My men were restless after the disturbances throughout the realm. They needed something to distract them. Camellia had provided me with an opportunity to take care of that. The Warden, too.
Standing, I met her near the ring of flames.
“Welcome to Purgatory,” I told her, my energy heightening with my excitement. A gush of heat filled the air as the fire responded to my amusement, my power burning through the club with renewed vigor. “Are you going to attempt to bow?”
It was a meaningful taunt, one that caused anger to flash in her gaze. “No, I don’t think I will.” A bold reply, one that had Ajax flinching behind her. But all it did was make me smile.
“Pity,” I murmured. “I think some of my Hell Fae would have enjoyed the show. But that’s all right. We’ll give them something else to watch, hmm?”
Her jaw clenched in reply. She knew exactly what I meant.
Ajax seemed to understand, too. He’d likely seen the chains, thereby causing a dozen or more scenarios to run through his mind. Those scenarios were no doubt echoed within Camillia’s thoughts, too.
Which was all part of the fun.
What am I going to do?I pondered, grinning.How horrible will this become?
This was part of Ajax’s punishment and Camillia’s test. Sometimes the victim could conjure worse torment than I could possibly inflict on them.
Although, I would try to match Camillia’s fears, and supersede them.
Her eyes narrowed into a glare, her ire stoking the flames of my excitement. It seemed to replace her earlier fear, causing her shoulders to tighten and her stance to strengthen with confidence.
Maybe there is more to you than just your stunning looks,I marveled.Let’s find out how deep that boldness goes, shall we?
“Today the bride trials resume!” I announced loudly, my words for the Hell Fae but my focus still on Camillia.
A cheer followed my statement as the holograms zoomed in on me, my face appearing throughout the club and the entire Hell Fae Kingdom.
The female before me must have noticed because her eyes widened slightly, but that delicious anger of hers continued to color her features.
Very beautiful indeed,I decided.But I want to see more.
Checking the sundial on the fiery wall, I noted that we had about twenty minutes before the first trial began, making this the perfect time to introduce today’sentertainment.
I shifted my focus to the crowd. “You all have been so incredibly understanding while I’ve sorted out the mess that Monsters Night has caused, and I truly appreciate you allowing the delays in our much-anticipated trials.”
Several of the Hell Fae dipped their chins in reverence, their gratitude at being acknowledged for their patience palpable.
“Therefore, I thought we could all indulge in a little prelude before the trials kick off.” I gestured to Camillia. “What do you say, gentlemen? Would you like to see what’s under the coat?”
The crowd jeered in response, their eagerness a wave of chants on the air that caused Camillia to take a step backward. Only, Az was waiting for her, his chest blocking her path.
He’d clearly anticipated her reaction, just as he’d apparently anticipated the Warden’s reaction, too. Which explained the whip of power lashing out at my senses. He’d already immobilized Ajax, making it impossible for the Midnight Fae to move or speak.
Melek joined me, his curiosity playing through our bond.What are you hiding under the coat?
A present,I admitted.
For me?
If you want to unwrap it, I’ll allow it.
You’llallowit?he countered, his amusement caressing his words.Meaning you’ll watch?
Perhaps.
Hmm,he hummed, leaning against me.I’m intrigued.
