The Inferno

Chapter 11 The Party

S oon, the club is coming to life and I barely notice the concerned glances from Javier.

The guests flood the room, dressed in extreme and elegant outfits custom made and tailored, of course. All sorts of creatures, powerful and deadly, mix and mingle, a rare occasion outside anywhere but the Entertainment District.

I stay lingering in the background near the shadows as usual, maybe not as close as usual.

When the queen finally appears, it’s grand and blinding. A large spiralling portal of bright gold begins to form in the middle of the room. I notice Hugo stood directly beside it, the light flickering off his chest plate and making his eyes glow. He’s focused upon the crowd rather than the portal, ensuring everyone maintains their distance. I follow his lead, watching those at the back, close to the darkness.

One delicate hand pops through the large circle, then a slim leg outlined by dark gold lines. Finally, the queen fully emerges accompanied by two ladies in waiting on each side, both wearing golden plated masquerade masks.

The queen is a beautiful creature, even if hundred years old, she looks no older than thirty. Her dark skin shines under the golden flames Lewis created, they pulse as she enters, feeding from her power. The gold lines which slither along her skin, only leaving her eyes, nose and mouth untouched, glow with each step she takes. She emanates light everywhere she steps.

Long, blonde hair cascades down her back and down past her breasts in thick curls. Her large dress reminds me of something a fairytale princess might wear, a large skirt, a tight corset smothered in yellow and amber jewels, her chest decorated by a large, ornate piece of golden jewellery. Her bright golden eyes leisurely sweep the crowd before her, every creature instantly bows, including myself even in the shadows.

With each step, a hum of power releases into the room and my power doesn’t hesitate to soak it in. I actually sigh in relief when I feel my tense muscles relax and the pain in my head subside. Her power is overwhelming, yet, different to the enforcers …

I try not to linger on that thought for long when the queen’s voice interrupts.

“Thank you all, for attending tonight. I hope you have a wonderful time and spend this evening making the most of coming together as one. Praise the Goddess of Light.”

All fae instantly repeat the maxim back, some others do too, and once the queen is satisfied, she sweeps away and the room returns to its loud conversations.

With Hugo’s intense security team, the queen’s dedicated servers and the party planners milling around, we aren’t needed much.

If anything, we’re a part of the decoration too. I watch the creatures stare and appreciate my team, leaving the shadows to cast a wary glance of my own when they seem to get too close. But returning quickly to the dark when Javier tries to make eye contact.

“I feel like I can breathe again.” Hugo steps beside me. I smile easily as we watch the crowd, feeling his warmth and genuine relief for the queen’s safety. “Those portals are tricky things.”

“I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been in one,” I reply, watching the creatures dancing and talking.

“Really?” he asks surprised, moving before me to catch my eyes. “Would you like to?”

His wicked smile has me smirking in response, my power seeping out and curling around me. “Why, what do you have in mind?”

He wets his lips then shrugs. “After the party, come back to the Fae Realm with me.”

My eyebrows instantly shoot up and one hard laugh leaves my lips. “Yeah, right. I thought faes were super picky about visitors? Doesn’t time work differently there? I can’t just leave, I have to—”

“Why can’t you?” he immediately quizzes, his eyes intent on mine, truly interested in my response.

I begin to open my mouth but it pulls into a soft frown. I’m trying to think of an exact reason but then one large hand slides around my waist, warm fingers burning through my dress, and my power instantly flares to life… but not in a good way.

It’s scolding.

It urges me to step away, but I block the irritable sensation and force my body to stay still, to not react to something as simple as a friend touching me. It’s just like Javier or Alexis, right ?

“Trying to come up with an excuse?” He smirks, his eyes racing all over me again and this time, I don’t feel pleasure, I don’t enjoy it at all .

My throat becomes dry, my power coils tightly and my skin prickles.

“That’s not it.” I try to smile but it’s more of a conceited smirk. “I have responsibilities, people who rely on me—”

“What, those guys?” he cuts me off, again . My power begins to boil and the prickling intensifies. He tips his head to the right. I follow his indication with my eyes, noting Javier and Alexis, his arms draped around her. I smile, they look happy, content.

“They look fine to me,” Hugo adds in a smug tone.

But my concentration and smile are suddenly removed as I continue staring ahead. My body becomes painfully tense at the sight beside Javier and Alexis. Because beside them, is the main entrance.

An entrance which has just opened and let inside six people.

All of whom I recognise.

As though sensing my discomfort, Hugo turns to catch what has my attention. His hand doesn’t move but his posture stiffens.

