Page 38 of House of Demons and Bones

The house magic shot ahead in a phantom arrow of chaotic color as I followed. Everyone in the hall turned, wearing the same confused looks as the guards outside—like they were seeing a ghost again.

I pinched my cheek to prove I was real. As long as they didn’t block me, we were good. I wasn’t in the mood for interference while on a mission.

A sweet mission to fuck Killian.Sy beamed.

“Barbie?” Archer called tentatively as he strolled toward me from the depths of the hall. “Where did you come from?”

“Somewhere,” I answered evasively, as I didn’t like anyone to poke into my business.

“Weren’t you in the house just now?” he asked.

“Yeah? Double check with Rock. He’s shadowing me, but he should know that no one hides from me.” I swept two fingers southeast. “Your buddy’s heading that way, knowing I came here. This isn’t a social call, Archer. Just grabbing my favoritepillow from my old room for my new place in the House of Mages. I’m a respectable high mage now.”

“Are you?” He narrowed his eyes, his doubt as plain as daylight. “You sure you didn’t go up just now?”

“Maybe you should get your eyes checked, Archer,” I said. “Does Prince Killian cover vision? You better check. Prince Louis promised full insurance when I was his squire—turned out to be a sham.” I shook my head. “I got scammed.”

I charged past him and up the stairs like I still belonged.

“Scorpion, wait!” Archer called, but I was already three floors up, his footsteps echoing behind.

With Sy’s strength pumping through my legs, I barely touched the ground. Contrary to what I’d told Sy, I bypassed the sixth floor and my old room and raced to Killian’s penthouse.

Only at his corridor did I slow. My heart stuttered. How would he react? Would he welcome me or scold me? I needed an excuse ready. If he wasn’t all that happy to see me, I’d hit him with my worst attitude before storming out.

I squared my shoulders. Where was Pucker when I needed backup?

I’m your backup!Sy said.

Right,I sighed. I’d gotten used to his phantom form trailing me. But he was diligently guarding the Veil now, paranoid that I’d be dragged away by my enemy and he’d lose his drinking source. Still, he’d grown on me. After warning me about the Shriekers’ invasion in time, he deserved more than a few sips of my goddess energy.

The Queen’s Suite loomed ahead, its red door glaring. I steeled myself, hoping whatever waited inside wouldn’t sense me.

I crept forward, remembering Pucker’s words.They aren’t ghosts. They’re more like a kinetic energy force.

Whatever kinetic energy was—even Pucker couldn’t explain it. But something beyond that door terrified my familiar.

I quieted my steps as I padded along the long corridor, my pulse racing as I drew near the red door.

Come to us! You must come, little goddess!Ancient voices rasped from beyond—two distinct ones now, male and female, old as the earth itself.

I froze, instinct screaming for me to flee. But I stood my ground, as my need to see Killian burned stronger than fear.

Fuck off,I said.

As I moved to dash past, purple light spilled from under the red door, pooling at my feet.

We’re running out of time, girl.The female voice pierced my strengthened mental shield—these things were more powerful than I’d thought.Your father’s coming.

My heart sank into ice. At least they’d skipped the prophecy shit this time, naming my father directly instead of their usualRuin is coming.

I stopped in my tracks. They had my attention.

The Queen’s Suite was meant for Killian’s true mate—everyone thought that meant the Queen of the Underworld. But the house magic had known I was his true mate all along, shocking everyone by offering me the suite, though I’d never taken it.

No one else can enter but you,the female voice said, icy wind brushing my mental shield. It could pierce my mind and read my thoughts.Not Hades’s heir. Not even the fallen star who once tried.

My heart rammed into my ribcage, and anxiety drenched me in icy dread. What force could outpower the demon queen and Killian?

---