I nod, agreeing with that assessment. “Her Emissary mentioned our portal windows, suggesting she knew about us all along.”
“So it seems,” Hades muses. “I look forward to learning more about her.”
“Likewise,” I admit. “Along with a great many other things.” Such as the genetic manipulation going on in the realm and how that might be altering certain scents. I also want to ask about the Elite City in Chicago for Alina.
And maybe learn why she’s so interested in it, or how she even knows about it.
“I’ll tell the Strigoi to behave,” I tell my brother. “Otherwise, I’ll be in touch.”
Hades nods. “I’m sure Morpheus will want to have a word with them.” He considers for a moment. “Or not.” He shrugs. “Regardless, not my problem. But I will be talking to Maliki about it.”
The way my brother’s eyes darken with that last statement says he’s already planning out exactly how he intends to handle that particular conversation.
If the slight smile taunting his lips is anything to go by, he’s going to enjoy it.
Poor Maliki, I think. According to my brother, the Death Fae is currently in Lucifer’s custody—which was to beexpected for creating an illegal portal in the Netherworld. But Hades fully anticipates Maliki to be released back to him for punishment soon.
Which is likely what my brother will enjoy.
Fortunately for the Death Fae, he likes pain.
“Speak soon,” I say to Hades before stepping out of his office and teleporting to an old dungeon in the Mythos Fae Realm.
I reentered my reality here earlier, just in case anyone attempted to follow me. Not that I think anyone could, but the new dimension is still an unknown entity. Best to trap any unexpected guests here than to lead them straight to my brother’s lair.
Besides, this realm is out of Lucifer’s jurisdiction, making it impossible for him to feel the manifestation magic used to create a portal big enough for me to walk through. Little portholes didn’t require enough energy for the Hell Fae King to sense.
Alas, I can’t fit through a porthole.
I suppose, technically, I could have just come here initially to create a connection to the other dimension rather than go under the cover of Monsters Night. However, venturing into a new world—especially an alternate universe—came with a myriad of potential consequences.
Exploring and testing the magical limits of the unknown beneath the veil of an accepted practice—like opening portals on Monsters Night—made the most sense.
Of course, I’m not done testing those limits yet.
Hence the reason I’m creating a portal in an old mirror, deep underground in this old crypt-like jail cell.
These haunted catacombs make my skin crawl, primarily because I can feel the old Mythos Fae spiritswrithing in wait down here, searching for an opportunity to escape.
But they’re forever incarcerated underground, punished for their sins and blamed for what happened to our Omegas.
I won’t allow them to absorb my power or use me as a vessel. Not that they can reach me anyway. They’re all trapped in Pandora’s Box—a magically secured prison, guarded by its creator, Ares.
Ignoring the chilly sensation inching up my arms, I call forth the mirrorlike doorway. It opens with ease, my mind and soul already locked into the manifestation energy associated with this particular domain.
I step through the mirror and out into the middle of the living area of the suite, and freeze.
Slick.
My eyes widen, my focus instantly on the bedroom door.
Omega. Slick.
The portal shatters behind me, the glass disappearing before it can hit the floor, and my feet move before my brain can catch up with the motion.
Only for Flame to step right into my path, his expression severe. “Don’t. She gave him consent. I heard it.”
“What?” I don’t understand his words. Why is he stopping me from going to my Omega? She’swet.She’sready. Andfuck, is that hermoaning?