Page 121 of Hell Bound

I still wasn’t sure if this was because she didn’t care for court intrigues, or because the Spectrals weren’t entirely invested in this plane of existence, always looking into the next.

So, Baron Cthurhain was the representative every time Asmodeus held his annual celebration. I wondered if he would acknowledge Odragir, or if Odragir was now dead to his own Court.

The Baroness, a much slighter demoness whose opaque veil gave zero hint whatsoever as to what lay beneath, approached and laid a bony hand on her husband’s arm. “I wish to retire. It is too hot in these lands.”

If the Baron’s voice was a whisper, hers was the caw of a crow.

I inclined my head. “Follow me, Baroness.”

I despised this part of the proceedings. Every year, we were trotted out like prized pets, showing the greater nobility to their rooms—all nobility that had met with us in one way or another before our curses were established.

The Baron greeted me the same way each year—like the prince he first met me as. Some habits died hard.

They were followed by their daughter, who gave me coy glances from beneath her veil, but I’d never liked looking at Braith. Her eyes were overlarge, always swimming with the dark tears inherent to certain noble families of Spectrals.

The pack silently led them to their quarters, and before I could open the doors, Baron and Baroness Cthurhain seemed to step into a wind no one else felt.

Their robes swirled, and soon they were incorporeal, nothing but dark smudges of mist in the hallway.

They walked right through the solid wood of the door, the Baron nodding to me before he vanished.

Braith paused, and when I didn’t acknowledge her, she followed her parents. Right through a stone wall.

I exhaled, curling my fists at my side.

Nothing but dogs for his show. Deasleyneededthis time, with only days remaining until he went up against Odragir…

“Time for patrol.” I turned on my heel and strode briskly away. If we stayed too long, odds were good we’d get caught up showing some other pack of spoiled nobles to their rooms, and if any requested one of the wolves for company…

Well, we were bound to accede to their demands. Willing or not.

I’d spent plenty of my own time in that position, as had Jovran, but Deasley and Pypentha were still relatively new and innocent to the ways of some of Asmodeus’s ‘honored’ guests.

I would prefer that they remain innocent a while longer.

We exited through the training courtyard, skirting the bloody lake on a narrow bridge, and exploded out of our clothes as soon as the forest was within reach.

Thank hellfire we got out of there in time, Pypentha thought fervently, casting a glance back.

On the road leading to the palace gates, a set of sleek red carriages raced along, pulled by Hellish crimson horses.

Their curling manes, golden horns, and gilded accouterments made it clear who they belonged to: those gaudy, gem-encrusted beasts belonged to the Illicit Court.

Deasley ran even faster than her, trying to outpace us all until the carriages of his home court were out of sight, and when we were well into the trees, he dug in his paws and skidded to a halt.

Stayawayfrom them, he thought to Pypentha, eyes blazing.Whatever you do.

She looked taken aback for a moment.Why, Deasley. Are you concerned for my well being?

Her smoky mental voice was amused, but Deasley drew his teeth back over his lips.Just listen to me. Letmehelpyou, just this once.

Her tail swished, but she looked at him thoughtfully.Very well.

Pypentha had always been taken in by her Tainted relatives when they arrived. It was unusual for the Tainted delegation to arrive so late, but because of them, she’d always been kept well clear of the Illicit nobility.

He’s right.I led the way further into the forest, content just to breathe air that wasn’t thick with the stench of perfumes, magic, or even sex.You should keep far away from Duke Sorath. Even seeing your relatives would be preferable to that.

Both Deasley and Pypentha made identical disgusted noises—Deasley at the mention of his court’s ruler, Sorath, and Pypentha because her relatives had all the charm of a steaming pile of tarphin shit.

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