“Cami resolved a potentially realm-destructive portal,” Melek pressed on. “These are unprecedented times, my king. Acting rashly will only put your kingdom in more danger.”
“You meanourkingdom, little prince.”
Melek merely shrugged, causing an eerie quiet to settle in the air around us.
I continued to breathe, my lungs stinging with each inhale.
All the while, Lucifer focused intently on the male behind me, the two men seeming to have fallen into some sort of staring contest.
Or perhaps they were speaking telepathically now. I wasn’t sure. But Melek appeared to have Lucifer’s undivided attention, the Hell Fae King’s gaze sparking with unresolved fury while he glared at the other fae.
As they continued their silent debate, Ajax subtly moved closer to me.
I pretended not to notice, something that became decidedly difficult as his magic slithered over me, the sensation reminding me of the snake-vines from his interrogation. Only, a warm kiss of power immediately followed the slithering sensation, the impact causing my shoulders to relax.
Ohhh,I thought.That… that feels… nice…
Healing magic, I understood after a beat.Ajax is healing me.
I blinked at the Midnight Fae, but his focus was on Lucifer and Melek. Yet his magic continued to wash over me, each stroke making me feel lighter—freer—than before.
Because Lucifer still has a hold on me.I’d thought he’d released me from his power, but he hadn’t. He’d merely physically let go of my throat and loosened my bindings enough to knock me off-balance.
Fucking bastard king.
He still had an invisible bind over my mouth, too. A bind that Ajax’s magic had yet to touch.Because he’s purposely leaving me mute.
I nearly glared at him, but I didn’t want Lucifer to notice.
Ajax was providing me with some relief, perhaps even trying to free me from Lucifer’s mental grasp. I didn’t want to risk the king discovering Ajax’s interference, as it would surely not end well.
Which left me wondering,Why is Ajax doing this?He’d already pissed off Lucifer by telling him to stop. And this… this certainly took that defiance to a new level.
“Just because the portal is closed doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done,” Melek suddenly said aloud. “You should be channeling your energy into rebuilding what was lost in the Marsh Lands and guiding your people when they need you most.”
“Ourpeople,” Lucifer corrected, seeming to grow weary of reminding Melek that they were supposed to be united. Still, the fires eased in his eyes as he spoke to the prince, leaving his piercing eyes smoldering like the low burn of a blue flame.
“Our people,” Melek agreed with a nod, his arm loosening a little around my waist as he moved to my side. “Thank you for protectingourpeople, Camillia.”
The Hell Fae King made a noise in the back of his throat.
“Yes, thank you for closing the portal,” Az echoed.
Lucifer just shook his head and took another step backward, his power still caressing my skin.
Mynakedskin, I thought, swallowing—a motion that hurt, thanks to Lucifer’s manhandling.
Everyone stood there watching me now, like they were waiting for me to speak.
Which I couldn’t.
Because of Lucifer.
However, had I been able to speak, I probably would have said,Now would be a great time for someone to offer me some clothes.
Silence fell upon us again, all four men exchanging glances.
This seemed to be a pivotal moment. One that would determine my fate.
