Page 83 of Immortal Throne

Because it does, Wrathen answered me.You need to control your thoughts, youngling. I can hear it all.

I swallowed. I didn’t envy the demon mount one bit. My head was not a fun place to be.

Wrathen snorted. Yeah, he must’ve caught that thought, too.

What exactly am I supposed to do?I asked.

We need to strike a deal.

I’ve never done this before.

I can tell, the demon mount’s voice was dry and emotionless.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be. I was your father’s mount. It would be my honor to lead you through this trial.He brought his head up and down and fanned out his magnificent wings before folding them tightly against his back.

Is it a race then?

Yes, but the objective is not as it seems.

Will you tell me what the objective is?That would be a first—knowing what to expect.

The willowy council demon with green hair, brown skin and no horns had stood beside the portal this morning with a broad smile. Gwyn, the demon of the wild hunt. If they intended for us to hunt each other or some random creature, they didn’t see it necessary to outfit us with weapons.

Identifying the purpose of this trial before it starts will not be a part of our deal.

What will be?I asked.

I will be your mount and you will be my rider.He stomped his feet to emphasize each word. Unlike the back two legs that ended in hooves that appeared made of shiny obsidian, his front two legs ended in paws. Much like any large carnivore, sharp claws protruded from those paws.

What does this entail?I asked

Our deal will be that l take care of you, and you will take care of me.

Ryker’s mount pranced nearby, impatience in every step.

“It’s not exactly rocket science, princess.”

I squinted at Ryker before answering Wrathen.We have a deal.

The demon mount released my hand and I stepped to his side.

Growing up, we moved from place to place and lived paycheck to paycheck, and opportunities to learn how to ride a horse were non-existent. Adulthood and city living hadn’t changed that.

Of course, I had done the fair stuff, where they plunked the kid-version of me on the saddle of a well-broke pony and led me around along the inside a fenced-in pen. But riding wouldn’t appear on my list of skills.

Punching in faces, yes.

Riding, no.

I placed a foot in the stirrups and swung up into the saddle, careful to avoid the wings. Once seated, I wasn’t in danger of crushing Wrathen’s wings. They protruded just behind where my knees rested against his side.

Flank, he corrected.

Geez. He wasn’t lying when he said he could hear all my thoughts.

I’m not an experienced rider,I told him.

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