Everything Ty did was for his people. Hades’s intentions were… to be determined.
But it was interesting that he’d called Ty for this favor. “What are you offering in exchange for Maliki’s release?” I wondered aloud, drawing Hades’s midnight gaze up to mine. We rarely spoke, but we’d known each other for a very long time.
“I could simply take him,” Hades pointed out.
“You could,” Ty agreed. “But you won’t.”
Hades sighed. “No, I won’t. I have no wish to deal with you, Typhos. I mean that in terms of agreements and general conversation.”
“Yet you called me.”
“Yes, I did. Because you’ve been questioning Maliki long enough to know he’s innocent.”
“That would require him to actually speak,” Ty replied. “Which he’s not doing.”
“Because I vowed him to secrecy and his loyalty is with me.”
“He’s one of my Nightmare Fae.”
“In my domain,” Hades countered.
“A domain I gave you.”
“In exchange for my protection. Don’t pretend that you did me any favors here, Hell Fae King. I don’t serve you. I choose to reside here because I like it here. But those fae are just as much mine as they are yours, and I would like Maliki back.Now.”
Ty’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t serve you, God Hades.”
The Mythos Fae snorted. “That’s a ridiculous title. The only one allowed to call me God is—” He cut off abruptly and cleared his throat. “I am not your God, Typhos.”
Ty leaned forward, his long hair falling over his broad, bare shoulders. “Stop posturing with me and tell me why I should free Maliki. And don’t say it’s because you asked nicely.”
Hades studied him for a long moment before shaking his head.
“You didn’t think you could take all those brides without a price, did you? That all those parents would just accept their fates and move on?” He matched Ty’s position by leaning forward. “Come now, Typhos. You, of all fae, are familiar with the concept of revenge.”
Ty said nothing, but his mind began dissecting the Mythos Fae’s words.
“Virtuous Fae love their deals and their games,” he added. “Surely you can see the larger picture here, Hell Fae King.”
“Enlighten me.”
Hades gave him a look that said he had no interest in providing any sort of enlightenment.
“Maliki doesn’t fit the profile you’ve built for your culprit. His portal was unique, he has full recollection of what he did, and he’s not apologetic for it. And most importantly, no one was injured. Some horny fae found mates. That’s hardly a crime. Now let him go, or I’ll come for him myself.”
The call ended with a profound click that left Ty and me staring at a blank screen.
“Looks like I need to have a personal visit with Maliki,” Ty said after a beat.
“Likely a good idea,” I agreed. “But I’m needed in the Midnight Fae Realm.”
Ty looked back at me. “You can’t stay away from her for more than a few hours, can you?”
I smiled. “It’s not Cami who wants to see me.” She was currently in the shower with Az and Ajax, trying to wash off her ethereal energy. I’d stop by to help, chat a bit, and then go meet with the fae awaiting my arrival. “Zakkai has questions.”
Ty frowned. “He reached out?”
“Not exactly.” I didn’t elaborate because I didn’t need to.
