Page 76 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

"Please come visit as often as you can," I plead, meeting his dark blue eyes.

His thumb traces my bottom lip. "He can try to keep me away." He grins.

Emeric takes my hand as I reluctantly release Az, leading me to the door, where Aggonid awaits.

"You won the Forsaken Hunt," Aggonid says, turning away from us and stepping out into the night. "But be warned—if you fail to use that favor wisely, you may very well regret it."

* * *

Aggonid

Watchingthose two demons have their way with Morte makes me want to claw my eyes out and shred them limb from limb. Even now, the scent of them wafts from her skin, and it's taking every ounce of strength I have not to bury myself in her so I can erase her memory of anyone but me.

But I've got to play the long game so I can rid myself of this little phoenix before she destroys my kingdom. I can't allow my emotions to control me, and I must tread carefully.

My plan will work. It has to.

Glancing at the fiery redhead, I catch a scowl on her face. Normally victors of the Forsaken Hunt are thrilled to win a favor, but not Morte.Is my company so bad?

Sure, I might've killed her. But she's a phoenix. She's used to that, and I had to see if she'd actually die.

"Have you given any consideration into what you want?" I train my eyes in front of us, focusing on the soft tread of her bare feet on the worn path back to Hellwing. Did she lose her shoes during the hunt?

"I have," she clips.

"Think long and hard about what you want bec—"

"I told you I already know what I want. I don't need to think about it any more than I already have." Her snarl is like daggers slicing through the air.

If I don't turn her opinion of me around, my plan won't work. Fuck. Caius will know something is up if I can't get her on my side by the time we get to the castle. It's another half-hour walk through the forest, even if we walk slow.

"Morte, I'm sorry." Her steps falter, and I swallow my pride. "You didn't deserve half of what I put you through."

Her eyes flare in anger. "Isn't that your thing, though? You're Aggonid. The most feared creature in all the realms."

I can't help the grin tugging at my lips if I tried. "You flatter me."

"That isn't a compliment."

"I rule the underworld. To us, it is." I shrug. "In any case, I let my jealousy get the better of me."

"Your mate came onto me; I had nothing to do with his behavior."

"Yes, he does seem quite fond of you. I can learn to share."

She huffs a laugh. "Nah, I'm good."

"You didn't seem to mind when we shared a bed, and I helped him get you off." I glance at her, catching the crimson staining her cheeks.

She truly is a breathtaking beauty with her cascading locks, finely sculpted nose, soft lips, and alabaster skin in stark contrast to my ashen complexion. Only she and Caius stir my blood like this.

Just imagining her between us again, but with more contact, makes my cock twitch. I'd love nothing more than to make her writhe in pleasure until she screams.

Her gaze darts to mine, and the hunger in it is enough to make a man kneel in worship. She takes a step, her mouth opening as if to speak, but no words emerge.

"I can see I've unnerved you." I bring her out of her trance as I continue our path.

The air stands still around us, as not even the wind dares to disturb the silence of the night. Not a single being can be seen, as if all of nature cowers in fear of me. The mere thought of coming close is enough to make any living creature freeze in terror, ceding whatever claim they might have to this place. I am the sole master of this night, and every day and night, and I will not rest until my will is done.

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