Christophe sneered at her. “If she was my woman, I’d slap some sense into her.”
Stella cocked her head. “If I was your woman, I’d slap some sense into myself. Can’t imagine the sheer amount of brain damage that would be required for me to end up in such a dire circumstance.”
Dixon chuckled, ignoring the loathing glare Christophe sent his way.
The louder and more urgent the death whispers became, the more Stella’s magic reared up, itching for something to burn.
“You’re pathetic and not even that pretty for someone with so much magic in her blood,” Christophe grumbled.
Stella pressed a hand to her heart in faux pain. “I’ll try to come to terms with the disappointment that you thought I was the type to care what you think. Nowmoveor I will move you. If you get hurt doing something dumb out here, the healers won’t heal you from non-tournament-related injuries.”
A creepy smirk played over Rett’s rat-like face. “Don’t you want to play, Lady McKay?” He nodded to Drew. “Grab her. I want to have a private chat with her down that alley.”
Drew stayed put. “Isn’t she—you know—a goddess? What if she curses me or something?”
Christophe started toward her.
Rage warmed Stella’s chest and she could feel Teddy’s as well, its distinct signature mixing with hers.
Stella waved her fingers at Christophe as if casting a spell, and heflinched. “What’s the matter, Christophe? Afraid of a woman who can hit back?”
Stella was going to light the night on fire, but she didn’t want to hurt Teddy. She leaned close enough that only Teddy would hear her. “Can you wield fire?”
Teddy gave her an indignant side-eye. “Of course.”
“Good. Do it now.”
Teddy snapped and, mercifully, fire sparked at his fingertips. Summoning fire would make him temporarily immune to burns.
She let her magic rise beneath her skin. The fever spread through her blood. Sweat beaded on her forehead and lower back.
“Going to burn us up, prince?” Christophe taunted as he stepped closer.
“I know you’ve committed, but I hope you’ll reconsider. It would be very unwise to continue with this plan. Don’t touch me or you’ll be very sorry,” Stella said.
Drew charged at them and grabbed Stella’s arm. She tried to wrench away, so he’d have to use both hands and grip her tighter. Once he had a firm grip with both hands, she crossed her arms and fastened her hands around his. Then, she summoned as much heat as she could.
Drew frowned. “What is she do?—”
She watched the realization dawn on him and he felt the unnatural warmth of her skin. It only took a split second before he started trying to pull his hands away. She let them burn, ignoring the smell of burning flesh until she saw the panic in his eyes and felt his palms blister.
Drew bellowed a pained, inhuman sound. Finally, Stella let him go.
He stumbled back, waving his blistering palms. “You can’t do that?”
“Do what? I was just standing there when you grabbed me without permission. If you were burned by my fever, that’s hardly my fault. I did warn you not to touch me,” Stella said.
Rett glared at her. “We’ll tell the Games officials.”
“Please do. I’d love to hear what they have to say about your activities away from the arena,” Stella said. “Have a nice evening, boys.”
She wove her arm through Teddy’s like he was walking her home and not the other way around.
Dixon stepped out of her way as she walked by. Stella paused and listened to the soft hum of spirits. She locked eyes with Dixon.
“Your Grandma Nina issodisappointed at the lot you’ve fallen in with. Says she wouldn’t be making you any cherry tartlets with this kind of behavior.”
Dixon’s mouth fell open.
