He hums, satisfaction curling in his tone. “Such a good immaru.”I freeze.“I knew you’d break eventually.”
My breath catches. I whip my head towards him, but he’s not looking at my face. His gaze is focused much lower. On a very specific piece of clothing.
“Brave immaru,” he murmurs, “ignoring my brother’s warning.”His eyes slowly sweep up to meet mine. “Seems we have a lot of things to discuss, after.”
After.
I might be able to control the dark, but I clearly cannot control my brain, because I have lost all ability to speak. Andwhen he adds a soft, knowing smirk, I’m about ready to be chained in the Pit myself for fear of my actions.
But I blink, and he’s gone.
There’s a hard thud as the traitor’s body hits the ground, groaning in a pool of blood while shadows drag him into the dark.
Then the Dark Realm peels away, I don’t know if it’s me or Kane who releases it, but I flinch, startled by the bright light of the Earth Realm, and then the sight of two Lead Commanders fighting—
No, not fighting. They’re… devouring each other.
“Huh. I had no idea those two were a thing,” the earth elemental comments, nodding with a frown. “Kinda makes sense.” Then he turns to me with a quick smile. “I’m Demetrius, nice to meet you.”
I try to smile politely. “Jasmine.”
At the sound of my voice, the light mage stills, her hands pushing hard against Orion’s chest. “Stop, stop—Ori—I swear I’ll melt your face off if you don’t—”
“Do it, you know I’ll like it.” And then he’s kissing her again, like he hadn’t just spent the entire interrogation setting her up for death.
“Orion. Eury,” Ezekial snaps their names.
Orion sighs, but finally relents. Eury shakes herself off, dragging a hand over her shaved head before turning to me.
“I’m Euryale Glintfell.” She holds out a hand. “Could I interest you in joining one of my units?”
I blink. I wasn’t prepared for… a job offer?
“Euryale, did you just proposition my bond?” Ezekial voice rumbles in a low growl.
“Wild,” Demetrius murmurs, chewing on something that looks like wheat.
“My Lord, my Lady, please excuse my bond.” Orion smoothly slides behind Eury, resting his chin on her shoulder, nose brushing her throat. A throat that is marked, clear teeth marks healed over with silvery skin. “She isn’t quite grounded.”
Eury’s mouth opens wide before she blurts, “Because you didn’t fully prepare me! You told me half a plan!”
“Your reactions are so much better when they’re pure. Unrestrained… raw.” He nuzzles her throat, lips brushing his mark.
I feel like an intruder as they start to bicker again.
I turn to seek safe ground, and catch Ezekial’s expression. He’s still sat, jaw tight, eyes distant as he looks out at the district behind him, but not really. He’s looking somewhere else. Somewhere wounded.
For a second, I see him not as a Council member or an enforcer. Just a man who trusted someone and has been betrayed. Again.
Then it’s gone, like he feels me watching him. His face smooths, the mask returns. But I still saw it, and it hurts. I’m about to go to him… but he’s already flitted, an arm wrapping around my waist, pulling me back against his front.
“Where are the others?”I ask.
“With Kane. You gave us one night. They wanted a head start.”
Oh. My eyes dart back to Eury and Orion still fighting, while Demetrius watches the show, but Orion never stops smiling.
“They’re bonds?”
