Page 216 of The Fallen Fae King

But my Omega and Blood Lover will have each other.

They can be happy.

I close my eyes, while I silently weep.

Then the eye opens, and the killing sunlight lights up the arena.

I shake, waiting for the burn.

All around me, I hear screams and the stench of burning flesh.

Yet I am covered by cool shadow.

Why am I not bursting into flames?

Slowly, I open my eyes.

Then I close them hurriedly against the brightness of the sunlight.

More cautiously, I open them again, squinting upwards.

I am covered by Aurelius’ golden dragon wing. His shadows are dripping over me like ash.

If he moves his wing away from me by the smallest amount, I will die.

Aurelius saved me.

But he let my people burn.

My heart is hammering in my chest. I curl more tightly around myself, holding my scorched hands against my chest.

The arena echoes with yelling and boos.

“Silence,” Aurelius roars. “This is your Emperor’s decision. Lanlin Sin fought the best in the Imperial Games. It is tradition that I may show mercy to the most impressive gladiator. Well, Lanlin even killed the shifter who is known as Hakon, the Butcher of Edfu. I would be interested to know who here could take on a Shadow Wolf while shackled? Anyone willing to accept the challenge? So, Lanlin will return to finish his sentence in the Guild. Then he will be given to me. From now on, no one hurts this Blood but me.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Guild of Assassins, Shadow Court

Daire

I grunt with pain, as Taran yanks me down the dungeon steps by the base of my wing. “Why do people always go for my wings?”

“Maybe if you didn’t insult your bosses, apprentice, then you wouldn’t find yourself in these kinds of positions. For example, about to be thrown into a cell with a vampire. Do you enjoy pain?” Taran’s voice is tight with rage.

He drags me on relentlessly without looking down at me.

The oil lamp swings violently in his hand, casting monstrous shadows across the mold-infested walls.

“It depends who is dishing it out,” I reply. “Isn’t this Guild all about pain and pleasure? And that’s the best kind in skilled hands.”

“Don’t expect that I shall spare any of that type of pleasure for a filthy fae.” Taran tosses his hair. “Especially not one who just insulted my assassin skills. I shall show you what happens to apprentices in this Guild who dare to say that their mentors fight like a goose guarding a bog.”

“Also, that you swing like a man trying not to spill his mead. And I asked you, who taught you to murder? A frightened rabbit? Then I said⁠—”

“I remember what you said.” Taran reddens. I grin. “Apprentices should be grateful for their mentor’s lessons, as I was for Vic’s. I only took you on as a favor for Wraith. I knew that you would be trouble.”

“Trouble? Me?” I try and fail for wide-eyed innocence.