Page 30 of Caged

Maxym bursts out laughing, and I nearly get knocked over by a set of wings given how fast Sylas turns.

“You think this one needs credits?” Maxym cackles. “He’s got plenty,” he adds, giving in to the death stare Sylas is giving him.

“We get bonuses,” Sylas says to me. “For the games. Sometimes there are patrons…” He swallows, as if the word pains him. “Who pay for certain…deaths.”

Maxym goes silent. Then he unfolds himself from the chair and places his hand on Sylas’ shoulder.

“You’ve suffered enough, Sylas. It’s time to leave it all behind. Go with your mate, find a new life.”

“And you?” Sylas grasps Maxym’s arm. “What about you? And the others?”

“We can look after ourselves, commander,” Maxym says, his voice low.

Sylas’ wings shake, and his grip on Maxym’s arm digs into the flesh. His dark pools of eyes seem to burn, and it’s not because of what is happening in this room.

“Stay with me, Sylas,” Maxym murmurs.

I slide my hands into Sylas’ warm feathers from behind and feel how much he is vibrating. For a long while, there is only silence. It settles around us like warm water. Sylas takes in a deep breath, and a hand closes over mine as I’m slowly enveloped in his arms.

“Thank you,” he says into my ear.

“Don’t go so far next time,” I reply.

“Despite the fact you’re all trouble, I thought you might be hungry.” Ginka’s voice rings out, shattering the peace but bringing with it the scent of baking.

She’s holding a large tray filled with delicious looking baked goods.

Maxym’s eyes light up. His wings knock yet another ornament off one of Ginka’s shelves, but this time, in a lightning move, Sylas catches it before it hits the floor.

Ginka gasps, stares, and huffs.

My massive Gryn gladiator winks at her and shoulders Maxym, who staggers a little, then recovers himself before closing the distance to Ginka in a single stride.

“It must be complete chaos in the dome with more than one Gryn.” I look up at Sylas.

“You’ve no idea,” he says, lips hitching into the smile which makes my insides go squishy. “Let’s eat.”

It’s not a suggestion, more of a statement. And what follows is possibly the most bizarre half an hour of my time not on Earth, which given what I’ve been through is saying a lot.

Sylas, although initially with a look of extreme confusion on his face, insists I sit on his lap while he selects the choicest of items for me, offering each one up to my lips while growling at the others. All the while, Maxym tries and fails to contain his mirth at his fellow Gryn’s behavior, making me think this is not a common occurrence. Ginka just stares at us and shakes her head occasionally.

“I’m full,” I say, patting my stomach. “I couldn’t eat another thing.”

Sylas rumbles deep in his chest.

“Me too,” Maxym says, eyes dancing with badness.

“Vrex off,” Sylas rasps.

“Oh, very nice. And to your only friend who you may never see again.” Maxym fakes injury to his feelings (badly).

“I will see you again,” Sylas replies. “And now I am taking my mate to my nest. She requires rest.”

Ginka coughs and Maxym beams. Before I have any say in the matter, I’m in his arms and being carried back to the bedroom filled with twinkling things and soft furnishings, which I now recognize as some of the cushions from Ginka’s couch.

I don’t think her place is ever going to be the same again after a visit from the Gryn. I know I’m not going to be either.

I want to be with Sylas, not because I don’t want to have to return to Ixor, but because he’s made me feel something for the first time in my entire life. A hard ball of emotions tucked up under my solar plexus makes me want to laugh, to cry, and to call out from the rooftops.

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