot look, Rowan could’ve been auditioning for Fashion Disasters: Immortal Edition . Which was exactly the point, judging by Killian’s smirk.

“Fuck you,” Rowan said.

“Maybe later, brother.” Killian smiled and headed toward me.

His mood had improved a great deal now that he knew his friend hadn’t bedded me. “Better than nothing, right? Besides, the peasant look is really working for you.”

Rowan shook his head in disgust as he approached the table.

I’d been holding in my laugh, but watching the fae prince rock the discount rack look broke me. A peal of laughter burst out until I doubled over, Killian’s grip the only thing keeping me from hitting the floor.

Sy seethed beneath my skin, pissed that Killian had turned her prince into a joke.

I tried not to look at Rowan, but one glance at him in that ridiculous outfit sent me into another giggling fit. Killian lost it too, while Rowan scowled.

I fell apart in Killian’s arms. He held me as if I was the most precious thing. Electricity buzzed on my skin, and arousal shot through my veins. By sheer will, I shoved him away before the mating heat could kick in—especially with Rowan right there.

The fae prince didn’t blink on seeing that I could touch Killian. He’d clearly figured out why the chaos prince had attacked him. Killian gave me a hungry look as he slid into the seat beside me, and Rowan took the chair across from us.

“How’s my Sy doing?” Rowan asked, his face tight.

Sy straightened, glowing at his attention.

“She’s prickly,” I said.

My laughter had faded as reality crashed back down. We’d made a mess, and it was time to let the truth out, but I didn’t even know where to begin. I bit my lip, shadows haunting my eyes.

Start by telling them about me, Sy said. And fix your posture. And you’re doing that lip-biting thing again.

Since when are you an expert in manners? I snorted.

“Are you two talking right now, Barbie? Sy?” Rowan demanded.

“If she’s not criticizing my every move, she’s dropping terrible advice I never asked for.” I raked my fingers through my curls, trying to tame them.

Sy pouted.

“I want you to be nice to Sy and let her take over now,” Rowan urged. “I need to hear her voice.”

Let me take over, Barbie, Sy demanded. My sugar needs to hear my voice.

Later, I snapped. I’m not done with Killian yet.

Make it quick, then, she snapped back. I might not be the primary, but I’ve got rights too!

I massaged my temples. Everyone was entitled. Everyone had demands these days.

“Barbie stays,” Killian insisted. “I’m not done with her.” He turned to me, heat in his storm-blue eyes. “How long have you been sharing space with that wild thing?”

“Her name is Sy,” Rowan growled.

“Since birth,” I said.

I’d thought that I’d created Sy as an imaginary shield against my father when I was a child. But Sy had been there from my first breath—I just hadn’t known it. After the oracle dropped her cryptic hint, the puzzle pieces started falling into place, and I was beginning to understand what Sy really was.

I was what-you-see-is-what-you-get. But Sy had layers upon layers. And now that our secret was out to both princes, there was no stuffing it back in the bottle.

No more hiding her away in fear.

Sy’s eyes went misty at my change of heart.

Partners in crime, she whispered.

Two peas in a pod, I offered.

“How is this even possible?” Rowan asked. “And you two aren’t twins.”

I spread my arms. “We aren’t twins. We’re something else.”

Rowan nodded and sucked in a breath. “There’s never been anyone like you two. What are you? Let Sy out. She can explain this better and with less attitude.”

While Rowan was starting to get on my nerves, Killian just watched me patiently, not demanding shit.

“I’m the primary,” I said. “Main control’s mine, though Sy gets her time too.” Every battle Sy had waged for dominance, she’d lost. “Think of it this way,” I added, and Rowan’s eyes narrowed at my tone. He was so protective of his precious Sy. “Sy is a sex worker, and I’m her pimp. When I need some shiny, I send her out to play. She’s quite the professional, isn’t she? You’d know all about that, Prince Rowan.”

“What did you just say?” Rowan’s voice dropped to a dangerous growl, his eyes on fire.

Killian rose, putting himself between Rowan and me, even though I could hold my own. “Back off. You pushed first, and you know how Barbie handles threats.”

