Page 390 of Bitten By the Fae
The phoenix bowed in response, his beak brushing my stomach before he took a step back.
“Cocky fucking bird,” I heard Zeph mutter to Kols.
“If you’re envious of a phoenix, then I suspect you and I are going to have issues later,” Zakkai drawled.
Zeph snorted in response.
Shade smothered a chuckle.
I merely smiled, tilting my head in a bow back to the phoenix to show equal appreciation. He released a loud caw in response, drawing the attention of several creatures as he expanded his wings to take off into the sky.
A series of chitters followed, the charcoal crows following in his breezy wake.
And then an echo of stones moving followed.
I turned to see the gargoyles stepping through the gates with their weapons drawn in a battle stance. I frowned, confused for a moment until they all took a saluted position along the path, their arms rising high to create a wall of stone and sharp swords, all their edges pointed directly up to the sky.
“How long did it take you to pass that trial?” Zeph asked conversationally. “A week?”
“Nine days,” Kols replied. “Nine very long fucking days.”
“Hmm.” Zeph sounded amused.
“She had the earth advantage,” Kols said, his tone light and his expression full of pride. “Using life to court life.” He nodded in approval. “Very effective, princess.”
Shade grinned. “Constantine is going to be pissed.” He glanced at Zakkai. “I hope Tadmir records his reaction.”
Zakkai didn’t seem to share his amusement, his expression serious as he analyzed the gargoyles and surrounding creatures. “We should go inside while we can. If Constantine realizes she passed this quickly, he’ll just engage the next trial.”
“Which is?” I prompted.
“A topic for once we’re through those gates,” Zakkai replied, pointing at the entry. “After you, my queen.”
My grandmother stood justinside the gates with a platter of cookies, her smile welcoming and knowing.
Because she’d probably foreseen that trial outside the gates.
A heads-up would have been appreciated, but that wasn’t her way. Fortune Fae never wanted to alter fate, just project potential paths. And I’d made it my life’s work to alter my own—hence Kols standing beside me.
My grandmother cast a cursory glance over him, her blue eyes taking on an appreciative gleam as she studied his hair.
I arched a brow, daring her to say something.
She didn’t.
Instead, she held out the treats for everyone to enjoy while formally introducing herself to Zeph and Kols. I didn’t partake in the cookies, because I knew what they meant—more bad news.
“Take them on a tour,” she advised. “Then come see me afterward.”
I dipped my chin in agreement, knowing she meant for me to visit her, not the others. But a glance at Zakkai told me he saw right through the act and he would be attending that meeting with me.
I’d hidden a lot from him over the years. However, he always seemed to know, as though he could remember the timelines just like I could. I knew he couldn’t actually recall them because that was impossible—his memory had been altered with all the others.
Although, his Quandary Blood ability probably allowed him to sense those alternate timelines. Or perhaps the manipulation of the power was what he felt.
Regardless, he’d suspected my interference and questionable allegiances our entire relationship. Which meant he would either follow me to the meeting or attend at my side.
The latter was preferred, especially as we both were tied to Aflora now.
