CHAPTER FORTY
Astaroth
The balls of my feet struck the dirt outside the labyrinth walls. Dust moats floated around me as I rose from my squat, readying myself for who or what entered my realm. After the threat from one of the last exiles, and Mergle declaring they would come for him if he disappeared, I wasn’t taking any chances. Calista’s anger roared through me as I faced the single newcomer. I slammed the connection shut as quickly as I entombed her. My focus and safety were tantamount to hers. Because if I didn’t return, she would die there.
Bright green eyes held mine across the distance. I had never seen a hue so vibrant, not even on Earth. Not an ounce of fear weighed his gaze, which was something else I’d never encountered. Fiery red hair fell past the shoulders of his pristine frock that matched his irises. Not a rip, drop of blood, or speck ofdirt marred his clothing. This fae was not an exile. He came here with purpose.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“Where is Mergle?”
I tilted my head. “Who is asking?”
“You may call me Serwin.”
“Well, Serwin, Mergle is indisposed. How may I be of service to you?”
This time he tilted his head. “Indisposed or disposed?”
“Indisposed, as I said.” I smiled, showing teeth.
“Then I wish to speak with Jessandra.”
I continued smiling when every particle of my being wanted to explode. How did he know Jessandra? Was she behind the treachery with Mergle? As secretive as she was, I wouldn’t put it past her. I couldn’t trust any of them anymore.
“You do not wish to speak with me?”
“No.”
I feigned sadness. “You haven’t asked who I am.”
“I know who you are.”
I raised my brows. “You do?”
“Quit playing games, Astaroth! It is imperative I speak with Mergle.”
“Why?”
His lips formed a thin line. “If you would like to keep your realm and your newly acquired prize, I suggest you take me to him.”
I blinked in front of him, hand around his creamy pink throat, only to discover his hand around mine, as well. Every time I squeezed, he did the same.
Nothing will be accomplished at this rate except for our discomfort if you continue to let your emotions rule you.Startled by the invasion of his voice in my head, I squeezedhard enough to hear a bone crack.I am not the threat nor your enemy. Release me.
Finger by finger, I forced my hand to open while his voice echoed in the cavern of my mind.That is not even a talent I possess.What else could he do? Could he overpower me? He said we weren’t enemies. How could I trust him when he worked with those who deceived me?
His hand relaxed along with mine. The moment we released one another, we took a step back. The bones in his throat pressed against his flesh at odd angles. They twitched beneath his skin and shifted back into place.
Serwin rubbed his neck and cleared his throat. “Shall we?”
A portal opened behind me to take us to the empty throne room. Everything had been taken to the arena for the celebration. I went through it without responding. With the snap of my fingers, my throne appeared on the dais. Serwin appeared as I sat, looking around the empty room.
“He is not here.”
I crossed my ankle over my knee. “No, he is not.”
Serwin’s nostrils flared. The only sign he gave that he was flustered. “I have a minuscule amount of time.”
