Page 7 of House of Mages and Raven

Lilith nodded. “Which matches the reports I received.”

Only lately had I gathered intel on the crisis of the mortal world due to the threats outside the Veil. Most supernaturals still had no clue about the danger we were facing, as they were fixated on the power struggles between the rival kingdoms. They refused to see the unfavorable reality—what transpired in the human world would eventually affect us.

I had to give it to Lilith that she had a much better grasp of the situation than the other monarchs. The mortal realm was part of her jurisdiction, after all.

“What happened eight years ago?” I asked.

“The daughter of Ruin vanished from the North Kingdom,” Lilith answered, something dark glinting in her eyes. “The girl is believed to be able to eat magic and drain the lands.”

“Ruin is one of the three original gods,” Moirai explained. “He has another name—eater of the world.”

My mind drifted to Barbie as something clicked.

“Weren’t the gods all dead, or in an eternal slumber?” I asked, and kept my expression bored.

“The other two gods disappeared after the final Battle of the Gods, but Ruin, the worst of the three, managed a return, aided by his daughter,” Moirai said. “The princess fled the North Kingdom. She’s come of age now. My coven and I believe that she has come to your realm, hiding in plain sight. She might even have joined the Brides Selection.”

5

Pucker

Shit!They were gunning for Barbie.

I shuddered at the demon queen’s possessive lust toward Prince Killian. I was only glad that I was here instead of her. Barbie really didn’t need to see this, as she’d lose her ever-loving shit.

The chaos heir darted a glance in my direction. I hid within the thick wall, but he still sensed me. That was why I usually turned down Barbie’s demand to spy on the prince. Who wanted to get on the bad side of the extremely powerful heir who had rage issues?

Prince Killian swept his gaze back to Moirai the Maiden. I let out a slow breath, an old habit. Even if I panted hard, no one could hear a ghost. Since the prince didn’t out me, I’d call it an invitation. I just needed to remain hidden from his two powerful guests.

The chaos house magic could shield me from the Queen of the Underworld, but Moirai, a powerful psychic, might still feelmy ghost energy. Just then, she turned her blind gaze toward me, unseeing yet seeing.

Fight or flight?

“We’re going through the vetting process from house to house,” Queen Lilith said. “I’m part of the realm now, and I’ll do whatever I can to safeguard it. The Maiden has checked out everyone in the sixth house. Maybe we’ll have better luck with your house, Killian. I heard that you’ve recruited a couple of new members of late.”

Prince Killian turned to look at Rock, who stood at attention by the door. “We did accept a few newbies. Do you remember who they are, Rock?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Rock said.

My heart pounded like crazy, and I almost screamed at the werewolf,Don’t you fucking say her name, you big moron! Or I’ll pay you nightly visits.

“We got Wyatt, Tiffany, and Sandra on the house record,” Rock offered.

“Lady Oracle is looking for a new girl. Bring Tiffany and Sandra here,” Prince Killian ordered him.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Rock bowed, turning on his heels.

I let out a breath of relief to soon, since the demon queen called out, “Wait, Rock.”

The werewolf halted his steps. She wasn’t his queen, but she was his boss’s betrothed, so he had to show the courtesy of obeying her unless Prince Killian said otherwise.

“There’s another new girl. Barbie, right?” The queen tilted her elegant head, vicious light flashing in her eyes. “I heard she has the affection of the heirs despite her unknown origin and unregistered status. Why don’t you bring her along as well?”

I froze and watched Rock also freeze before he recovered quickly and looked at the chaos prince.

“Yes, there’s a Barbie in our house,” Prince Killian said with a bored look. “She isn’t exactly new, as she transferred from another house. I think Louis used to feed from her.” He shook his head in distaste, not exactly a ruse. “Rock, find Barbie, if she’s in the house, and bring her, as my betrothed requested. In fact, get every bride candidate in the house here so Lady Moirai can have a good look at everyone.”

Shit pie!I zoomed out of the wall toward my mistress.

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