Page 92 of Blood So Brutal

Fear or not, Asmodeus was going to die.

Fear or not, tonight would change everything.

Chapter 31

Huntyr

Asmodeus was the one who knocked on my door. I expected Wolf or Jessiah or literally anyone else, but no. The archangel stood at my door with his formal clothes. It was shocking to see an angel—an archangel—so put together, so mundane.

He wore all white, the fabrics draped over his shoulders and around his body like they were perfectly made for him. His sword was sheathed in a gold case, hanging from the top of his hip and nearly hitting the floor.

"Hello, Huntyraina.”

"Asmodeus," I replied, keeping my chin lifted and my tone short.

"I believe you will be very pleased with tonight's events. The equinox is a celebration that most of our people look forward to every year. There is much, much to celebrate."

Yeah, like the fact that you thought you were about to gain power over an entire abandoned kingdom and use it for yourself.

I smiled tightly. "Then let the celebration begin."

His eyes slid over me, and I fought off a shiver. He held his arm out and I took it quickly, trying my best not to act absolutely disgusted by the closeness of him.

I hated Asmodeus. I hated everything he was, everything he stood for. It shocked me that two men like Wolf and Jessiah could come from the same bloodline.

"You look radiant this evening as well. I'm sure Wolf will appreciate this dress."

Gross.“You are a great father, truly. He must appreciate you looking out for him this way, making sure his bride has a beautiful dress. Chains and rags would have worked just fine."

He shook his head and tsked. "Now, now, Huntyr, there is no need to be sour. You see, I have a surprise for you. Consider it a wedding gift."

We continued walking, but my blood ran cold. "A wedding gift?"

"Right this way." He led me down another set of hallways, ones I didn't remember navigating before. The dark halls of the castle were decorated with hundreds, if not thousands, of candles, giving the shadows of night a glittering glow.

In any other scenario, I would have thought it beautiful.

Right now? I was creeped out.

I kept my face calm and forced myself to relax as Asmodeus pushed a door open and guided me inside. A million possibilities raced through my head. He wouldn't just kill me right now, right? He needed me alive for this entire charade to play out. Perhaps it was something as simple as jewelry.

He led me into an empty, quiet room, one that had not been decorated for the celebration.

My heart stopped beating.

I coudn’t believe my fucking eyes.

Lord stood on the far side of the room, gazing out of the small, barred window.

He spun to face me when the door closed behind us, a rare smile on his wrinkled face.

Chapter 32

Wolf

Something was wrong with Huntyr.

At first, I thought I was getting sick, but I quickly realized the deepening pit in my stomach was Huntyr's. Her emotions poured through the bond, quickly sharpening my every sense.

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