He slid two fingers of whiskey on ice toward Rowan. An odd choice. Fae usually drowned themselves in sweet flower wine, but maybe some mortal fire would cool that temper.

Killian poured his own glass and drained it, looking at Rowan. The fae prince matched him, the sharp edges of his ethereal features softening.

“My little scorpion stings,” Killian said with pride, and Rowan didn’t even bother to raise an eyebrow at the chaos prince’s claim on me. The unspoken truth hung between the two heirs—they’d nearly killed each other over what they’d thought was one woman, only to discover we were two entities sharing the same space. “It’s who she is, Rowan. She challenges authority, and you stepped right into it. If you want answers, ask nicely. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. Pushing her gets you nowhere.”

“I don’t sting. I’m not a scorpion.” I narrowed my eyes at Killian.

He smirked. “Are you sure?

“You think you know me, but you don’t,” I said to Killian before I turned to Rowan at Sy’s urging. She was growing anxious. “Don’t worry. Sy wants you to know you’re her only client, and she’ll keep it that way. Well, as long as those pink diamonds keep coming.”

“You don’t need his diamonds,” Killian snapped. “Whatever you need, I’ll provide.”

“You’re still holding my jewels hostage,” I said.

“Then come get them. I told Sy you needed to pick them up yourself. You heard every word.”

“We need to fix this,” Rowan said tensely and zoned in on me. “Can you two be separated?”

“We’ve never been apart,” I said. “If there’s a way, I’ll find it.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Sy wants her own life. She longs to spend some nights with you.”

“Can you blame her?” Rowan growled, concern for Sy flashing in his silver eyes. “I want to spend every night with her.”

Sy’s eyes misted over.

“So, where should we go from here, now that you two know our trade secret?” I asked, holding my breath, bracing for the worst.

“The realm isn’t ready for this.” Killian studied me before locking his eyes on Rowan. “This stays between us.”

I blinked. “You’ll really keep our secret?”

“Of course,” they answered in unison.

“We’ll protect you both,” Killian said.

Rowan nodded. “No one shall harm you. Not without getting through us first.”

“And you don’t think we’re an abomination?” I needed to be certain.

Killian’s growl rumbled deep, more dragon than man.

“Anyone who dares call you and Sy an abomination will answer to me,” Rowan snarled.

I slumped into the chair in relief. “Thanks, guys. Now, mind if I eat while you talk? I’m feeding two here.”

“Eat, little scorpion,” Killian said softly, passing me a plate of mixed smoked meat. “Now I understand why you’re always hungry.”

If only he knew that I was born a devourer of worlds and magic. But food kept me from draining everything around me. When hungry, I was more dangerous.

Rowan kept loading my plate. “I don’t like my little monster hungry.”

Stop that, I told Sy before she turned weepy. Her getting so emotional was ruining my appetite.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” Killian said. “The four of us are bound now. We’ll each share our deepest secret to seal a pact. We’ll guard each other’s truths, making betrayal impossible.”

I knew his game. The chaos prince had shattered my trust. Now he wanted a path back.

“You realize some secrets can destroy us?” Rowan asked cautiously.

“Yes,” Killian said. “That’s exactly why we’re doing this. If one falls, we all fall. I’m ready for that kind of commitment. Are you?”

“I’ve been committed to Sy ever since we met,” Rowan said.

Joyful tears streamed down Sy’s face, and she dabbed her eyes with her claws.

“A pact of trust then,” Killian said. “You start, Rowan.”

“Why the fuck should I go first?” Rowan challenged. “Why should I even trust you after you tried to kill me?”

“Tried and failed, unfortunately,” Killian said. “Are you going to hold it over my head forever? And let’s be honest—I wasn’t fighting at full strength.”

“Neither was I, asshole,” Rowan said, running a hand over his fine silver hair. “I’ll do this, but you’re starting. Go ahead. Share your dirty secret.”

“Nothing but truth now,” Killian said.

I set down my fork, heart beating in my throat.

Three pairs of eyes stared at the chaos prince—Rowan’s and mine and Sy’s watching through the same face.

“I fucked Barbie,” Killian said. “Many times.”