Page 22 of House of Demons and Bones

“Let’s focus on the real issue here,” Louis reminded the rest of the heirs. “The fight between Rowan and Killian.”

I nodded. “Sir Killian was even more unhinged than Sir Rowan.” The shifter prince grunted his agreement. “Pretty sure Sir Killian started it.” At their looks, I threw up a hand. “Don’t ask me why, but they were both mad as bulls, probably arguing over whose dick was bigger. Not that anyone else gives a shit.” I gave the heirs at the card table a pointed look. “You’re all just big boys with big cocks and too much privilege.”

The newcomer laughed. “Does she always talk like this? I’ve heard about her in the realm.”

“Let’s not get sidetracked again,” Cade said, massaging his temples and frowning at me. “Move closer so you don’t have to shout.”

“No one will bite you while I’m here, Barbie,” Louis said and glanced at Silas, and the shifter prince glared.

I scooted forward half an inch. “Better now, good sirs. Anyway, Killian apologized for beating the shit out of Rowan and offered to take us to his resort as a peace offering. Turned out to be some snowy mountain place that froze everyone’s asses off.”

“You three vanished when we hit the rooftop,” Silas said, narrowing his amber eyes. “How exactly?”

I took an exaggerated breath. This secret of Killian’s would tumble out eventually. Queen Lilith and the oracle already knew, and it wouldn’t hurt him if the heirs knew. I needed to give them something big to throw them off my back anyway. The night was almost over, with dawn approaching.

“What, Barbie?” Cade barked, not liking the suspense. “Spit it out and fast.”

“Sir Killian holds a very dark secret,” I blurted out. “I discovered it.”

The heirs straightened. Cade exchanged looks with the others, hesitating. He and Killian were close.

“Maybe we should let him keep it,” Cade said.

“No way. C’mon, Barbie,” Silas pressed. “Say it.”

Cade sighed. “Then we need to swear to keep this quiet. It stays in this room.”

“Fine,” Silas growled, and Louis crossed his heart.

I jerked my chin at the new guy. “What about him?”

“My cousin, once removed,” Cade said. “Jeffrey’s loyal and tight-lipped, like me.”

I swept my gaze over the royals, bit my lip for show, and let anxiety flicker in my eyes. Sy rolled hers.

“Swear you won’t reveal your source,” I said. “The last thing I need is Prince Killian coming after me.”

“He won’t,” Louis said. “I promise.”

But I didn’t trust anyone’s promises.

“Just get on with it, Barbie!” Silas barked, losing patience by the second.

“You’re in my house now,” Cade said. “I’ll take care of Killian. He shouldn’t keep secrets from us anyway.”

“Killian opened a portal to his mountain resort,” I said. “He can do it alone because—” I paused as the royals narrowed their eyes, tired of my games. “He’s Hades’s grandson. The true heir of the Underworld.”

Silence filled the room before the heirs erupted.

“That dick has been holding out on us,” Silas seethed.

“I sensed darkness in him, but…” Cade’s turquoise eyes lit up. “That’s why he could kill the abominations while we had to channel our magic through Barbie to slay them. Hades’s heir. Which means he’s?—”

“What else is he hiding?” Louis asked.

A lot!I thought.

Too much,Sy agreed.

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