Page 95 of King of Inferno

“Yes, these are all things I know. Move on,” Azar snarls.

Ferg continues. “There was only one roommate home. The djinn felt the presence of the lamp in her room. We entered her room to find the lamp, but she and Seraphina started to argue. Names were called and tempers rose. Seraphina lost her temper and killed her with an orb of fire.”

“I did not lose my temper,” I snap.

“Yes, right,” he says over me and keeps going. “Bradan appeared as we searched the room for the lamp. The djinn ran—he abandoned us. I cloaked Seraphina and myself, but Seraphina stepped out of my reach, revealing herself. He was about to kill her when one of the other roommates distracted him as she arrived. I was able to get us away, but not with the lamp or the genie,” Ferg finishes.

“He was not about to kill me. I had him,” I pout.

“Yes, of course you did,” Ferg says dryly.

Aunt Azar gasps. “He is calling. We must go before he comes to us,” she says in a panic.

“You stay here and stay hidden until I return. If anyone should appear looking for me, you remain hidden. Reveal yourself under no circumstances. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Your time is coming soon. You will get the revenge you seek. Trust me and do as I say,” she demands.

I roll my eyes and sigh. “I will stay here and remain hidden. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Before I can finish my words, the two vanish. I blow out a breath and go to the room I’ve been calling my own while here. Flopping on the bed, I begin to plan my next move.

I don’t need your help, Auntie. I can kill Bradan and his bitch on my own. Maybe it’s time we part ways.

The Bishop

It might be time for me to make another example around here. When Azar asked me for the use of Ferg, I granted her wish in hopes she’d finally produce the results I desired. I’m beginning to think Azar means to make a fool out of me.

I believe she has confused our connection for something more important than my mission. Nothing is more important than my mission. I close my eyes and try to rein in my temper. I still need her skills for the final battle; it’s one of the reasons I’ve spared her life thus far.

“Your Grace, you called?”

“Why exactly did I have to call for you? I have waited long enough for you to bring the girl to me. You asked to take Ferg with you.

“It was my belief that you intended to use him to get me what I asked for. So far, I have nothing. Why is this?” I ask and tilt my head.

“The djinn failed me. He sent the lamp to the girl, but she never received it.”

“Are you placing blame on someone else?”

“No, I am answering the question as to why I do not have her. You asked me to work with the genies to retrieve this girl. I did that, but he failed.”

“What of that fire fairy and Seraphina? Did he help you to release her? Can we use her now?”

Panic fills her eyes for a brief moment before she covers it. I know once she opens her mouth, she’s about to lie to me.

“No, he was killed before he could set her free. I haven’t had an opening since. That plan is lost to me. However, I have learned how to draw the fire wielder to me. I can guarantee you access to him whenever you want,” she says too quickly.

I think this over. Do I allow her to lie to me and take this offering, or do I address the blatant lie? Insolence is unacceptable.

I backhand her for her treachery. “You are lying to me. Where is our daughter?” I roar.

“Your Grace, please.”

I go to strike her again, but Ferg grabs my arm midstrike. I turn my head slowly to glare at him. He looks me in my eyes as if to challenge me.

“Kneel,” I growl with enough force to buckle his knees. It seems everyone has forgotten their place. I have no problem reminding them.

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