Even if it makes me sick.
“Well, it looks delicious,” Lady Thalia says and is the first to take a bite. I watch in agony as she chews slowly, letting the flavors sit on her tongue. Her eyes widen as she swallows. Instead of saying anything, she takes another bite. And then another.
That’s a good thing, right?
“Evangeline, this is exquisite. I haven’t had breakfast like this in…well, my dear, I don’t think I’ve ever had a breakfast like this. It is simply divine,” she says in between bites.
My heart soars at the praise. It’s one thing to like your own meal, and quite another for someone else to appreciate it just as much. Finnick is the next to dive in. He ditches his spoon, which is far too big for him anyway, and uses his hands to shovel the food in. “I. Love. This,” he mumbles between bites, cheeks fat with the casserole.
Niko and Zephyr eat with a surprising civility, their movements measured and refined. My gaze flicks back and forth between them, like I’m following a fast-paced tennis match, searching their faces for any hint of reaction. But they remain silent, even after taking several bites, giving nothing away. It’s agonizing. Their opinions mean a lot to me in a way I can’t describe but need.
“You hate it,” I blurt, unable to hide my disappointment.
“I hated that loaf of bread I tried to feed you the othernight.” Zephyr takes another bite before gesturing at his plate. “This? I will topple kingdoms just to get seconds.”
“This is the best thing I have eaten,” Niko says in agreement.
My face breaks out in a smile so wide it’s painful. But I don’t care because my future husband and my…Zephyr likes my food. “Well, as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I grin and take a sample taste. The sweetness explodes on my tongue, and I nearly moan at the delicious flavors. My body thanks me as I eagerly shovel more food into my mouth.
“There’s plenty to go around. Maybe we can pass it out to a few people? If you said food is limited, we can give it to those who need it most. The sick and children? I made enough for at least eight more servings. I know it’s not much…” If I had known before, I would have made more.
“Eight servings are plenty for now. There are a few gravely sick patients who would benefit from this. Thank you, Evangeline. Your kindness won’t go without notice,” Lady Thalia says before taking the last bite of her breakfast. I half expect her to lick the plate clean.
I smile, opening my mouth to thank her, but the words die in my throat as a piercing scream splits the air. It’s a shrill, agonizing sound, so high-pitched I can’t make out what they are saying. Around me, the fae stagger, nearly collapsing to their knees as they clutch their heads in a desperate attempt to block it out. The noise is unbearable, but I can tell it’s affecting them even worse. I just don’t know why. A jolt of fear rips through me, sharp and sudden.
Then, as suddenly as it comes, the scream fades into obscurity.
“What was that?” I gasp.
No one answers. Instead, Zephyr stiffens and strides past me toward the window, his movements sharp with purpose. The moment he looks outside, his entire body goes rigid, tension radiating from him like a drawn bowstring.
“What is it?” Niko makes his way toward him. “Is it another Nephilim?”
Zephyr curses and slowly turns to us. His expression is a mixture of anger and confusion. “Yes. But he’s not alone.”
“There’s more?” Niko scans the room as if trying to find a weapon or escape route.
Zephyr shakes his head. “There’s only one Nephilim. But he’s chained and being led by Oziel, the demon king.”
Chapter 15
Zephyr
What the fuck is the demon king doing here? Oziel is infamous for lurking within the shadows of his own kingdom, almost never venturing beyond its borders. The few times he has left were marked by disaster, never anything good. My chest tightens with frustration as I watch him now, striding toward the castle with a disturbing sense of joy, a Nephilim bound in chains at his side.
“The hell is he doing?” Niko growls beside me.
“What the demon king does best. Stir shit up.” Oziel in our kingdom means nothing good. The demons aren’t our enemies, but they aren’t exactly anyone’s allies. Oziel aligns himself with those he can benefit from at the moment. He’s a fearsome king, but each calculated move brings a sense of unease with him.
“He can’t breach the castle doors.” I push past Niko. Evangeline catches my gaze, her body trembling. “You stay here. Lady Thalia, can you?—”
“I would rather go with you,” Evangelinecuts me off, looking terrified at the prospect of being left behind. It’s not smart to put her in harm’s way, but clearly I’m the only one who thinks this because Niko takes her hand.
“Stay by me,” he tells her gently, tucking her into his side. She melts into him, and I hate the way my body betrays me at seeing them together. Evangeline’s so fucking tiny compared to Niko. He towers over her, and she wraps her small hand around his wrist. Hunger consumes me so fiercely, it’s hard to tamp down. I tear my gaze away from them and head for the front gates.
Outside, guards keep Oziel and the Nephilim back with earth magic. Large, jagged rocks separate them from us. The earth appears ripped in half, deep trenches that can swallow a person whole if they get too close. Despite that, Oziel doesn’t seem fazed. Instead, he seems downright giddy, with a sinister smirk, which is arguably more concerning.
The Nephilim makes soft grunts, his lethargic body dragging behind Oziel as he steps to the edge of the gates. He instantly locks on to something behind me. “So, she’s arrived already. Splendid,” Oziel hums, amusement lacing his tone. Shadows slither around him, caressing his body and hovering close, as if waiting for their orders to attack.
