Chapter 22 #3
Infernai are a demon-Fae hybrid species hailing from that region.
They’re not the only demons to reside in Emberhell—apparently, there are many species of demon who have souls and are not made of pitch, although no texts exist on them.
Probably because a realm of flames makes bookkeeping a rather arduous task.
“I am glad to see you in better spirits. The Celestials have surely blessed you to make such a recovery. Along with the wonders of Kivi’s abilities, of course.
” Atlas bows, revealing the intricate beauty of upright moth wings laced about on the top of his head.
It’s clear he and Kivi are both devout in the worship of the Celestials who once bore our planet and ruled the lands.
Fewer Fae worship them nowadays, thanking the Golden Legion and Ellian Knights for their safety. How easily they forget the sacrifice our Celestials made in an attempt to save Elyndor.
Even if corruption has still found its way to our planet, it’s a preferable fate to losing magic altogether.
Like in the worlds where the Celestials dimmed, losing their magic before they could make the sacrifice like our Celestial did.
Part of me wonders if it’s the growth of the Blackwood that is causing more and more children to be born without any magic at all.
I pull myself from my thoughts, remembering my manners and bow in deference. “Thank you for the kind words. May the Celestials bless us all.”
As I return to standing, I’m met with a warm kiss on my cheek as slender arms wrap around my waist.
Winx squeezes the air out of me. “Thank the Celestials you’re alive! I made them tell me everything when they asked me to speak to Father about a room change. I wanted to burn Chet alive, but your boring gang said I wasn’t allowed.”
She lets out a pouty hmph. Her short, angular hair is now neon pink, almost as vibrant as when her eyes flare bright violet.
Winx bats a hand at my Zenith as she continues, “They are simply no fun! So, instead, I left a little magic bomb I created in his room. It exploded, covering him in pink glitter. He was furious yesterday while everyone laughed about the glitter he didn’t manage to scrub off. ”
“Honestly, I thought the pink glitter was a big improvement on his usual look,” Vex mumbles as she grabs one of Winx’s arms. Flint grabs her other. Together, they pull Winx off me and hold her back.
“Hey! What's the big idea? I’m just saying ‘hi’ to her. She nearly died. I missed her!” Winx hollers as neon violet eyes flare viciously beneath locks of pink hair, flying across her face in the jostle.
“Exactly. She nearly died, and you’re over here squeezing the life out of her,” Vex snaps as she mutters under her breath how unbelievable Winx is being.
“Oh. Right.” Winx giggles. “Well, sometimes, I just can’t help myself around her,” she muses. Violet flames roar as she drinks me in.
Seraph rolls her eyes. “She’ll be better soon enough and back to knocking you against walls and leaving scorch marks in no time. Don’t you worry your flaming little head.”
Now I’m rolling my eyes because clearly everyone knows about the rendezvous between me and Winx outside the pub in Snowmas. Lovely.
Seraph bites her lip as she flicks her gaze lazily over Winx. “But if you’re in need of a distraction in the meantime, I’m happy to lend my services.” She winks.
Emberhell, the thought of a fun night with both of them in my bed?
Fucking Tempting. But the embers of that fantasy fizzle out quickly.
Winx isn’t after a casual burn, and I’m not forged for anything more than passion without promise.
Too sharp and jagged to be held in the confines of a relationship.
Yet I need to handle letting her down carefully or she’ll burn us all in the rage of her wildfires.
I turn my body to face Winx, giving her a sly half-smile. “I promise, I’ll visit once I’m strong enough. I know I need to make time for us to catch up.”
“Can’t wait.” She winks at me and then scowls at Seraph, sticking her tongue out before she prances back to her Nadir Wing.
My eyes follow her back to see Chet fuming at the sight of what has just transpired between Winx and me. It’s clear he doesn’t care that it’s obviously Winx who came for me and not the other way around. I guess it’s easier to make me the bad guy than accept that Winx just isn’t interested in him.
“You do realize she is just making everything worse for you, right?” Eko states the obvious. His limerick-green eyes are piercing against his grey fur. His ears are down against his skull, due to the noise that reverberates through the conservatory.
“Obviously. When you figure out a way to break it gently to a powerful Pyro Lilliac—who just happens to be the daughter of the Chancellor—that you’re not interested in a relationship, please do let me fucking know.
” I huff before grumbling on, “I swear, I had no idea who she or Chet were when I stole Winx away from that table. She was just a pretty face I wanted to get lost in after a harrowing battle against a Ritherin.”
“Hey, don’t look at me. I’m not the strategist. Maybe Atlas has some words of wisdom for you?” Eko nods to Atlas, whose eyes widen as his cheeks peak in a rosy hue.
“Romantic relationship strategy is far beyond my expertise. Apologies, Savaé,” Atlas murmurs as he shifts his willowy weight uneasily and chances a glance to Kivi. Interesting.
“Figures.” I sigh, as the chimes overhead sing, letting us know class is beginning.