The enforcers enter the club.

Their eyes all locked on me.

I barely catch the soft utterance of “ fuck ” falling from Sai’s smirking lips, his piercing gaze focused upon me, before I force myself to look away.

Everything is moving in slow motion now.

My power has already sought them out, I don’t even attempt to stop it because the moment it reaches them a sense of calm floods me. It’s enough to allow my eyes to close for a moment and I lose my balance slightly.

Hugo places another hand around the other side of my waist, the hot contact forces my sight back to him and I see the concern, and questions, clouding those slate eyes.

But it’s too late.

“Hugo, still the queen’s little bitch I see?” Sai’s venomous taunt cuts through all other sounds. I’m drawn to it and turn.

“Enforcer,” is Hugo’s terse response and, even though one hand remains tightly on my waist, I barely feel his presence anymore.

I hate to admit it, but the three enforcers take my breath away, literally, I can’t breathe for a moment .

I try not to stare, but Sai’s intense sight is back on me and my power crackles at the contact.

His intricate markings pulse along smooth, ivory skin, apart from his inky blue shirt, he’s dressed entirely in a black, tailored suit which defines his toned body. His severe gaze eagerly drags along my skin, it tingles everywhere he looks before settling back upon my face with his signature, smug smirk.

I feel the second pair of eyes focused upon the bare skin of my chest and throat, my gaze slides to his and intense red eyes stare back, black and dark burgundy fabric mould over Julien's ridiculously tall, lean frame.

The final enforcer looks furious as his dark gaze follows the length of my naked legs before flashing quickly to my eyes. Another clearly expensive suit, all black fabric, even the shirt, but with cufflinks which slightly shimmer. I have to peer away again, to catch my breath from the intensity.

When I finally look back, I note how all of their eyes have dropped to one single place.

I frown, then feel the flinch of fingers and realise exactly what they’re all staring at…

Hugo’s hand.

I’m so blind-sighted by them all together again, I don’t even process the fact they’re not alone, until I feel another power attempting to seek out mine.

The sisters: Esmeralda, Emerald and Eagle.

The rare sister enforcer unit who often frequented the club. All of whom looked like literal sin, dripping in gold jewellery and clad in long, flowing golden dresses which accentuate their tall, lithe bodies. They look like dark goddesses of fury, their narrowed, amber eyes assessing the room, Hugo and finally me.

When Esmeralda’s plump, red lips begin to reveal her sharp fangs, pulling into a subtle smile, I attempt to smile back.

“Jasmine, it’s been too long.” The oldest and tallest vampire sister is hooked onto Julien's arm, Julien who isn’t acknowledging anyone as his narrowed gaze stays dropped.

I stare at their connected arms for a moment, my power spikes before I finally react to her voice .

“Esmeralda, it’s nice to see you again.” I force a barely-there smile. Instantly, at the sound of my voice, the enforcers’ eyes all pounce to me. I take a deep breath. “Are you and your sisters well?”

I glance back at the sisters, quickly casting my eyes over anywhere their skin touches the enforcers and feel my power swell when it notes the other two sisters clinging to Sai.

My fists tighten at the sight, nails nipping my palm as I forcefully return my sight back to Esmeralda.

Her brilliant grin widens, her sisters also smile. They remain attached on either side of Sai, their straight, black hair styled in a range of different braids with golden fabric weaved in between the strands.

My power burns beneath my skin.

“Very well.” Her voice is like thick honey as her eyes slide all over me. “It seems you are doing well also. You’re glowing.”

I’m what?

Rather than blurt out that thought, I reply, “Thank you, I hope you enjoy your night.” It sounds strained, tense, but I manage to maintain a polite smile.

I chant over and over to not look at them, to keep focused upon the sisters, but my power doesn’t like how close they are or how Hugo’s grip has tightened.

My gaze drops to the hand upon my hip, noting now how he has been pulling me closer to his side. When I look up again, I see the enforcers have slipped into their own silent conversation, sending each other terrifying glares.

The sisters have also noticed, their amber eyes flickering over in interest. They’re all eyes and teeth and violent beauty, catching a variety of attention from onlookers including Javier and Alexis.

“Enforcers, may I escort you to your table?” a young fae dressed in a white sever uniform interrupts.

The sisters nod as Esmeralda’s hand slips from the nook of Julien's arm. It’s the first time he turns towards her. She simply smirks and tilts her head towards the direction indicated by the server. The other sisters finally detach themselves from Sai too.

My power hums.

They wave their long fingers at the enforcers as they follow the young girl away.

But the enforcers don’t leave .

