Page 79 of Savage Hunt

Twenty-Five

Eerie music drifted through the grand room in Venna’s mansion while demons dressed in finery gathered below. Laughter circled the purple and silver decor, and the heavy drapes framing the arched windows pooled on the black marble floors, silver veins twinkling under the chandelier.

I tugged the top of the ebony satin dress higher, but it didn’t do much to conceal the ridiculous amount of cleavage spilling out. The hem barely reached my mid-thigh, and my underwear would show if I bent over. The sheer black lace that started at the waist and flowed to my ankles didn’t offer much coverage.

Venna’s husky laughter rang out as she sipped wine a few feet away, lounging in a throne—a literal fucking throne—while demons hung on her every word. Rubies dripped like blood from the black, spiked tiara, and her red and black dress left little to the imagination, revealing her flawless porcelain skin.

My blood boiled as she ate up the attention. I’d hated her with a fiery passion before Kaspin enchanted Fane. Now my teeth ached to sink into her throat and tear through her flesh.

Were the others looking for me? I’d been gone for a few days now, and Fane was the only person who would have abducted me. Logan and Ruin had to be scouring Vlehull. At least I hoped.

I gripped the iron balcony, taking note of every exit. As if he sensed my intentions, Mykel moved in my periphery, his yellow stare searing holes into me. The son of a bitch hadn’t taken his eyes off me since Venna led me into this soiree. He was my personal shadow to ensure I didn’t escape.

Why the hell was I even at this stupid party?

Tingles crackled over my neck tattoo, and my hand lifted to it just as Fane climbed the winding staircase to the balcony. His gaze found me, burning with more than fury and hatred.

Lust.

I sensed it ricocheting through the bond. The spell ripped away his memories, but it couldn’t erase our connection.

Whether he realized it or not, his phantom touch glided over my body, slipping between the gossamer lace and skimming up my leg. As my pulse spiked and my breathing became ragged, a flush blossomed in his cheeks.

Running on instinct, I stepped away from the balcony toward him, but a threatening snarl crossed his lips, stopping me in my tracks.

“One of these days, you won’t be able to resist the pull toward me,” I said into his mind.

He lifted a finger and dragged it across this throat as if slicing it open.

I flipped him off.

A cloud of perfume choked me as a menacing presence loomed at my back.

“I hope you don’t have false hope that Ruin or Logan will rescue you.” Venna gave an ominous smile. “They can search Vlehull all they want, but unlike Karn, my mansion is hidden with wards and can only be accessed by invite.”

My heart sank, but I kept the disappointment out of my expression and lifted my chin. “I can save myself. I don’t need anyone to rescue me, or did you forget I have a powerful amulet?” That was such bullshit. The Infernal Sol hovered in the wings, waiting for the chance to take control, and when it did, it might not return to the shadows so easily. I couldn’t risk losing myself.

“Speaking of the Infernal Sol.” The excitement in Venna’s vibrant blue eyes had my blood icing over. “I hope you’re up for this.”

Frost crawled over my skin at her foreboding words. “Up for what?”

The royal demon moved to my side and leaned against the balcony, her long fingers motioning over the crowd. “I’ve invited my enemies and all those who oppose my rule on the guise of making amends.” Her laugh grated on my ears. “They’ll be in for a shock when I unleash my new pet on them.”

My attention snapped to Fane who watched us with an unreadable look.

“Not him, sweetness.” She ran a long nail down my arm. “You.”

I jerked away from her touch. “I’m no one’s fucking pet.”

She scoffed. “I’m the only reason you’re alive, Tatum. I’m the only thing standing between you and that oversized hybrid who wants nothing more than to tear you into tiny pieces.”

“Then let him,” I hissed. “When I die, so does the Infernal Sol. Bonus points.”

Venna’s head tilted to the side, the lights dancing on her sheet of platinum hair. “I just might. You’re becoming tiresome, and I’m not sure the Infernal Sol is worth this much of a headache.”

She was full of shit.

“Let’s cut to the chase, Venna. Why am I here?”

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