Page 125 of The Devil's Trials

He says nothing. Just stares at me with a blank expression.

Realization trickles in as the wind feels colder, chilling me to the bone. It feels as if it’s carrying away wisps of my humanity with each breeze, and I don’t fight to hang onto it. The more I let it go, the less barbed wire fills my chest with razor-sharp pain.

I inhale deeply, keeping my eyes on Marrick as a cool numbness settles over me. Pain doesn’t exist and fear is nothing but sustenance.

He stalks forward, Harper’s dagger in his grip, her blood dripping from the tip of the obsidian blade. Before he makes it close enough to lunge at, his form fades into dark smoke before disappearing completely.

I stare at the spot he once stood, then turn to look back at Harper. Except, she’s not there. Ice slashes through my veins, but I barely feel it.

She was never here.

The royal guard files out of the stone building and approaches as a solemn unit, emulating power and darkness. Their expressions give nothing away as they regard me silently. I have half a mind to wonder if they overheard my conversation with the vision of Harper—if they know of my plan to bring the demon hunter onto my council. But it wasn’t them who put her or Marrick here, it was this place and its ability to form my worst nightmares. So perhaps they don’t know. Either way, that’s not my most immediate problem.

Rupert bows his head, waiting for the others to follow suit before he announces, “All hail King Xander.”

Those words send power crackling through me as I get to my feet. Thunder crashes deafeningly loud as the sky fills with streaks of red lightning. I’ve never felt this strong. Nothing can stand in the way of what I desire, and I’ll take great pleasure in destroying anyone who tries.

THIRTYCAMILLE

I barely sleep the first night Xander is gone, and when I haul myself out of bed in the morning, there’s a check-in text from Harper on his phone.

How are things? I won’t be able to get there today. Rachel recruited me to teach a novice class, and if I turn that down it’ll look suspicious.

Despite the pit in my stomach, I smile. Harper has always impressed the organization, and it appears they’re finally acknowledging it. Of course that’ll be shot to hell—quite literally—if she joins Xander’s council and the hunters discover it, but I’m not about to bring that up. Knowing Harper, she’s already stewing about it.

That’s great, Harper! Please don’t worry. Xander and his council left for the final trial, so I’ll be distracting myself until they get back. I need to call my dad, but thinking about that is really a treat for my anxiety.

Oh babe, I’m sorry. I wish I could do that for you. I’ll be there soon. Hugs!

Thanks. Right back at you.

I pace the length of Xander’s room for a while, my bare feet padding across the hardwood until I work up the nerve to call my dad. Harper sent the number last night, so all I have to do is tap on it and wait for the call to connect.

In the middle of the room, I stop moving, take a deep breath, and initiate the call.

He answers on the second ring. “Scott Morgan.”

“Hey, Dad, it’s me.”

“Camille? Your name didn’t come up.”

“Um, yeah.” I panic briefly then blurt, “I kinda lost my phone. It’s probably somewhere at Ballard.”

“Not to worry, kiddo. We can track it. Are you heading there with Noah this morning?”

I wince inwardly, biting the inside of my cheek. “No. I’m actually out of town for a while. I’ve really been missing Harper, and she’s going through some things too, so I just need to be with her right now.”

“What about your training?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.

“I’ll keep up with it, don’t worry.”

There’s a stretch of silence, then, “Is there something going on?”

“No,” I lie too easily. “Everything is fine. I’ll let you know when I’m back in the city and we can have dinner, okay? I love you.”

“I love you too. You know where I am if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you soon.”

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