“Enjoy your night, enforcers.” Hugo breaks the intense silence, his voice hard. Suddenly, he’s pulling me into him and away.

I frown. I don’t appreciate being manhandled and gently take a step back.

His silver eyes slip to mine, wide and filled with concern. My power crackles and flares, sending heat to the skin where his hand still grips me.

“Leave us.” The demon’s voice is lower than I remember, dark and threatening as he finally steps forward and his black gaze settles upon Hugo. My power drinks in the energy he emits from that small movement. “Your presence is unnecessary.”

Sai’s dark cackle makes my power hum, swirl, and the heat it suddenly creates causes Hugo’s hand to pull back like he’s been burnt. He stares down at me, then towards the three enforcers with wide eyes.

A soft snarl begins to sound from someone, I feel another step closer but I stay staring at Hugo. I silently urge him to leave and begin to pull away until his hand finally falls.

“Good choice,” Sai adds, arrogance and venom coating the words.

Hugo just stares.

When he remembers he has no power here, no authority whatsoever, he turns… and doesn’t even look back as he walks away.

I scowl. For the queen’s guard, he’s a coward.

In that instant, I realise I have greatly overestimated him and a sudden anger begins to brew at his blatant weakness—

“Hugo? Are you fucking kidding me, Red?” Sai’s low and seething voice creates a new burning beneath my skin.

“What are you talking about?” I quietly mutter, wary of the many eyes and attention we’ve been gaining since they entered.

An empath, dressed as an angel, surrounded by the three most powerful, dark and dangerous creatures in the room— a sight to behold.

“He was all over you.” I try to ignore Sai as I seek out an escape route, but the clear irritation in his cold voice is somewhat… pleasing.

The enforcers also seem to notice the attention surrounding us, the eyes and whispers, but they clearly don’t care.

“Let’s not do this here,” I murmur, my gaze flaring as I quickly catch each of their eyes. That small action makes my chest tighten, I take a deep breath before turning around again and cast a brief glance over my shoulder. “Follow me. ”

I instantly walk away; I don’t allow myself any time to think or process what is currently happening but I silently pray they do as I ask.

One bated breath later and they follow, thankfully.

How do I know without turning around? Because I don’t need to see them. I can feel them.

Every. Single. Step.

Their united powers caress all over me, skimming, grazing, sinking. My power revels in it, blooming and uncoiling, feeding. All aches removed; all emptiness filled. I sigh quietly at the feeling of relief, but only because I know they can’t see or hear me.

I also feel the extra attention we’re gaining as we stride across the floor; you can picture it, an angel leading three devils. I almost laugh at the thought as I dip into a small hallway.

Now in a somewhat 'private' space, I take another deep breath and finally turn to face the three men.

"Why are you all—" but when I see them up close, without any distractions, the question becomes lodged in my throat.

Sai is slouched against the entryway of the corridor, effectively creating a makeshift blockade. His devious smirk is prominent and piercing gaze languidly roams up and down my body. My power hums pleasantly beneath my skin, a trail of crackling warmth lingering wherever his eyes land—and his eyes go everywhere .

Julien stands directly beside him, tall and terrifying yet dauntingly beautiful. His hair seems even shorter, sharper, and only emphasises his statuesque features. His scarlet eyes struggle to stay away from my throat, flickering back and forth between it and my eyes.

And he completes this strange semi-circle, leaning into the wall with one shoulder. Obsidian eyes stare into mine with so much intensity they cause me to step back, but soon I hit the wall, and my stupid costume wings won't allow me to go any further.

The realisation that I have just led the three most terrifying creatures I’ve ever met into a dark, enclosed space, with me—alone— hits me. My knees feel weak and my heart pounds as I take another deep breath which shudders in my tight chest.

Now somewhat ready to attempt my question again, I square my shoulders, try to appear cool, calm and— the tips of my wings clip the wall again and I frown in irritation.

"Why are you dressed like that?" Julien' smooth voice fills every inch of the space,it's hypnotic and my powerbegins to stir at the sound.

I just stare at him, my brows plucked together in confusion at his irrelevant question.

"The queen makes us dress up every year…"

"I like it."

I have no idea how to process that, so I simply continue staring at him, noting his genuinely serious expression containing absolutely no humour. His hungry eyes sweep over my outfit once more before continuing to bore into mine.

Did this vampire seriously just compliment my outfit? Even Sai gives him a pointed sideways glance.

