Page 63 of Happily Ever Bitten (Underworld Royals 2)

Not my favorite realm in the Underworld, but it definitely afforded us the opportunity to hide.

Many of the demons in the main city wore headgear to protect themselves from the surrounding environmental conditions because the air quality here sucked. I’d purchased two helmets from a shopkeeper near the gate upon arrival, placing one on Zaya’s head and another on mine. It helped us blend in as we wandered the sandy pathways between the shops and pubs.

Everyone seemed to be on edge, something Zaya confirmed by detailing the color array of auras in my head. I was beginning to think they tied to emotions, interwoven with intention.

She saw so much blue here, which seemed to indicate a lot of sorrow. Some were orange—I linked that color to anxiety. And others were red—those tended to be the more aggressive demons, so I considered that an indicator of anger.

Passion, too, Zaya replied, her presence in my head a new fixture I enjoyed. We were so in tune with each other that we barely needed to speak. I turned; she immediately followed. She shifted in a new direction, and I trailed after her.

She kept mumbling in her mind about how familiar the city appeared, yet she’d never seen it before. You’re sure you’ve not been here before?

Yes. But it reminds me a bit of Noxia.

I glanced around, frowning. This dump reminds you of my kingdom?

No, I mean in terms of how I felt when I first arrived. I just sort of understood where things were. Actually, it was like that with Caluçon, too. She fell into thought, allowing me a glimpse of her earlier memories of that kingdom. It was like I’d studied a map before I arrived and just knew the layout.

Which explained how she was guiding us now. Another ability? I suggested.

Or just my intuitive nature, she returned.

She was a fast learner, always picking things up before I even finished an explanation. So intuitive felt right. Makes sense.

What kind of evidence are we looking for? she asked, changing the subject.

I’m not sure yet, I admitted. But the general anxiety of the population tells me something big is going on.

Want to head toward the palace? she offered.

Yeah.

She led the way, her mind resembling a puzzle of knowledge that fascinated me. It was as if she had a manual programmed into the recesses of her mind that she opened as required to navigate new situations.

I prodded a little as we walked, curious.

She accepted my intrusion, our link wide open and allowing me to play in the recesses of her mind. I stroked the mental cords leading to her learning receptors, noting the courage and strength underlying each of those con

nections. It was as though she had all the information stored away in her mind, awaiting the day someone or something unlocked them.

Including her ability to fight.

It’s like someone preprogrammed your existence, I marveled. I realize that’s impossible, but that’s how it appears.

Maybe it’s part of my mortal heritage? she suggested. Created by the Almighty?

Don’t let Lucifer hear you think that, I replied, smirking. He fancies himself as the ultimate creator.

But only of the Underworld, she pointed out.

Shh, I hushed her, amused. He might smite us both if he hears you.

She snorted. Valora wouldn’t let him.

True, I agreed. And I think he’s on thin enough ice with her as it is. Not to mention my mother’s… affiliation. I shuddered at the thought of her love affair with the Devil. Learning Valora was my sister had sucked. Knowing my mother fucked Lucifer himself—often—was worse.

Palace should be a few more blocks this… way… Zaya trailed off, her lips moving without sound at the crowd assembled about a hundred feet from our position. Are those…?

Soldiers, I finished for her, eyeing the demons all standing in a row, awaiting instruction.

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