Page 59 of House of Demons and Bones

“Don’t get too comfortable. This isn’t a vacation,” Killian told the heirs. “Time to work, guys. Silas, share your secrets.”

“Why me first?” Silas snorted. “You start.”

“You know Hades is my grandfather and I’m the true Underworld heir,” Killian said. “Not even my father knows my mother’s real identity.”

I’d revealed that secret of his since it would come out eventually. Supernaturals respected power above all—knowing the chaos heir was the Underworld’s true heir wouldn’t cost him anything but would boost his status.

“Why did your mother—Hades’s daughter—hide her identity?” Louis asked.

Killian shrugged.

“Why hide being a demigod?” Cade pressed.

“Asshole just loves hoarding secrets,” Rowan said.

The others nodded grudgingly. Rowan used to back Killian, but the death duel had scarred their friendship. They only worked together for the sake of Sy and me now.

“My mother abandoned me when I was three,” Killian said, jaw tight. “Excuse me if I don’t advertise that part of my heritage.”

“You kept that secret for decades. You never treated us as your peers.” Silas glared.

“Like you’re not hiding yours,” Killian shot back. “Remember your blood oath.”

Rowan shook his head. “Everything coming out of your mouth is offensive, Killian.” He turned to the other heirs. “Ignore him. I’ll start.”

All eyes turned to the fae prince, and Louis nodded his encouragement.

“I’m a bastard,” Rowan said.

“You’re not, Rowan boy,” Cade said. “You’re a gentleman.”

“Unlike Killian,” Silas said. “He’s the real bastard.”

“I’m not King Emyr’s true son.” Rowan raised his voice. “He’ll exile or kill me if he knows.” He shook his head as jaws dropped. “And no, I don’t know who the fuck sired me, and I don’t care to find out.”

Silas and Louis shared a shocked look before remembering their mutual dislike and glaring at each other.

“You’ve been carrying this burden all these years?” Cade asked. “That’s brutal, man. But listen, you’re one of us. That won’t ever change.”

“Thanks,” Rowan said, his face tight. “But eventually, I want the secret out. I hate living like an imposter.”

“You’re not an imposter,” Louis said. “You’re our brother.”

“And always will be,” Silas said.

Cade swung his wand, and a strong gust barreled toward us. Killian threw up a shield just in time but only covered himselfand me. The wind slammed into Rowan before he could fend it off. The fae prince shot Killian a murderous look as he plunged into the lake. A whirlpool materialized, dragging him toward the other heirs while he flailed in his soggy tunic and leather pants.

Silas, Louis, and Cade gripped Rowan’s shoulders.

“Brother,” they said in unison and hugged him.

“You’ve got us,” Cade said. “You’re the only fae heir that matters.”

“Couldn’t you have waited until I stripped before dunking me?” Rowan grumbled.

Silas broke off first, calculation glinting in his amber eyes. “We’ll keep it quiet. But you should give up Lady Sy—for her own good.”

Rowan bared his fangs and snarled. Silas sank into the water. “Just saying.”

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