I gently close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. Deep breaths. "Why are you all here? How did you even get in—"

"Do you really think we need a reason to come and see you, Red?" Sai's dark and teasing voice makes my eyes pop open. My power flares, so eager to reach out to him, crawling at the cage I'm barely containing it in. I force it down as he continues, "Do you really think anyone could stop us?"

I swallow, my power thumps against my mental walls. Burning; building.

"We were invited." His low voice is like velvet, caressing my skin and forcing me to repress a shiver. His hard gaze assesses every single movement I make and I swear I see the slightest twitch of his lip when, as I digest his words, he catches my eyes widening.

"Oh," is my eloquent response.

They were invited.

Invited.

They’re not even here for me.

Why am I not thrilled by that? Why can I feel my tendrils bristling with annoyance?

"Hugo is a worthless prick.” Sai’s voice is harder than usual, the teasing has almost gone and his bright eyes refuse to leave mine as he steps closer. “He’s a parasite, bacteria, spreading golden painted shit wherever he goes.” He flicks out his hand, the action simulates batting something away, like an irritating fly. “Hugo, the wolf? Seriously? You can do so much better, Red."

It takes me a moment to get over Sai's beautiful analogy, but mentioning 'the wolf' causes a sharp tug in my chest, one I’m currently trying to cover. But he sees it, obsidian eyes noticing the slightest falter in my breathing.

"Did you tell him about the mark?" If possible, his voice drops another octave as he stares at me. “The wolf.”

My heart races at his insinuation. I splutter a response, "No! No, of course not. I haven't told any of them."

He frowns. "Then why do you feel like that?"

"Like wha—" He's moving and clutching my wrist before I can even think of pulling away.

A sudden coldness sweeps through my entire body and a comfortable haze settles upon me. The pure bliss of nothingness means I have to lean back and into the wall to remain standing. The demon’s eyes narrow as he seemingly draws my emotions into him, then he glances at the men beside him before swiftly letting me go.

I gasp for breath like I'd been drowning and quickly step away from him, choosing the lesser of two evils by moving closer to Sai, and a possible escape, rather than being anywhere near the terrifying demon whose look is more murderous than usual.

"Why has the wolf caused you so much pain, Little Empath?" Julien's voice is soft but filled with restrained venom. “Tell us.”

How does he know? I peer at Dark Eyes but his black gaze reveals absolutely nothing.

"Do you want us to hurt him, Red?" Sai murmurs from beside me, a mixture of pleasure and frustration etched into the question. I feel his knuckles caress my spine between the wings. "Make him feel more pain than he can possibly imagine? Drag him to his knees before you, make him beg for your forgiveness?"

For a moment, I indulge in the idea. My power bursts and fills me so suddenly at the mere thought of August suffering, begging for my forgiveness, crawling before me, that my eyes flash black.

They all see it, feel it, and I'm terrified at the way they all stare at me in that moment. At the pleasure their gazes bring me.

I bite my tongue and use the pain to push the image away. "No," I blurt, feeling more trapped than before.

"You sure, Red?” Sai’s dark whisper has me instantly reconsidering. “What pack was it again? "

I frown at his sudden question. "Pack Evergrade. Brutus Evergrade is the current alpha," Julien responds.

My eyes return to their natural state and widen as I look between Sai and Julien. "How... When did you find that out?"

"The night we met." Sai shrugs before adding, "Want us to bring him to you?"

I swallow as my sight darts between Julien and Sai. They're serious. They're deadly serious.

I turn to the demon, hoping he'll shut down this ridiculous suggestion. His gaze is focused on me, I don't think it's moved from me since we came into this room, but he says nothing.

"No... thank you?" I answer, my uncertainty and confusion extremely evident. My eyes do one final flit between them, all three, to check they've really heard me but it's clear they're having a silent conversation. "We should go back, the sisters will be waiting for you and—"

"And Hugo?" The demon's voice makes my breathing stutter. I turn to face him, his expression, as always, is blank.

"What about him?"

I feel Sai's knuckles against the spine of my wings again. "He was touching you," he murmurs, and the sound washes all over my skin.

"And?" I try to look over my shoulder at him, but my wings make it impossible.

"You didn't want him to," Julien answers, stepping closer to ensure I can only see him. "He only stopped when we arrived. Only stopped because we made him."

I scowl at his insinuation, my irritation at their assumption evident in my tone. "How do you know I didn’t want him to touch me?”

“Tell us we’re wrong.” Julien towers over me, ensuring I have to step back to tilt my chin up and maintain his gaze. Which was a mistake because Sai uses our closer proximity to allow his fingers to dip down, until they’re caressing my lower spine. No one can see what he’s doing, no one can feel the hum penetrating my bones at the gentle touch but me.

