Page 133 of The Devil's Trials
The sudden tightness in my chest threatens to crack the facade I’ve built between myself and any emotions tempted to try breaking through. Nausea rolls through me, and I clench my jaw, forcing my gaze away from the wretched woman. I haven’t seen her in years—I certainly didn’t expect to here—and the vivid memories of the nights we shared come rushing to the surface. To be fair,sharedisn’t exactly the right word when I wasn’t given much choice in the matter. It happened all too often with the women in Lucia’s inner circle, and it wasn’t until I was older and moved out of the compound that I recognized how fucked up it was. How I was manipulated and used to the point it felt normal.
I shove away those remnants of my past, focusing on keeping my posture straight, regal as I stand in front of my throne.
The royal guard makes their entrance, wearing all-black pantsuits and blank expressions. They replace my council on either side of the throne, forcing Francesca, Blake, Greer, Jude, and Roman to stand behind them.
“The ascension trials are complete,” Rupert announces in a deep voice that projects toward the back of the room. “Xander Kane faced internal and external conflicts to prove himself worthy and strong enough to truly take the position he is formally embracing today.”
“Xander Kane,” Dominic chimes in loudly as I keep my gaze trained forward. Unwavering. “Do you vow to rule our people with every ounce of strength you possess?”
I nod curtly. “I do.”
Lorraine steps in front of me with her back to the crowd of demons. From somewhere behind me, Malachi hands her a black crown made of wrought iron and black diamonds.
Lorraine’s pitch-black eyes meet mine. “Kneel.”
I follow her command, sinking to my knees before her. The pressure in my chest feels bigger now, my heart thumping faster. I school my features into a mask of cool indifference, but this is a pivotal moment. One I will carry with me for the rest of my existence.
“This crown is a symbol of your eternal power and strength,” she says in a voice that carries through the room as she lowers it onto my head. A shiver races through my body, making my skin tingle as she pulls back, clasping her hands in front of her. “Rise and take your rightful place on your throne, King Xander.”
I straighten, my gaze sweeping out over the crowd as I step back and sit on the plush cushion.
Lorraine moves to the side to stand next to Malachi, while Rupert steps up to my right. “Your new king has been crowned,” he announces. “All hail, and long may he reign!”
The crown feels impossibly heavy on my head as I stare out at the crowd of mostly cheering and clapping demons, and a poignant weight settles over my shoulders.
Despite the flare of pride in my chest and the air of confidence I’m emanating, I can’t help thinking…
What the hell have I done?
THIRTY-TWOCAMILLE
If there was ever a party I vehemently didn’t want to go to, Xander’s coronation celebration would take the cake.
The open bar has helped my jittery nerves and overall sense of dread, but I’d still rather not be here. Or at least have Harper to distract me. Even more so when I re-read the text she sent me this morning.
I’ll be thinking about you today and sending you all my love. Remember, you are strong, and today is just one day. Don’t let it fuck with your head. You’ve got this. Love you!
She was supposed to come last week, and I understand why she couldn’t get away, I just selfishly wish she was here.
Instead I’m left alone to drink my fourth—no, fifth—vodka soda of the evening. The haze of inebriation is a reprieve from the room full of demons celebrating Xander’s ascension to the throne. He keeps close to his council as they mingle, and the royal guard creepily lingers near the walls like security, all wearing dark gray formal attire.
When I got up this morning, I found the most stunning dark purple dress hanging in the closet and, with no other appropriate clothing option, I put it on. I wish I could hate how perfectly the silk material fits, hugging my curves in all the right places with a stunning open back design. It swishes around me as I walk, just brushing the shiny marble floor. It’s almost too long, but paired with the black heels that were left for me, it works.
I finish my drink, setting my glass on a high-top table as the music changes to a slow ballad. My eyes scan the room as people couple up, and I slink back toward the bar. At least, I try to. Xander comes up beside me, flashing a charming smile that makes my stomach dip despite our last encounter.Traitorous heart.
“Dance with me,” he murmurs in my ear.
I pull away, snatching a flute of champagne from a passing tray. “Leave me alone.”
“This is meant to be a celebration.”
I scowl, though I can’t help but admire his sharp attire. No doubt Blake picked out the all-black suit and tie ensemble. His hair is tousled, and the longer style looks annoyingly good on him. Not to mention the crisp, clean scent of his cologne that threatens to mess with my head. Still, I grumble, “What exactly do you expect me to celebrate, Xander? Please enlighten me.” I down half the glass, and he watches me.
He cocks his head to the side. “I thought you would be pleased I returned victorious.”
“You meanemotionless,” I shoot back, my cheeks flaring with warmth, mostly from the collection of drinks I’ve had.
“I’m doing what I have to,” he says in a low voice, wetting his lips before he adds, “That dress looks exquisite on you, just as I knew it would.”
