“Alastair, don’t be so naïve,” Tremblay chided. “He’s a demon. Ofcoursehe can’t be trusted!”
“That’s not exactly true,” Zach disagreed. “He’s one of the better ones. We were loyal to one another during my time here, and I trust he won’t harm Drew.”
“Loyal?” Tremblay sneered. “Is that another word for ‘fucking?’”
“We were in a relationship, yes,” Zach said as evenly as he could manage.
“And you’d trust him with your current toy?” Tremblay barked out a derisive laugh. “Perhaps Alastair isn’t the only naïve one among us.”
“You’re making assumptions based on preconceived prejudice against demons,” Zach snapped at him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, so keep your opinions to yourself.”
“Why would these Shadow Blade people have taken them?” Cavendish asked, attempting to play peacekeeper.
Zach tried not to wince. He’d hoped no one would ask that question, since the truth would only solidify Tremblay’s poor opinion of Andras. Andras was no saint and Zach wanted to strangle him the majority of the time, but compared to Tremblay, he was definitely preferred company. “He was recently at a gathering hosted by Lucifer and was accused of stealing a dagger.”
“And I assume that dagger is in his possession?” Tremblay said.
“Actually, it’s not,” Zach told him. Which was technically the truth, since Andras didn’t have itanymore.
“Regardless of why they were taken,” Kensington said, getting the conversation back to the point. “We need to follow them and retrieve Drew.”
“Saving this demon in the process, no doubt?” Tremblay said with a huff.
Kensington shrugged. “It may come to that. We’ll have to see what happens.”
“This all seems very convenient,” Tremblay accused.
“Convenient?” Zach snapped, the last thread of his patience snapping. “What the fuck is convenient about all of this? My boyfriend has been captured byLucifer,and I have no idea if he’s hurt or even still alive! Now we need to try to find a way into Lucifer’s palace and either convince him to let Drew go or break him out somehow. This is the least convenient scenario, so why not just speak plainly for once and say what you fucking mean!”
Tremblay pulled himself up to his full height, which wasn’t as intimidating as he probably hoped it was. “Very well. How can we be sure this is not something you’ve orchestrated? I have reason to suspect you have ulterior motives for bringing us here.”
Zach simply stared at him for a long moment, speechless. Was this guy for real? How delusional did someone have to be to think his frantic searchfor Drew was anything but genuine? “Like what?” he asked, not even able to muster the energy to make it a demand.
“I believe you intend to collude with Lucifer to trap two of the most powerful magic users in existence—Kensington and Cavendish—and then channel their magic for your own heinous agenda.”
“And what would that be?” Zach asked, utterly bewildered.
“Isn’t it obvious? To take over the world!”
“Me and Lucifer?” Zach clarified. “Try to take over the world?”
“It was a cunning plan, but you didn’t count onmebeing here to foil it!” Tremblay crowed.
Zach was intrigued now. “So, in this scenario, which one is Lucifer? Pinky or The Brain?”
“Okay, I’m going to cut this off at the pass,” Kensington announced, stepping in between the two of them. He looked thunderous. “Tremblay, that is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard some real doozies. First of all, neither Alastair nor myself are anywhere close to being the most powerful magic users on Earth. Secondly, you would need more than just the two of us to even attempt to do what you’re saying. Thirdly, Zachariel is the least power-hungry person I’ve ever met, and your accusation is laughable. Your accusations are entirely baseless and are accomplishing nothing but delaying our rescue mission. I suggest you keep your mouth shut and toe the line from now on, or I will not hesitate to leave you behind when we return home.”
Tremblay gasped. “You wouldn’t!”
“Try me,” Kensington bit out. Then he turned his back on the sorcerer, dismissing him entirely. “We’re far enough away now to teleport safely. “Let’s go get our boy.”
1. 'Peace, friend'
Chapter 24
An audience with the prince
Drew got up from the pallet and paced over to the bars, watching as Leila busily preened under her wing. She finished, sneezed, shook her head, then yawned. He made eye contact with her and asked, “Are you okay?”