And I allow it. Every time.

Hanging onto the pitiful excuse that I have to let them, that they’d do it even if I said no. It’s just to manipulate me, to keep control. I make myself even angrier with those thoughts and I realise, I never answered Julien's question because I don’t want to admit how right they are.

“Please,” I huff, narrowing my eyes up at him and watching his lips twitch. “He stopped because I made him."

“So you didn’t want him touching you,” Julien confirms. “Like we said.”

These men.

“I didn’t need your help.”

“Of course.” Julien’s mocking smile and Sai’s soft chuckle have me biting my tongue in irritation.

I inhale, preparing to say my next words very carefully. “Listen. Who is and isn’t touching me has, quite frankly, absolutely nothing to do with any of you.” I look at each of them, including the demon, who’s expression remains unreadable, and land back on Julien’s irritating smile. “I decide who can touch me and I decide when they stop, understood?”

Julien’s head tilts slightly, his eyes flitting to Sai before landing back on me with the same small smile of amusement. “I completely understand, Little Empath.”

I shake my head as I slide my tongue over the edge of my teeth, my irritation growing with every second.

“Like right now, Red?” Sai murmurs, his lips beside my ear. “You gonna make me to stop, huh?” There’s another long, slow caress down my spine.

“I’m only letting you because I don’t have a choice.” I speak through gritted teeth.

“Oh, you have a choice, Red,” he whispers, his fingers never stopping. “But the only other choice requires a lot more touching.”

Who do these enforcers think they are? Making a game out of my life and then this? Suggesting to hurt the men who did me wrong? Touching me? For what? To gain my favour so they can manipulate me further?

"What even is this?” I scowl, trying to turn but being locked in place by Sai’s body and fingers. “Why are you suddenly conspiring with me like we’re buddies? This, whatever you're trying to do, is freaking me out. "

"For once, I agree." The demon finally steps into view, his eyes darting to Sai and Julien before landing on me. "This isn’t a discussion. We will deal with Hugo ourselves."

"That isn't what I meant and you know—"

“And the wolf?” Sai queries, fingers never straying.

I think he’s speaking to me, until the demon’s voice cuts through everything. “Tell us what he did to you." His onyx eyes are soulless as they stare into me, calling to my own darkness which eagerly jumps in response.

I answer in a haze, "Abandoned me when I needed him."

The second the words leave my lips, I snap back to reality, escaping his mental hold and taking another step back. Sai moves to ensure I step into his chest and I swallow.

“Where do you think you’re going, Red? Something wrong?” He smirks, knowing exactly how close I am to losing control. He lowers his lips to my ear again, whispering even though I know everyone can hear him. “Need my help again? Need me to ease that ache?”

Hot and raw emotions begin to brew and my power excitedly locks onto them. It crackles and builds under Sai’s seductive touches.

My vision flickers in and out of colour, tendrils begin to flare with the memory of Sai— when we were last together, when his lips were so close...

I need to leave.

A wall of power slams into me.

"My favourite empath and my favourite enforcers all together, what a joy!" The loud and elegant voice is like an instant switch.

I’m finally able to turn and see the beautiful queen stood behind Sai, Sai whose gaze is still fixated upon me like the woman behind him is of complete insignificance and not the queen of his race.

After a subtle side glance from the demon, Sai reluctantly steps away. His fingers keep touching me until the very last moment. Then the queen enters the hallway with a sheepish Hugo in tow.

Instantly, the men's eyes all zone in on him and their looks are those of nightmares. My stomach flutters and I don't even have time to reprimand myself for it as the queen steps towards me.

"Your Highness," I greet with a low curtsey, noticing none of the men have even bowed in her presence. I send them all a wide-eyed look, but they ignore me, they're all still watching Hugo .

“Jasmine, you look absolutely wonderful!” The queen’s voice sounds like bells caught in the wind. Her wide smile beams with unadulterated excitement as she carefully studies me. I feel my cheeks and chest begin to heat under the genuine compliment, and her thorough examination. “Come, come, speak with me a while. I want to know all the gossip of ‘The Inferno’.”

She holds out a delicate arm to me, her skin literally shimmers under the soft lights of the distant flames and gold markings buzz as she gets closer. Knowing better than to make a queen ask twice, I quickly loop my arm in hers.

The contact causes my power to pulse suddenly, I feel it sink into the enforcers and finally, their focus leaves Hugo to land upon me. The queen’s grip upon my arm tightens and our powers begin to swirl around each other in soothing familiarity.

