Page 133 of Hell Bound

I didn’t know where that had come from. What the hell did I know about his court?

But as the fury built, fuzzy memories swam to the surface—a court that my own kind, the succubi, had avoided at all costs. They were treated like trash there, despite being kin.

A clearer memory floated to the surface, and the words spilled out before I could stop them.

“Your power has been in flux ever since my father failed to assume the throne of the Ardent Court. Now you make deals and trade lives with scum like him, pretending you’re better than those you rule over. You keep power out of fear and brutality, not respect.”

I stepped closer and looked Sorath directly in his eye.

“If ever there was a waste of an incubus, it’syou.”

A hand shot out and struck me across the face so fast I never saw it coming. I would have keeled over, but once his blow had landed, Asmodeus snatched me by my biceps.

“You worthless bitch.” He shook me hard enough to make my teeth snap together. “Apologize to our guest.”

I just stared. Not a fucking chance.

“Now, Lilith, or you’ll regret every word you’ve ever spoken.”

“Fuck you, Asmodeus.”

Someone nearby choked on a gasp, and I smiled. He hadn't expected that, and losing his temper would only show how weak Asmodeus truly was.

“As you insist, my Queen. Crussian!” The ever obedient courtier appeared at his side. “Escort your queen to her new quarters. She belongs among the others who prove themselves unworthy of remaining in the Infernal Court.”

“At once, my King.” His grip was surprisingly strong when Asmodeus’s hand was replaced by his. “Come along, Queen Lilith.”

I did, since there was nothing else I could do here. Head high, I took two steps before coming to a halt.

Crussian looked at me, genuine fear on his face. If he failed to take me, he’d pay for it in blood.

He didn’t need to worry. I had paused for only one reason.

Turning back toward Asmodeus, I slipped my heel out of one shoe, then the other, kicking each at Asmodeus. One whacked him right in the shoulder.

My satisfied smile lasted until the door to my dungeon cell clanged shut behind me.

Chapter32

Lucifer

Rage flared in me, white-hot, but for once it was directed at the one person I tried my hardest to never rage at.

What thefuckwas she thinking?

What kind of world had she grown up in where she could let anything pour out of her mouth and never suffer the consequences?

Did she really believe that there would always be second chances here? That Asmodeus wouldn’t really kill her the same way he’d done a thousand times before, that he’d shrug off every insult?

Or did she simply just not care anymore?

The anger boiled in me, licking at my veins as Crussian led her out of the ballroom. The shoe she’d thrown as her last word clattered to the floor, as loud as an avalanche in the shocked silence.

I’d known that she was not the same Lilith, but the advice I’d given her the day I’d hauled her back into Hell remained: if she kept quiet, she would make this situation so much easier on herself. If she was justpatient, we could find a way out.

But no. She had to have the last word—and she still didn’t realize that in the Infernal Court, her word wouldneverbe last.

Asmodeus would ensure it.

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