With that, he stepped out of my cell and shut the door, locking it with finality, and disappeared down the hall.
I shivered, his words settling like stones in my belly.
It was like he’d walked out of the cage with all my confidence in his hands, leaving me in a puddle of insecurity on the floor.
No food. No water. No help.
And a trial set in inhospitable lands.
Survival was a must. But how could I manage it when all the odds were already stacked against me?
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
MELEK
I studiedCami through the bars, noting her uncomfortable position on the ground, and frowned. The magic had been removed from the furniture surrounding her, yet she’d chosen the ratty rug.
Hmm.
I couldn’t make her a bed—that would be breaking Ty’s rules—but I could give her a spell that would allow her to do it herself. Her unique bloodline would allow her to use the ancient tongue. Maybe.
I really wasn’t sure. The talisman had amplified her spirit, granting her abilities she probably didn’t know she possessed. Without it, I wasn’t sure she could access her true soul.
Assuming I was right about her heritage, anyway.
It could all be a clever ruse, one meant to ensnare Ty, and if that was the case, I would kill the girl without a second thought.
But until I determined the truth, I would keep her safe.
With a wave of my hand, I unlatched the door to step inside.
She immediately stirred, her instincts flaring to life in response to my abundance of energy. While I cloaked my essence, some part of her recognized the power within me.
Andthatwas what intrigued me most.
Well, and her ability to readthe book.
I leaned against the wall, waiting for her to wake up, and smiled when her pretty gray eyes landed on me.
“You,” she hissed, a low growl in her voice that entertained me immensely. Although, I didn’t quite understand the vehemence radiating from her. “I don’t want anything to do with you.”
My eyebrows lifted. “Well, that is certainly not the reception I had anticipated,” I murmured, canting my head. “Can I ask what I’ve done to earn such a reaction?”
“You’re the Hell Fae Prince!” she accused.
Hmm, not quite.But that was a conversation for another day.
“I wasn’t aware that my title mattered,” I admitted, frowning.
“Of course it fucking matters!”
I tilted my head, taking in her unexplained rage. “Nevertheless, I’m here to continue where we left off.” Whispering ancient words, I cast a summoning spell, and the giant law book fell into my hands.
Her eyes flared with shock as I grinned, settling myself onto the couch and cracking the book open.
“Knowledge is technically a gift, but it’s not tangible, yes?” I asked, glancing up from the book to meet her confused gaze. “Yes. My thoughts exactly.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