“Your majesty.” Sai steps towards us, his normal smirk replaced by a small smile. “Please excuse me whilst I have a word with your head of security. Hugo, is it? We feel there are some protocols which we must discuss with regards to the future running of your events."

Sai's voice is so persuasively sweet, when he isn't irritating you, that even I cannot blame the way the queen smiles at him. My power hums. Hugo, on the other hand, looks absolutely petrified. And, again, my stomach feels light and my skin heats at his reaction of discomfort due to the enforcers.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“You boys do look after me,” the queen replies and gently nods her head in agreement. Finally, Sai provides a short bow.

I stare at him with wide eyes, mentally urging him to stop whatever act he is about to conduct. When he stares back, he casually drapes an arm over Hugo’s extremely tense shoulders and winks.

Although wider than Sai, Hugo appears small and insignificant under his touch. Sai’s markings are almost indigo with the queen so close by. Hugo looks like a tiny, insignificant creature, one to be stepped on and left to die like coward he is… I shake my head and force those thoughts away and down.

When I glance back, Sai has already begun taking Hugo down the long corridor, into the darkness and is bending to speak in his ear .

“Your highness, please excuse me also,” Julien says with a beautiful grin. Even when it isn’t directed at me, it’s enough to make my stomach swirl.

Before the queen replies, he’s gone.

Only he remains.

“You’re all so quick to escape me, should I be offended?” she asks, her tone playful as her golden eyes sparkle.

“Of course not, your highness,” he responds, his voice so formal and filled with pleasantries my breath catches. Thankfully, neither seem to notice. “I would be honoured if I could accompany you both until my team return.”

His eyes never once leave the queen’s and her widening smile only confirms she is more than willing to have him as company. I begin to wonder if she is the only person in this room, no, the entire universe, who is not terrified of this demon.

The queen quickly ushers us out and into the main area, the number of guests has doubled and the atmosphere is thick with power and emotions. I draw in and feed from them, ensuring I keep myself under control, my power locked down.

When we are a few feet away from the demon, the queen dips her head to speak in a low tone. “Do I even want to know why you were with those three?”

Her voice has slipped into my preferred version, still light and regal but the formalities have fallen away. Her concern seeps into my bones.

“It’s a long… long story.” I lower my own voice, both of us wary of the little distance we have from the enforcer behind.

“Is this why Hugo has asked my permission for you to enter the realm tonight?”

This information catches me off guard, I frown and the queen makes a point of waving at a group of elves during my silence. “I didn’t even say yes,” I mutter.

I feel the queen’s eyes flicker over my expression. “He said you asked him?”

Our eyes meet and hers widen at the prospect that her head of security has lied to her. She doesn’t need to ask, she can feel the honesty in my response, only added to by the silence .

“It’s so hard to find good staff now-a-days,” she angrily murmurs, her pace quickens slightly as we move around the hectic dance floor. “That little shit.”

I can’t help but laugh, her voice so angelic the word ‘shit’ sounds almost positive.

“Maybe I’ll leave him with the enforcers for the remainder of my evening.” She smirks, her eyes glowing under the vibrant flames beside us.

My gaze widens and I lean closer, attempting to block my voice from travelling. “Your highness, you cannot leave him with them. I have no idea what—”

“Relax, Jasmine.” She sends me a reassuring smile, her elegant hand patting mine in comfort. “He’ll be fine. Until I get my hands on him, lying to me? His queen?” Her voice becomes higher, almost mocking herself and I laugh again, feeling the tightness in my chest ease a little.

“I hate that you only come once a year,” I say and her eyes instantly soften at my admission.

“Well, let’s ensure we enjoy the time we have,” she replies, her smile small, “and if you need anything , just ask,” she adds, whilst her eyes make a hard glance behind, indicating towards someone specifically and what she thinks I need.

I gently nod my head in understanding and consider what the queen isn’t truly able to say in this moment. Would she help? Could she? But with what exactly? I could tell her about the enforcers vote to kill me… but the queen doesn’t control enforcers, I don’t think anyone controls these three.

I tip-toe and lean into the queen. “A visit to the Fae Realm may be what I need,” I whisper.

The queen emits a loud laugh. I jolt back in surprise but I note her wide eyes, the tone of her laugh not quite the one I’m used to. I realise she’s pretending and I quickly begin laughing too.

Once our fake laughter dies away, her grip upon my hand, which is resting on her arm, tightens significantly. Her head dips and her voice lowers. “It would be my pleasure.”

