Page 9 of Distinctly Daray
“You are the goddess of mayhem,” Courage pointed out. “Perhaps she misunderstood your role.”
Mayhem shook her head. “So many do. I am not fond of order, and I do like to spice things up, but my twin is the one who thrives in turmoil, not me.”
“Where is Chaos?” Death asked.
“I told you, she is unhinged,” Mayhem cried. “The last thing I want to do is talk to her.”
“Do you think your twin would be more willing to align herself with Folly?” Justice asked.
“I hate to think it, but my gut tells me it is possible,” Mayhem replied, her gaze hitting the white floor.
“Okay, okay,” Eternity said. “We need to find Life and fill her in on everything we’ve learned. You need to tell us where these Pallidus Anima are. I thought they’d died out long ago.”
“Oh no, they are still doing crimes I’m sure,” Mayhem replied. “Awful people, really. But I lost track of them some years past.”
“Pity. I will find Life and bring her to Death’s castle,” Justice said, stalking off in a flurry of gold gown and outrage.
“Death’s castle?” Mayhem exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “I’ve never had an invitation. Is it true you can see the entireebirllobafrom its ramparts?”
“If I find you are part of Folly’s group, you will live among the dead and grow very familiar with the view from every part of my realm,” Death warned.
Mayhem giggled. “A rather ominous threat, but have no fear. Folly is awful. I wouldn’t have anything to do with her. Is it possible to help me find any dead vampyrs? I’d love to know how my lost fare.”
With a sigh, Death fell into step beside Eternity and nodded at Mayhem. “They have built a lovely village for themselves. At the center is a remarkable rose garden. Its golden gates shine as brightly as your dress.”
“It is good to know the rumors of you are untrue,” Mayhem said. “I never believed that you’d allow spirits to live in darkness and calamity.”
“Why would anyone ever think that?” Eternity demanded.
“Well, it was her treatment of the demons given as the reason for that conclusion,” Mayhem said, shrinking away from the enraged Eternity.
Death had many regrets, including the demons, but she lacked the luxury of indulging in them now. They had a goddess and her cohorts to find. An entire prison of people to recapturespare at least one. Death would do nothing to locate her pegasus friend.
Fly free, Tivadras,Death thought. He deserved his freedom. His only crime had been boredom, which was of little surprise since he had been confined to a realm where his lone companions were goddesses who treated him like a pet. What he’d dearly wanted was a mate. Perhaps the often-mischievous Fate could be persuaded to finally give him that gift.
Chapter 4
The heavy weight of the stasis spell lifted from Phillip Osdraconis’s body, and he opened his eyes and sat up. Inside him was a roar, and Phillip clenched his teeth as he fought with the dragon sharing his soul. Shifting was impossible in the small dorm room he’d walked to three days ago upon waking for the first time.
Phillip had experienced no resurrection sickness, but it wasn’t because he had increased fortitude. It was due to the sorcerer responsible for giving him a new lease on life waiting a week before peeling away his stasis. The Arch Lich wasn’t acting cruelly—it’d taken that long for Phillip to go more than a few hours without his skin rippling.
His dragon was desperate for freedom, but no one trusted the beast to remain calm or allow Phillip to regain control if he shifted.
“How are you feeling?” Chander asked.
“Annoyed,” Phillip answered. He was incapable of lying, but that was fine with Phillip. No sentinel would dishonor themselves with untruths even if they could reply dishonestly anyway.
“At us or your dragon?” Alaric drawled.
“I do not believe it is the fault of anyone that I am struggling to find some accord with my beast,” Phillip said, meeting the glowing green gaze of his leader. “It is circumstance I find frustrating.”
The door to his room opened, and the Daemon Lords rushed in. Baxter handed Phillip a plate with a burger and fries on it. Benton set a tall glass of soda on the side table next to him.
“Eat up,” Baxter encouraged.
Although they would give him a concoction of potions to ensure he was well-nourished and hydrated before he was put in stasis again, Phillip was also given a meal to enjoy while he was awake. He was appreciative and thanked both sentinels, then plucked the burger off the dish and took a giant bite.
An explosion of flavor filled his fortunate senses as he chewed.
