Between Melek’s and Ajax’s crash courses on how to survive the upcoming trial, I had a chance.
Curling my fingers, I vowed to make my chance count.
Assuming they’re telling me the truth and not trying to kill me faster,I thought irritably. The last time I’d trusted one of them, I’d ended up in a cell.
Of course, Melek had said it was my fault for using his knowledge. Would he do that again if I tried one of the spells he’d taught me?
I would reserve his spells and hisvow of protectionas a last resort. Ajax had given me enough to survive without Melek’s help.
Assuming all went according to plan.
Because that had worked out for me so far.
I’m so dead.
“You should try to get some more sleep,” Ajax said, pulling out his wand. He murmured an incantation in a language I didn’t understand, causing the items to disappear. Then three bottles of water appeared in their place. “I can’t give you new clothes, as I’m only allowed three gifts, which I’ve used now between the cooling spell, sustenance, and knowledge.”
“Cooling spell?” I repeated, frowning. “Is that why I’m so chilled?”
He nodded, then used his wand to create a stack of blankets. “We’ll just say this is part of the cell accommodations.” He stood then and returned his wand to his pocket. “I’ll be back in about six hours to take you to the trial. Try to sleep, Cami. You’re going to need it.”
With that, he slipped out of the cell.
And shut the door.
I had a feeling I would be needing a lot more than justsleep. But he was right. That would be a good start.
Because who knew when I’d have another chance to rest again?
Hell Fae Rule #5: Be Prepared for Anything.
That included resting, hydrating, and fueling myself in preparation for the fight to come.
I picked up one of the blankets he’d left behind, marveling at how soft it felt against my fingertips. Then I made myself a better bed with it.
Curled up.
And allowed Ajax’s minty fragrance to swirl around me in a comfortable blanket of warm masculinity. A hint of pine lurked in the air as well, his magic seeming to have a unique scent from his usual aftershave.
Together they created a strange sort of protective shield that lulled me to sleep.
No nightmares waited for me this time.
Just calming darkness.
And blissful silence.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
TYPHOS
Melek never returned last night,leaving me more agitated than usual.
An emotion I had to ignore because I had a field of six hundred and sixty-six candidates to address.
I didn’t enjoy ceremonies on a good day. And today certainly did not qualify as “good” by any stretch of the imagination.
About the only positive aspect of today was the fact that I would be losing at least fifty candidates, thus beginning the process of narrowing the numbers. If I was lucky, it’d be closer to a hundred souls dismissed from the Hell Fae part of these games.