We continue our stroll around the party, the queen and I ensure the rest of our conversation is nothing but light-hearted. She doesn’t once ask about August and I wonder if she somehow already knows. I inform her of this year’s best ‘Inferno’ stories, the ones I mentally log for her visit and easy laughter fills the hour quickly. But this golden bubble soon comes to an end.

A lady-in-waiting comes towards us, the queen bends to hear the girl’s words. One gentle nod and the girl leaves.

Our time is up.

“As always, it’s been a delight, Jasmine.” Her fingers slip from my hand and my arm falls away from her. The warmth her power brought bleeds into the air.

“Your highness.” I curtsey. When I rise, our eyes meet and hold for a moment. Her subtle nod the only indication of the agreement we made earlier.

Tonight, I leave for the Fae Realm.

The moment she leaves, the crowd parting instantly, he moves beside me.

“You’re friends with the Queen of Fae,” he states, there’s no question but I still feel the need to reply.

“Acquaintances, I’m not sure the queen truly has friends,” I respond stoically, ensuring there’s no inclination that what I’ve just said is a complete lie.

When the queen is fully out of sight, I turn to face him. “Where are they and what are they doing to Hugo?”

“Why are you concerned?” he asks, tone hard and stare intense.

“I don’t think it’s wise to mess around with the queen’s staff. Do you?” I say, there’s a hard edge to my voice and his eyes narrow at the sound.

“The queen is of no concern to us.” His voice is so cold it causes the hairs on my neck to stand. I forcibly repress a shiver.

“Good to know,” I mumble, irritation leaking into the words.

I decide I’ve had enough enforcer conversation tonight, but as I move away, he grasps my wrist for the second time that evening.

The sudden cold sinks into me, the heavy haze of calm quick to consume my erratic thoughts. I feel him leading me, pulling me away from the noise and into the shadows of the room— and I simply follow.

“When did Sai visit you?” His voice is amplified by his touch. I stare at him in a daze, the sharp edge of his jaw is so enticing now, I wonder how it would feel? “Jasmine, focus. ”

When he says my name, my body goes into instant alert and my power pulses at the need to follow his command. “Over a week ago,” I answer in a hushed voice.

He curses, I note the muscle in his jaw tick and I realise I’m staring at his mouth when he speaks again, “and Julien?”

“The same night.”

I tilt my head as I watch him run a hand through his soft, dark hair. I want to feel it. I can’t imagine this man having something that can’t inflict pain on his body. When I raise a hand to follow that thought, he finally lets me go.

Realisation floods my body, my cheeks burn in a deep heat and I angrily fold my arms across my chest.

“Stop doing that,” I snap, my power spikes and causes a sudden breeze. My eyes don’t change but I’m at the precipice, one wrong move and I’ll be lost to it.

“Did Julien feed from you?” his unexpected question quells my power, I feel it literally drop from the air and into me.

“No,” I reply, warily. Uncertain why he even wanted to know that. I watch him for any expression, but there isn’t one, he just stares back.

“You’re stronger. Your power,” he states, eyes intense and focused on mine. “Much more than the first night it called to them, or the night your mark was partially removed, it’s stained by theirs.”

I can only understand part of what he’s saying, but the words “stronger” and “stained” do not sound good. My throat feels unbearably dry, my chest beings to tighten under the worrying thought that this connection has somehow grown, unwillingly.

I take a deep breath. “OK, what do we do?”

“What do we do?” he repeats, and his gaze narrows slightly, just a fraction. “You don’t understand. There’s nothing I can do and there’s certainly nothing you can do. They’ve done this.”

My fists begin to tighten, his constant riddles and tone of superiority utterly irritating. One more deep inhale and I relax my fists. “You mean Julien and Sai. They’ve done this, so they need to undo it. Right?”

“You’re still don’t understand, it—”

“Then explain it to me!” I yell, the sound travelling in almost slow motion. There’s no one to hear it but him, and I instantly begin to step away in realisation .

His head lowers and his gaze darkens, now boring into mine. His darkness seeps out in a slow wave and I feel myself retreating, inch by inch.

“Remember who you are speaking to, Empath .”

He says my race like it’s sour, the dark unpleasant sound causes me to flinch as I continue my retreat from the thick darkness seeping out of him. I wet my lips, even my power begins to retreat, no longer simmering upon the edge like moments ago.

He’s in complete control as he continues to watch me, ensuring I’m no longer going to cause him offence, before he speaks again, “Tonight, Sai will remove your mark, fully. If that doesn’t stop the ‘call’, there’s one other option.”

