Releasing me, he walked over to his desk to click a button that brought up a screen. His tension mounted as an unexpected face appeared in the translucent space before him.
Well, that explains the demanding presence,I thought, taking in the dark features of the Mythos Fae staring boldly at Ty.
“Hades,” Ty greeted. “What an unexpected call.”
“Is it?” the godlike fae drawled, his sinister appearance befitting his role as the deity of the Netherworld Kingdom. “Somehow I doubt that.”
Ty slowly moved into his chair, his expression giving nothing away. “Maliki?” was all Ty asked.
“Indeed. I would like him back.”
I moved to stand behind Ty as he lounged back into his throne-like seat and brought his hand up to his mouth, his elbow on the arm of the chair. “Hmm. And why would I agree to that?”
“Because he has nothing to do with your Virtuous Fae problem,” Hades stated flatly, his English tones giving his voice a haughty lilt.
“And what do you know about my Virtuous Fae problem?” Ty countered, his tone and mind lacking any hint of surprise.
Virtuous Faewere not commonly known, their existence a long-kept secret. Mostly because their destruction had led to the creation of all the faedoms.
Except for one—the Mythos Fae.
They’d been around for as long as the Virtuous Fae had, their kind more godlike than angel-like. Historically, the two kinds tended to avoid one another. But Ty had made it his mission to befriend a few, knowing their presence in the Hell Fae Realm would help keep our fae safe.
Thus far, it had worked with the Mythos Fae enjoying their status as worshipped Gods among the various Hell Fae kingdoms. It resembled the fame they’d experienced eons ago when the Human Realm used to pay tribute to them.
Now humans considered them to be a myth. Just like my kind, or angels, as the mortals often confused us with.
Poor humans. How feeble their minds are. And so easily manipulated, too.
Ty glanced back at me, clearly having heard my thoughts.
Sorry, just musing.
Hmmwas all he said in reply before focusing on Hades. The godlike fae hadn’t responded yet, simply stared Ty down with the patience only an old, ancient being could possess.
“I assume the purpose of this call is to let me know you have information I may find valuable, and in exchange for that information, you’d like your pet back,” Ty summarized bluntly. “Yes?”
“You’ve been talking to Morpheus.”
Ty huffed a breath. “I would never invite a conversation with him. He has a penchant for fucking with my dreams.” Another glance my way. “Have you been talking to Morpheus? Perhaps about Camillia De la Croix?”
I pressed a palm to my heart. “Would I do that?”
“Yes.” Not an ounce of hesitation. “Have you?”
I smiled. “No. But I do like that idea, so thank you for sharing.” Morpheus, the God of Dreams, could be quite useful to me. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.” Ty reached out to grab my wrist, holding me in place.
“Maliki and Azazel are half brothers, and Azazel is mine. Therefore, I have a personally vested interest in Maliki’s well-being. Your relationship with him, whatever it may be, has not escaped my notice. Does that response satisfy you?”
“Not really,” Hades replied. “I would be more satisfied if you agreed to release Maliki. You’ve questioned him for long enough. The portal he opened simply offered a few Ghouls and Death Fae the option to claim some potential mates.”
“I believe you’re forgetting the Strigoi Prince who disappeared, too. As well as his lover, the rival family’s heir, yes?” It wasn’t common knowledge that the Strigoi Prince and his assassin were lovers, but Ty knew every secret that transpired in his various kingdoms.
Hades steepled his fingers on the desk before him, the shadows of his dark lair reminding me of Ty’s favorite den.
The two males were certainly similar.
Yet so vastly different at the same time.
