Page 93 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

His lips curl into a seductive grin and he dips his head, brushing his nose against mine. His deep voice rumbles in my ear as he murmurs, "What makes you so sure?"

My breath catches in my throat as his lips press firmly against mine. Every part of my body ignites with pleasure, and just as he settles between my thighs, I place a hand on his chest.

I can't forget what this god did to me. No matter how tempting he is. And though my deal with Caius only pertains to losing my virginity in the Underworld, I can’t forget my mission.

I can’t get sidetracked by lust.

"No."

He settles back, regret lining his features as he twines his hand with mine. "You're right, I'm sorry."

Why is he acting so ... nice? Yeah, he said he wants a clean slate, but he's Aggonid.

Feared God of the underworld.

The fact that he had Irid kill her mate proves to me his cruelty towards me isn't unusual. He's not a good person, and I've got to guard my head and my heart.

"Let's just go to bed," I whisper. "The sooner we do, the sooner we can see Finn and find a way out of here."

* * *

The rain hammersmy skin like a thousand tiny bullets, and the wind assaults me with such force I can barely keep my footing. Aggonid's face is whipped by my hair as we huddle in the thick evergreen forest near the portal to Bedlam. My dress clings to me like a second skin, soaking up the rain and stained with mud, but I don't care. This will be my first sighting of a familiar face in months, and it's all that matters.

Aggonid notices the goosebumps peppering my skin when I shiver, and he pulls me into his embrace as he uses his magic to create a barrier around us.

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking about the rain—"

"It's alright."

The night sky roils and churns as the ominous black portal pulses with menacing intensity. I eye it warily, desperate for any sign of movement within. After an eternity of waiting, a figure emerges, cloaked in a suit of dark armor that gleams in the starlight. I draw in a sharp breath as I recognize the features of the warrior; his straight white hair tied in a bun, and his presence radiating with the same formidable air as Aggonid's.

This is no ordinary king. He's high king of the fae, son of a goddess, and ruler of Bedlam.

"Finn!" I shout, racing towards him.

He startles when he sees me. "Morte?"

I crash into his arms, nearly knocking him off balance. I don't move as he places his hands on either side of my face and studies me in disbelief.

"It is you. I can't believe it," he breathes. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"

He snatches his sword from its scabbard and steps in front of me. “How did she end up in your clutches?”

"He's with me, it's okay." I place my hand gently on his shoulder, causing him to turn towards me.

"What?" He stares at me, confusion and horror etched into his features.

"I died, Finn." I say softly.

His grip slackens on the hilt of his sword as he takes in my words, but still he keeps his wary gaze trained on Aggonid, never turning away from his ancient adversary. A shield of courage and devotion protecting me from the god's wrath. His bright blue eyes radiate with an ethereal quality as he studies me. My words seem to register as he expels air from his lungs and brings his attention back to Aggonid. "What did you do to her?"

Aggonid smirks, putting on an air of arrogance. "Nothing she didn't want."

"Aggie!" I shout louder, emphasizing the nickname he detests.

He rolls his eyes. "She died and ended up in the underworld." He shrugs. "I have no control over whereyourfae are sent, Finian."

"I'm the one who asked for you to come here." I steady a hand on Finn's arm. "Aggonid is going to give us a few minutes to chat."

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