I don’t dare ask him for more clarification, but the word ‘call’ reminds me of what Sai has said before, how my power ‘calls’ to Julien and him. Unwilling to speak any more, I simply nod, hoping that’s enough indication for him.

His darkness remains around him, still creeping silently towards me, I ensure to keep my distance.

“The other option: I kill you.”

It’s not unexpected, but it still causes my pulse to race and my heartbeat becomes an unbearable knoll which mutes all other sounds.

Once the silence has stretched and his darkness stops moving, I decide to speak again.

“I won’t be here tonight.” I can see the anger flare in his vision, the thought that I’m being obstinate again. I quickly elaborate, “The queen wants me to join her in the Fae Realm.”

“You mean Hugo does,” he snaps, anger filling his words. “You’re not going.”

“It’s the queen’s will, she—”

Ice. My body is frozen.

Without the need of touch his darkness has spread out and gripped me, consumed me. The space we stood in suddenly dips into a dark realm of his.

We’re somewhere else.

I don’t hear or see or feel anything— but him. I collapse under the pressure and onto my knees, helplessly staring ahead as this terrifying creature stalks towards me.

“If you step foot into that realm tonight.” He towers over me before slowly bending, I can’t move but I wince when I feel his face beside mine. “If you so much as place a finger into that portal, I will slaughter every single person here— even the queen.”

His power overwhelms me, the darkness pushes me down and I fall, straight into his arms.

The contact is unbearable.

Silent tears fall down my cheeks. It’s too much, my skin feels raw whilst he painfully grips me, ensuring I hear every word as his lips move beside my ear.

“This ends tonight.”

Blinding light rips me from the darkness. I realise I’m still on the cold floor, on my knees, but now in the club. Curious glances and whispering surrounds me as I stare down at the tiles.

They’ve left. All three of them. I can feel it.

I remain in my comatose state until warm hands grip my arms and pull me up.

“You’re OK, Jas, just lean into me,” Javier urgently murmurs, his concern flooding me and causing new tears to fall. “It’s OK, you’re OK, I'm here.”

I continue staring ahead as he leads me to the closest exit and into the back kitchen. He props me onto the table but I just sit there, watching the bright light emit from his palms as he continues to rub my arms, my hands, my legs, anywhere he can find.

The door opens, I feel Alexis enter but I don’t see her yet.

“Is she OK?” She’s terrified, her fear sinks into me and quickly dissipates into anger. “What the fuck did they do to her?”

“He took her into the Shadow Realm,” Javier spits, his hands continue to emit light and I finally begin to feel the warmth, “that bastard, I was watching them all night but I didn’t even see it until it was too late. Where is he now?”

“They’re gone, even the sisters, something about an emergency.” Alexis’ voice is breathless, I feel her hands join Javier in an attempt to warm me, even though she doesn’t have the power of light, I appreciate the sentiment.

“Talk to us Jas, they’re gone, you’re safe,” Javier assures, his gentle voice attempting to coax me from this robotic state. “What happened?”

I open my mouth but nothing comes out, I glance at Javier, his eyes covered in a film of white. A small hand lands upon my face and softly pulls me to them. Large purple eyes watch me in terror, I see the tears beginning to fill her eyes and finally, my power unfurls slightly from the place it retreated.

“He’s going to kill me,” I whisper.

Javier begins speaking in his native tongue, Alexis just grabs me, tightening her tiny hold around me.

“The queen said I could go to her realm.”

Alexis pulls back at my admission, a glimmer of hope in her violet gaze. “That’s good, right? Only fae can enter without the queen’s invitation, you’ll be safe there.”

Her smile doesn’t linger for long when she sees my stoic expression, I don’t even need to explain because Javier already knows.

“He won’t let you go, even if you tried, he’ll just send the dark fae after you,” he says the words through gritted teeth. I didn’t even consider what would happen if I got into the realm, of course Sai could enter, would he kill everyone in the Fae Realm too? His own race?

I shudder at the thought; I could be the start of another genocide.

“We have to try, she’ll have more time there, we could plan—”

“He said he’d kill everyone here if I tried to go.” My monotonous voice fills the room, Javier’s hands stop moving and slowly fall from me. Everything is quiet as I glance between the two. “Even the queen.”

“It’s treason, he can’t… they can’t do that… they… Javier?” Alexis stutters over her words, desperately trying to piece together a solution when I know there isn’t one.

Javier remains quiet and still, so out of character for him it makes the fear in the room bloom suddenly.

I attempt to feed and alter it, but there’s too much.

“Did you find her? Where did she—” Lou bursts into the room. When she sees our expressions, she halts. “We’re so fucked.”