“Do I fucking look like I care what you want, Arteqoph?” Shem snapped at him. “Your carelessness put Lilith in danger—she could havedied.” Shem stood up suddenly, his chair scraping back. He placed both palms flat on the table and pinned Art with a glare. “We told you to keep Mike’s death under wraps, and the first thing you did was tell Jezebel. You didn’t even have the fucking foresight to make sure she knew it was confidential information.”
Art dropped to his knees, bowing his head until his chin hit his chest.
“I’m sorry, it was a mistake.”
Shem hissed. “I don’t have time for demons who makemistakes.Especially mistakes that put my queen in danger.”
“Shem—”
“You no longer have permission to speak. In the unlikely event that Ideignto speak to you, you will address me asSir. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Get out of my fucking sight before I string you up next to Rafael.”
Art got to his feet, looking furious and humiliated.
Gabriel was looking pleased, and Jezebel just seemed annoyed. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me it was a secret,” she muttered, and Art’s gaze snapped to hers.
“Shut up, Jezebel. You would have been fucking happy if Lilith died, then you would have had Ramel all to yourself. That was probably your plan this whole time. You’re trying to throw me under the bus to save your own ass,” he snarled, and Jezebel’s mouth dropped open in shock.
Gabriel rolled his eyes, causing Art to turn his attention to him. “Andyou!You think I can’t see through this fucking act? Shemhazai is the most powerful demon in all of Hell. Of course you would try to get close to him. I’m going to expose you both; just you fucking watch.” Without another word, Art turned on his heel andstormed out of the dining hall, slamming ruthlessly into any demon or angel unlucky enough to get in his way.
I felt heat rush to my face as the hall fell silent. Everyone was staring at us.
Jezebel looked horrified, and Ramel’s mouth settled into a firm, angry line.
“Shemhazai—” Gabriel was the first to try and speak, but Shem hissed at him, his face contorted with rage.
“Did I say you could speak?”
Gabriel swallowed but shook his head. “No, Sir.” He dropped his gaze, and Shem relaxed slightly.
“You will stay right where you are so I can keep an eye on you,” Shem growled before turning his attention to me. “Lilith… you ok?” he asked, his tone considerably softer.
“Deathtrap…” Ramel said, his voice full of concern. I glanced back at him to find he was looking pale and anxious. Frowning, I turned to look at Jezebel. Her entire face was flushed with guilt, and her lip was clenched between her teeth.
“Did you two… Were youtogether?”I asked, unsure why the thought made me feel so sick to my stomach.
You know why. You’re jealous.
The other Lilith who lived in my head was stronger now, more than ever. She was beginning to feel less and less like a separate entity. She wasme,and shelovedRamel. The other Lilith may not have been monogamous, butIwas. I couldn’t lie to myself. The thought of Ramel being intimate with anyone other than me upset me.
“Never,” Ramel said immediately.
I frowned at Jezebel. “You said something while we were getting ready. You said that you wished you had the added benefit of fucking Ramel… something like that.” I watched her carefully, and she pursed her lips.
“Listen, I definitely wouldn’t have said no if Ramel invited me to his bed while you were gone. I even approached him a few times. He’s the King of Hell, any demon would be lucky to have him. The old Lilith didn’t mind sharing… but clearly, the idea upsets you. I would never do anything like that if you didn’t want me to.”
“It doesn’t upset me,” I snapped, and Jezebel gave me a pitying look, clearly not believing me.
“Deathtrap, I’ve never touched Jezebel in that way,” Ramel said softly. He looked like he was terrified I was going to bolt.
“I want to go outside and get some fresh air.”
Ramel’s frown deepened. “Alright, let’s go.”
“Alone,” I said, and he sighed.
