Page 300 of The Wishing Game

"You are impossible." I laugh.

At that moment, the beat of the music changes, and the pairs of dancers switch partners. I glance around in confusion. Cer stops in front of us, his hand thrust forward as he invites me for a dance.

"No," Ze states vehemently, more or less shoving me behind him while glaring at Cer.

"It is just a dance, Commander," he says wryly.

"Not withher. Go find yourself your own female," he grits out, baring his teeth at him.

"Uhm, Ze... It's fine. It'sjusta dance."

"No," he repeats.

Cer has an amused expression on his face, silently laughing at Ze's feral one. As they are engaged in a glaring competition, I scan our surroundings, noticing that Wyn is dancing with a different man. Thea, too, has a partner for this dance.

Aha! So this is why Cer chose me to switch with. All his other choices are already taken.

"Ze, seriously. It's not a big deal."

"I saidno, human," he mentions to me in a softer tone before turning his attention back to Cer, his voice becoming harsh and unyielding. "Stand down, Cerenios. This is an order."

Just as I think this exchange is pointless since Ze is never going to get it out of his head that I can be his friend andalsobe Cer's friend, too, both suddenly stop, their bodies tensing.

"Demons have been sighted at the South Gate," Ze mentions. "They have already overpowered the guards and are heading for the palace."

"Damn it," Cer curses.

"We need to take care of it. Now," Ze commands, to which Cer nods.

Turning to me, Ze appraises me with his gaze.

"You will be safe here. I will return once the demons have been annihilated. Should you need me in the meanwhile, simply call my name." He doesn't wait for my reply. With a glance at Cer, they both vanish out of sight.

Since I'm the only personaloneon the dance floor, I quietly retreat to the side. But seeing that I'm now without Ze, random people swarm around me to question me about him. Despite disliking him, they sure are curious about him.

"I heard he eats a god a day. Is that true?"

"Does he even sleep?"

"Oh my, does he sleepwithyou?"

The barrage of questions keeps coming, and surprisingly, it's mostly the women who have those curiosities. Out in the open, they snub him, but secretly, they wonder what it would be like to be with someone of his notoriety.

"If you'll excuse me." I force a smile as I elbow my way through the growing crowd, doing my best to evade these hypocrites. Ze is not some zoo exhibit for their amusement, and I have no interest in telling themanythingthey might use to start some new rumor that will paint him in an even worse light. To avoid more of the same questions, I make a beeline for the double doors that lead to the inner gardens.

I take a deep breath as I fit my back to the cold wall. I suppose no matter what world you're in, people will behave the same—be they mortals or gods. There's the same hunger for gossip; the same joy at someone else's downfall.

These damn people hate Ze so openly, but they're still hungry for more information about him. Due to him being so private and closed-off, I don't think too many things are known about him other than the fact that he's scary.

And that he can kill gods, which seems to be a skill not many have.

"Enjoying the party?" a voice asks from deep within the shadows.

I raise my brows as I search for the source.

Small, graceful steps reveal a lithe woman dressed in a red gown. Her hair is in a slick bun at her nape, her makeup sultry and heavy. Her green eyes are entirely kohl-lined in black, emphasizing the color of her irises.

"Yes." I nod, mustering a pleasant smile.

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