Page 36 of A Sword of Shadow and Deceit

My smile tightens ever so slightly as my gaze cuts to the Darkhaven brothers over his shoulder a second time.

Conniving, I think. How so very conniving.

It’s almost pathetic that this was the route they chose to take. Sex? Did they really think that would break me? I look Malachi up and down before glancing around us, where a fairly sizable crowd has gathered. One option would simply be to accept Malachi’s demands since Terra are all well aware that to deny a Mortal God or Divine Being anything would be subject to punishment.

Crowd or not, Mortal God or not, being fucked in front of these people won’t stop me from completing my mission, but it would likely hinder me. To accept this would ensure that I’d be branded as a Terra whore, free for the taking. Even if it’s well known that many Terra already fuck their Masters and whoever they’re ordered to, doing so behind closed doors allows Terra to at least maintain some sort of dignity. This is a trick by Theos—and his brothers—to rid me of that dignity.

How, then, will I be able to get out of being fucked by this thick-headed brute on my first day?

“I’m happy to remove my clothing and service you,” I say slowly, letting my smile drop away as I peer up at him with a concerned expression. “But are you sure that’s wise?”

His smirk fades, and a line forms between his brows. “What do you mean?” His eyes cut to the side as he grows increasingly aware of the crowd he’s drawn on purpose and the fact that I’ve yet to undress and bend over.

Turning my head, I scan those surrounding us—not the least of which include the damned Darkhaven brothers. Standing just behind Kalix and Theos, Ruen’s expression appears rather bored with the scene, as if he’s just there because his brothers are. Still, he doesn’t leave. He must be curious as well. I’m nothing if not obliging.

Sensing weakness, I take a step closer to Malachi and look up into his face, my brows pinching together as my lashes lower once and then lift again. “I’m sure you know that as the Darkhavens’ Terra, I’m more than aware of their desires,” I say.

Unease flickers across Malachi’s face and his muscles bunch. “So?” he demands, his voice turning defensive.

My smile widens. I release my hands from my back and twist them in front of me instead. “I don’t wish to embarrass a Mortal God of your skill and renown.” It’s a lie, especially considering I’ve never even heard of him before today. Unfortunately for him, though, he strikes me as the type that’s so overconfident, it’s implausible that anyone would not know of him, and I’m usually right about my instincts.

His dark brown eyes narrow on my upturned face. “Why the fuck do you think you’d be able to embarrass me, Terra?” he sneers.

I blink up at him, eyes wide and feigning innocence. “Oh no, sir,” I reply. “Not I—but my Masters … well … I’m sure you’re aware that they wouldn’t ask you to fuck their Terra in front of such a large crowd if they didn’t want to cause someone embarrassment, and it wouldn’t be me, since bowing to your graciousness is nothing but a glorious pleasure for one as lowly as myself.” The words come easier and easier. Tricky, tricky, little liar. That’s what I am. I’d almost feel bad for the meathead if I didn’t know that he’d absolutely strip me bare in front of all of these people and fuck me just for fun, for a dare.

I lift my hand and carefully set it upon his massive chest. His heart beats faster, the sound and reverberation against the center of my palm. I delicately swipe my tongue over my lower lip and cast my eyes up through my lashes. “My Masters desire amusement, sir,” I tell him. “If you’re willing to play the part then I will do my best to satisfy you. I just hate the thought of them attempting to make a fool out of someone so strong and great.”

Shock crosses his features a split second before realization dawns at what I’m insinuating. “I am no one’s fucking fool!” Took him long enough. He turns abruptly and stares down the hall towards Theos, Ruen, and Kalix. “Theos! You bastard!”

Theos blinks and steps forward, glancing between Malachi and me before settling on Malachi. “The fuck are you talking about?”

My lips twitch, but I repress the smile that threatens to form. The seed of doubt I’ve sewn into Malachi’s mind has already taken root. “You think you can play me? You think you can humiliate me by tricking me?” Malachi snaps. “I’ll have your head for this in sword training later.”

A second passes and then another and another. Theos’ once self-satisfied expression is now a pleasant one of surprise and bewilderment. My tongue rolls against my inner cheek as I continue to battle my own amusement and smugness. I wait, patient now that I know I’ve won this round, until finally Malachi curses again, and then holds out his hand.

“Pick up my fucking bag, Terra.” His command is ripe with anger and confusion.

Still smiling, I bend. “Of course.” I lift the bag and hold it up for him, but of course he doesn’t take it.

“Terra!” Malachi’s overly loud bark makes several Terra in the vicinity jump, even the two who’d been knocked over yet stayed out of curiosity. Finally, after a beat, one of the smaller, newer Terra squirms his way out of the crowd, hurrying forward. It almost seems a cruelty to give a boy so young and small to a man like Malachi.

It seems, too, that Malachi uses the servant’s status as a calling card rather than actually learning individual names. With a sigh, I turn and hand Malachi’s bag to the round-faced boy. His cheeks are sweaty and flushed, but he takes his Master’s belongings and quickly follows him when Malachi curses and turns away, stomping off.

The threat of shame and humiliation works wonders on all races.

Slowly, I pivot back to face the Darkhavens. As those around us disperse and head towards their classes, I bow slightly with my own pleased smile as I spot the shock in Theos’ expression, of forced indifference on Ruen’s, and excitement in Kalix’s eyes.

They’ll have to try harder to make my life worse than anything I’ve experienced thus far.

As if sensing my thoughts, Theos’ shock turns to irritation and he turns, striding away. His long legs eat up the distance as people—students and Terra—quickly hustle to get out of his way. Kalix laughs and follows, using the open path caused by Theos’ anger to his advantage. Then it’s just Ruen and me. With a sigh, he points towards the end of the corridor.

“Come,” he demands. “Class is about to start and you’re required to be there.”

“Of course, Master Ruen.” I take a step towards him, pausing only when he holds up a hand.

“Don’t,” he growls.

I blink. “I’m sorry? Don’t what?”

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