“No, not for the pride,” Talon’s father said, stepping close to Talon. “For my son, who I hurt. Because I was an idiot. Let us help you.”
“This doesn’t mean I’ll forgive you,” Talon stated flatly.
“I know,” Seb replied, his eyes shifting to include Tessa, who stood uncharacteristically subdued. “But I… we need to help you.”
“And them?” Talon asked, his voice hard as he nodded toward Mark and Graham.
Mark stepped forward, the air thick with tension. I fought to suppress the growl bubbling up from deep within.
“I have some things to make up for, too,” Mark said, meeting Talon’s steely gaze. “I’m here to help, Tal. After this, I’ll stay out of your life for good.”
Talon’s silence spoke volumes. This man had shattered his family with a lie and made his life hell, yet here he was, ready to fight demons alongside him. Talon exhaled slowly, his eyes briefly flickering to his father before he returned to my side. I squeezed his hand, offering what strength I could through our touch.
“Majesty,” Carl’s voice suddenly boomed through the tension. “Everett Magi has arrived.”
As Carl announced the arrival, a man stepped over the threshold.This was the powerful witch?I thought as I took him in.
Everett Magi wore a crisp, tailored navy-blue suit with a subtle pinstripe and a cream-colored shirt open at the collar in place of a tie, giving him a relaxed yet formal appearance. His jet-black hair, neatly combed with a slight wave, framed an oval face with a sharp chin. To top his look off, he wore silver wire-framed glasses.
To put it simply, he was skinny, five feet nothing, and wore glasses. He excluded a nerd, not an all-powerful witch.
He adjusted his glasses as he scanned the room, his gaze lingering briefly on each of us before settling on King Edward. “Your Majesty,” he greeted, his voice soft yet carrying a hint of amusement. “I understand there’s a matter requiring my particular expertise?”
“Yes, Mr. Magi, thank you for coming so quickly,” King Edward replied, gesturing toward us. “This is Talon and Lucas, the mates in need of your assistance. As I told you on the phone, their mate, a demon, is in trouble.”
Everett nodded, his movements fluid and graceful as he approached us. Stopping before me and Talon, he extended a slim hand, his grip firm despite his unassuming build. “I’m sorry to have to meet under these circumstances.”
“Can you help us?” Talon asked.
Everett didn’t answer the question; instead, he asked one of his own. “What made you mate a demon? They aren’t the best of creatures,” he inquired, his tone neutral yet probing.
Talon bristled. “My mate isnota creature,” he retorted sharply.
“Apologies. My experience with demons hasn’t been the best. I’m shocked anyone from our dimension actually mated one.”
This guy was pissing me off. He was there to help, but at the same time, he spoke offensively of demons. “Can you help?” I pressed.
Everett released a sigh. “I can’t take you to the nether realm without permission from the emperor. No human can.” My heart shattered and my head fell.
“But.” My head shot up at the word. “I may be able to get you an audience with the demon emperor, but I can’t guarantee he’ll do anything. It’s your best shot, though.”
“We’ll try anything,” I said eagerly.
Everett gave a little smirk, “I didn’t tell you my fee.”
“Your fee,” Talon growled. This little man was going to talk fees?
“Yes,” Everett said plainly, brushing the nonexistent dust off his sleeves. “My fee. Witches, like demons, do nothing for free. So, you better be prepared for the Emperor to ask for something. My fee is simple: I need a favor.”
“What type of favor?” Talon asked.
“We’ll do it,” I said at the same time.
Everett chuckled. “Oh, the favor I want isn’t from you, little rabbit; I want a favor from the Satchel Pride,” He said, eyeing Edward.
Edward stiffened, and Talon rumbled low along with the other lions.
“What kind of favor?” King Edward demanded.
