Page 50 of Quiet Burn

Both of us know how succubi from X’s line behave when they get a target in their sights.

Anton, X, and Slash stand firm against the onslaught of the glamazons, their razor-sharp words deflecting any attempts at flirtation or seduction.

“Not tonight, ladies,” Anton interjects with a wry smirk, causing the glamazons to huff in mock disappointment.

“Aw, come on boys,” one of them purrs, “don’t you want to make us happy?”

The other girls saunter up to each of us, their seductive smiles and flirtatious giggles filling the room. They leaned in close to Jasper and Slash, batting their eyelashes and running their fingers through their hair.

“Don’t worry, boys,” another says, “we can handle a little heartbreak.”

Slash rolls his eyes, clearly unimpressed by their advances. “Nothing to break, unfortunately,” he scoffs. “Step aside for the Prince.”

The demonesses huff irritably, clearly angry they are unsuccessful in their attempts to lure us in with their skimpy dresses and pouty lips. Billie puts her hand on her hip, squinting at the group for a moment before she intervenes. “Who’s your new acolyte, Jas? You know we like to hear about fresh meat.”

Jasper snorts, stepping back from the succubus to get distance. “I owe you no explanation of whom I induct, Wilhelmina. Slash gave you an order, which you can take as seriously as one of my own.”

“I’ll bet the scrawny one doesn’t even like girls,” one of her groupies says, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “He’s clutching the emo one and the sleepy idiot.”

My hackles raise as they diss Salem. I could give a shit less about what these chicks think of me, but so far they’ve insulted Kit, Salem, and Zavida, plus they ignored the heir to their line. None of us should stand for this; it’s tantamount to treason.

“Look, Wendy, if you could let us pass, I’d be grateful. I’m going to need a drink after your nasal bullshit,” Kit says as he lets go of Salem and me. His lips quirk up as he stares the tall, rich female demon down despite the enormous chasm of difference between them. “I’m sure the rest of my caliphate will, too. You should get that looked at—you might have a deviated septum.”

Holy forking shirtballs, Kit Kat.

Even Jasper looks momentarily impressed at the balls of fuckingsteelit took to basically tell Billie to fuck off into the sun, and I take a moment to even assimilate what just happened. The demoness opens her mouth, but it closes when Slash laughs. When the shark laughs, it’s hard to ignore because he’s normally quiet and his genuine laughter isnot.He’s damn near doubled over and soon, Jasper joins him when the girls’ faces all screw up in fury.

Smirking, I give Billie and her minions a double finger gun, clicking my tongue. “Bang, bang, you’re dead, ladies.Au revoir,and all that.”

Kit gives me a tiny smile as I hold my hand out, and we all glide away from the cloud of anger left in our wake.

Hopefully, that act of rebellion won’t make anything worse than it already is.

Glitter & Gold

Kit/Kat

The pulsing beat of dark background music throbs through the soles of my boots. The air is thick with magic and mischief, a heady scent that mingles with the rich aroma of spiced pumpkin and charred ember. Adrenaline still lingers in my veins from the earlier confrontation, but it’s time to switch gears as our little entourage makes its way toward Zavida’s sister, Genie Draven.

I didn’t even know he had a sister before she stood up, so I can’t control my anxiety about impressing her.

Chandeliers cast an eerie glow on her fox-like features, a stark contrast to the dim lighting surrounding us. Genie stands with poise, her nine tails swaying gently behind her—a clear mark of her gumiho heritage. Her eyes, though warm, hold the weight of centuries, and I sense the burden she carries representing their family tonight. Zavida said she’s part gumiho and part vengeance demon, which is perfect for the house of envy. It also likely means she’s just as sharp as the shy Kitsuné I know, and I have to be very careful.

“Genie,” Zav greets her with a voice that barely conceals his trepidation. It’s not just the familial responsibility; there’s something else, a tangible discomfort that hangs between them like a veil. She looks more confident than him which might make for sibling rivalry? I don’t know.

“Zavvie and his friends!” Genie’s smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. The polite mask she wears is flawless, yet there are cracks if you know where to look. Her gaze flickers to Jasper, and for a fleeting moment, the temperature seems to drop. She doesn’t like him at all, and I’m sure there’s a good reason for it. I file that away, a weapon for later use.

“You look radiant, Duchess Evangilium,” I say, drawing out the full title her brother gave me with a smirk. The pleased look on her face at my decorum earns me a sharp glance from Jasper.

That’s right, Prince, squirm a bit more under your perfectly tailored suit.

“Thank you. You’re all quite dashing yourselves,” Genie replies, her tone even, but the tightness around her eyes betrays her concern for appearances. “But I’m afraid I am not familiar with you… has my brother and his misbegotten caliphate taken in a new member?”

Zavida’s hand finds mine, his grip trembling. “They didn’t come,” he murmurs, almost lost amidst the hum of conversation and music. “They sent Genie instead.”

Oh, I can relate to this mental breakdown. No one ever came to anything of mine, not even my hospital post-attack.

I squeeze his hand, letting go of Oriel’s arm to give Zavida my full attention. “They don’t know what they’re missing,” I assure him, hoping to bolster his spirit. His parents’ absence cutsdeeper than he lets on, their preoccupation with envy leaving no room for pride in their son.

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