Page 31 of Queen of the Wicked
The bile rose in his throat at that revelation, knowing his safety was a ticking time bomb.
Closing his eyes, Erebos loathed the anxiety that ran through his veins at the impending doom of Bastian’s arrival. He was taught ever since he could remember to tolerate inconsolable amounts of pain and never to show weakness. From the minute he had control of his powers, he was instructed to kill, torture, and decipher the line between those who deserved forgiveness and those who didn’t. That level of responsibility weighed on him. Especially at night when he was left alone to his self-deprecating thoughts that plagued him.
The blood on his hands.
The souls he’d destroyed.
The bruises and tears he’d dealt along the way when he was the furthest from a saint.
Bastian’s surprise visitation was an attempt to catch Erebos off guard, as the decree only protected him in Hell so long as he abided by the realm’s rules. Erebos suspected Bastian had gotten word about the seraph being killed on Earth, and the king wanted to ensure Erebos had no part in it.
The problem was that hedidplay a part in that seraph’s death by coming to Alessia’s aid and helping her escape, and if Bastian somehow figured that out, the decree would be over. Erebos would be thrust right back into those dungeons that continue to haunt his dreams.
He may have been safe from Bastian’s grasp for the time being, but not for long.
Evil always found a way to destroy whatever was in its path.
Chapter 15
Alessia
Izara had returned a day earlier from her mission without giving Alessia an explanation, insisting they immediately resume training. She was standing in the middle of the ring like the fierce woman she was—a sword sheathed down her back with daggers strapped to both sides. As much as Alessia wanted to protest a useless training session, she wasn’t going to comment when the woman was strapped with all kinds of weapons.
Her braids were held back with a headwrap, keeping them out of her face. Whatever she had planned for them to do today, she meant business.
“Why all the blades?” Alessia asked, stopping a few feet away from her.
Izara smiled and began to circle her like she was prey. “I’ve found your weakness. Or rather,Catalinafound your weakness. I don’t know whyI didn’t think of it before. Join us, Erebos.”
Oh, no.
Alessia’s cheeks burned as the incredibly tall, handsome man emerged from the shadows behind them. She refused to look him in the eyes. Not after what he had shown her last night at dinner.
Of all people she had to lust after, it had to behim?Arrogant, selfish, rude…Ugh.Erebos would neverknow how much he got to her. But wait. If she was projecting right now…
Erebos wore a cocky smile as he approached her.
We are learning mind shields TODAY!she mentally yelled.
“This won’t work,” Alessia said aloud. She shifted nervously on her feet just being in the mere presenceof the man looming over her.
“It can never hurt to try. Andthese…” Izara tapped the daggers at her sides. “Are in case something goes horribly wrong. You may begin, Erebos.” Walking to the edge of the ring, she left both of them to stand alone together. “Remember, Alessia, do not be afraid of it. Wrap it around its throat and controlit.Youare the one who possesses it.Youare the one who tells it what to do.”
“I don’t know if I agree with this plan,” Erebos muttered, staring directly into Alessia’s eyes.
“Do you have another suggestion?” Izara snapped. “With what little time we have?”
Alessia whipped her head toward her. “Time untilwhat?”
Erebos sighed and straightened his posture, looking ever so regal in his simple tunic and black pants. His curls were left unruly again, and with the way his tunic clung to him, Alessia had a perfect view of his broadshoulders and muscled chest. “I’m sorry Catalina made you uncomfortable, but she is my lover. I couldn’t refuse her interruption at dinner.”
“You’re lying,” Alessia replied, eyeing the red aura around him.
“The power isn’t always accurate,” Erebos said with a seemingly careless shrug. “Sometimes your desires can manipulate it. Make you see what you want to see.”
The wind sent a chill over her skin, and that power inside her began to rumble. She pushed a loose strand of hair from her ponytail behind her ear and took a deep breath, attempting to calm the raging fire inside of her. How was she supposed to know what the truth was? She had never been in this realm. Perhaps what he claimed was true.
“How long has she been your lover?” Alessia gritted her teeth, hardly able to say it. Her body trembled with rage.
