AllFreeNovel
Share Us
To my surprise—and relief—the pain faded as quickly as it came, leaving not even a hint of a mark behind. Zayn’s eyes narrowed, a spark of curiosity within their depths.
“Curious,” he mused, almost to himself, as his touch withdrew. “Very curious indeed.”
“Curiosity killed the cat, you know. But, hey, if you’re into feline homicide, who am I to judge?” I forced a smile, but it wobbled.
Zayn’s expression remained unreadable, but I imagined I detected a flicker of something—respect, maybe? Or perhaps it was simply amusement at my continued insolence. Whatever it was, it didn’t bode well for me.
“Your tenacity is... entertaining.” His smile was sharp enough to slice through steel. “But let us not forget why we are here.”
“Right, the whole ‘drop the case or watch your world burn’ spiel. Got it. Can’t say it’s original, but it’s definitely got that timeless villain vibe.”
Zayn’s laugh sounded like coals crackling in a fire about to erupt. “You are quite the firecracker, Tessa Fury. It will be interesting to see whether that flame burns bright or fizzles out in the end.”
“Stick around, Zayn,” I shot back, my voice steady even as my mind raced. “I’m full of surprises.”
Zayn’s fingers grazed my skin again, and I bit back a hiss of pain as the searing touch dug deeper than flesh. His eyes, twin infernos, searched mine, but this time there was no pulling away—no retreat into the sarcastic quips that usually served as my shield.
“Remarkable,” he murmured, the heat from his fingertips seeming to probe beneath my skin, seeking the secrets written in my very bones. “You harbor an inner fire that doesn’t scorch so easily, Tessa Fury. Such resilience could prove... useful.”
“Or maybe I just moisturize regularly,” I managed, though my usual smirk didn’t quite make it past the grimace. “Aloe vera does wonders against burns, you know.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he released me, the air cooling where his touch had scorched. I rubbed my jaw, feeling the phantom burn linger.
“Enough games,” Zayn declared, his gaze shifting toward the swirling magic that imprisoned Poppy. With a flick of his wrist, flames danced within the crystal, casting sinister shadows over her delicate features. “Let’s talk about something with a bit more... sizzle.”
“Leave her out of this,” Cairo’s voice broke through the charm, strained with desperation and raw with fear. He struggled against his own magical confines, but they were unyielding, designed to hold a creature as powerful as a djinn.
“Poppy’s fate is entwined with yours, Cairo. She is the kindling for your fire magic,” Zayn said, every word dripping with malice. “Unless you wish to see her reduced to ashes, I suggest you bend to my will.”
“Over my dead body,” Cairo growled, his face contorted in helpless rage.
“Quite possibly,” Zayn replied coolly. “But why not spare everyone the melodrama? After all, it’s just a matter of lighting a match.”
The threat hung heavy in the air. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms—not that I could do anything except stand there, watching the power play unfold. But I didn’t do helpless well. And I certainly didn’t do sidelines.
“Threatening to toast someone else’s girlfriend? That’s a new low, even for you, Zayn,” I said, forcing confidence into my voice. “But then again, I guess when you’re as hot-headed as you are, subtlety really isn’t your strong suit.”
“Careful, hunter,” Zayn cautioned, his gaze snapping back to me, flint striking steel. “Your words might just fan the flames.”
Zayn’s laughter sputtered out, and for a flickering moment, the cavernous lair seemed to hold its breath. “Ah, Tessa,” he said, his voice smooth as molten glass, “I’m growing weary of this game.” He swept an arm wide, indicating the expanse of his underground kingdom. “Dallas, while charming in its own right, has lost its luster for me.” He paused. “In three days’ time, I shall take my leave, and all I ask in return is...” His eyes glinted like embers. “...your absence from my affairs.”
“Three days?” I said, arching an eyebrow as if discussing the weather. “That’s oddly specific. You got a hot date somewhere else?”
“Three days,” was all he said in return.
“Leave you alone?” My laugh was a mix of disbelief and sarcasm. “What’s the catch? Because there’s always a catch.”
“Indeed,” Zayn said, tone darkening. “If you choose to disregard my simple request, hunter, know that my patience has limits.” He paced before his throne, each step deliberate. “I will not hesitate to scorch everything—every place and every person—that holds your affection.”
“Everything I love?” I sucked in a breath, my humor faltering as I scanned the room, landing first on Cairo’s anguished face—and then on Riker’s. I masked my fear with a crooked smile. “You think you can find all that? I mean, I’ve got a pretty extensive collection of rare monster merch.”
“Make light of it if you must,” he said, leaning forward, his gaze boring into mine. “But remember, fire consumes without prejudice, Tessa Fury. It can be the warmth of a hearth or the fury of an inferno.”
“Got it, fire bad, Zayn worse,” I shot back. But the stakes had been raised, and no amount of witty banter could disguise the gravity of his threat.
“Consider yourself warned,” he finished with a flourish of his hand, and just like that, his words settled over me.
A fireball, small as a tennis ball but brighter than the midday sun, spun in Zayn’s palm. Before I could utter a snarky retort or even blink twice, he flicked his wrist. The orb hurtled toward Riker, a comet with a personal vendetta.
