Queen of the Underworld | Book 3

• twenty-six •

I swallowed. "It's not what you think, Julian," I repeated.

Wasn't it? I hadn't even explained to him my logic. It was logic I couldn't quite understand myself.

He chuckled again, shaking his head. He was disappointed. I could feel every ounce of disappointment from him. "I'm such a fool."

He tossed something small from his hand to the bed next to me. "I found information--concrete information this time on that thing." He nodded towards it. "It can be very powerful leverage against Mal. We can talk about it tomorrow morning when everyone else wakes up."

He moved to the door, pulling it open with ease. As soon as it was open, I willed it to close pulling the doorknob from his hands with my magic and slamming the door shut before he could move past the threshold.

I took a deep breath. "He wasn't even there. I didn't see him." I paused. "How did you know I was there?" I asked softly.

He turned, his anger wasn't gone. "I sensed you there, in that part of town. There's not many of us Light Faes left and you give a stronger aura than anyone else." He laughed, more to himself. "It's how I found you at the Keep that day." He turned back to the door and jiggled the doorknob. He sighed, exasperated, turning again to me. "Let me out, Emylin."

I shook my head, meeting his eyes defiantly. "Not until you listen."

I had to grit my teeth as I watched him lean against the door. His muscular arms crossed over his wide chest, his cool eyes watched me with interest.

I instantly felt small. I was in Yzma again. I was that girl falling for the man that was training and teaching her.

And this time, there was nothing to keep us apart.

There was no confusion on what I felt. I knew what it was.

I knew what I wanted.

I wanted him.

"Julian," I repeated his name quietly. "It's not what you think. I don't feel anything for him, despite his best efforts."

He chuckled again. "Are you sure? Damien said you looked very comfortable on your dark throne with your dark King beside you as you tortured that man from Tenebrous."

I cursed under my breath. I was going to kill Damien for telling him.

He raised his eyebrows. "Did you think I wouldn't ask what happened for you to accept dark magic?"

I stepped forward. "He was helping me get answers."

He touched his chin. "By torturing a man—"

"Julian," I hissed.

He shook his head. "What do you want, Emylin? Stop playing games. We are not toys. You don't get to pick us up then throw us away the moment you get tired of us."

I watched him aghast. "That is not what I'm doing."

"Oh?"

I let out a long breath. "Asmo despite what he shows around others, genuinely loves his cousin."

Julian didn't move.