Page 183 of Princess of Bael

“It was the only way,” Morax repeated. “There was no one else in Hell who could offer you balance and protection. I didn’t want you to be lost forever. Bael had already chosen Johanna, and I didn’t want to risk Alastor choosing Lucía over you. So I preemptively took you, siphoned off your power, and sent you here for the ultimate protection.” He bowed his head to Ankou. “Thank you for guarding her.”

“Oh, I’m not guarding her,” Ankou replied, his fingers weaving through the air and causing her hair to float around her as though he were touching her. “She guards herself.”

Kristina played the blade through her fingers. “I do.” Her eyes narrowed. Then she looked back at Ankou. “I’m not going to kill him. His power will continue to wane until he loses everything. That’s punishment enough.”

Well, now that’s an interesting statement,Ashmedai thought.I wonder what she’s foreseen.

Oh? A move you’re not fully aware of yet?I asked, feigning curiosity.

More like one that doesn’t entirely interest me. Morax has served his purpose. Our deal is done.

I glanced at Ashmedai.So that’s it? You just leave him behind?

It’s what he would do to me,he replied.

Ankou dipped his chin in a regal nod. “So be it, little gold of mine. We shall allow him safe passage home.”

“Yes,” she agreed as she stepped toward Ankou again to kneel at his feet. She lifted the blade up for him to take, and it disappeared into his black robes.

“You may all leave,” Ankou announced. “Unless you have another deal for me, Ashmedai?”

“Not today, King Ankou,” Ashmedai replied, bestowing upon him the formal title and giving him a subtle bow.

Always playing political games,I thought at him.

Always,he echoed, rising. “Until we meet again,” he said.

“Hopefully not soon,” Ankou replied. “But I fear that may not be the case for your mate.”

A chill swept down my spine.

“I sense her soul will be with me very soon,” Ankou continued, his dark eyes gleaming as he met my gaze. “Until we meet again,” he echoed, his cloaks wrapping around him and Kristina as the throne room began to dissolve around us.

Ashmedai’s familiar quarters appeared in the next blink, my heart kick-starting in my chest.

I met his violet gaze.

And for once, he allowed me to see something other than amusement.

He granted me a glimpse of true fear.

“I think it’s time for you to choose a side, dear mate,” he said after a beat. “Before it’s too late.”