Page 281 of Psycho Devils: Aran's Story 2

Steel eyes widened at the expression on my face. Malum made a strangled noise as he looked down at me. “I know I overreacted, but I don’t like how she—”

I cut him off and said roughly, “My loyalties will always be to her.” I turned away from the kings and threw myself into the crowd.

Sadie accepted me for who I was, and I accepted her. We always stood up for each other. That was how true loyalty worked.

Bodies pushed and shoved as everyone moved in a frenzy.

Where we were running to, I didn’t know.

I bumped against the wall.

Orion yanked me roughly to the side, and I tasted ozone on my tongue. Lightning struck inches from my skin.

A missed opportunity.

To feel something.

“Be careful,” Malum snapped as he manhandled both Orion and me into our room.

Inside the bedroom, seconds crawled by like eons.

I paced back and forth. Stared at the door.

Waited.

When Lothaire finally entered, I stopped breathing. Immediate lung collapse.

Clammy sweat poured from my pits.

I bounced on my feet.

Lothaire’s lips moved, and it took my brain a second to pick up the noise. “The gods have changed the rules for the final competition.” His posture gave nothing away.

Different is good.

Lothaire inhaled and breathed out heavily. “Each team captain will choose who competes for their legion.”

I rocked back on my heels with relief. Most of my teammates were healthy, and even the demons had mostly recovered. I was clearly the worst choice.

Thank the sun god.

My head spun with lightness.

“However, there’s a catch,” Lothaire said quietly.

Time froze.

My stomach plummeted, and foreboding slammed into me.

Nothing else had to be said.

I knew.

I was doomed.

The haze crept over me, and all the colors dimmed.

Lothaire stared at the wall as he spoke. “The gods have given two teammates for each captain to choose between.” He turned to Malum. “You must select one of them.”

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