Disgraceful. It would be better to see him resting on a throne of antethorpe shit. More fitting for the new lord.

“What did you need to speak to me about? I have important matters to attend to, so make it quick,” I say, a thrill rushing through me at the disgruntled look on Slaine’s face.

“How dare you speak to Lord Slaine in that manner? I should have you clipped⁠—”

“It’s fine, Rai.” Slaine brings the tips of his fingers together as a smirk replaces his earlier expression. “In fact, it’s Malice’s ‘important matters’ I wish to discuss.”

I narrow my eyes, trepidation trickling down my spine at the flip in temperament. “What are you talking about?”

“You know exactly what. The little human you have stashed in one of my cells.”

“And what of her?” I try to keep my tone nonchalant, but I can’t help the ounce of worry that finds its way into my words—something Slaine seems to notice.

His smirk spreads to a full-on grin, and for the first time since we arrived in this palace, worry hardens in my gut. “Some of my men… they’ve seen some disturbing things when attempting to feed her,” he says.

I don’t dare blink. “Have they?”

“Indeed. They say it looks like she has powers. You never told me about that.”

I shake my head, fearful my words won’t come out on account of the vise squeezing my windpipe. “That’s fucking nonsense,” I say. “She’s just a human. Nothing more.”

“Yet the stories…” Slaine looks off to the side, excitement brimming in his ugly misted gaze. “Some of them think she might be… a halfling.”

“There are no more halflings,” I deadpan. “You saw to that twenty years ago. Anything your men have seen must be some byproduct of her bond with me and the other demons.”

“Hmm. I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.” He looks back, that eerie grin never wavering. “After all, you wouldn’t let one of those things into my palace, would you? You wouldn’t dream of having me feed it. Keep it alive. Would you, Malice?”

My fist clenches as I say, “Of course not.”

“Because you realize how detrimental that would be, correct?” His eyes flash black. “Not just for your little pet but for you as well.”

I bristle at the insinuation—that he thinks he could best me in any capacity. That he thinks he could harm my mate—this will not do.

But it will have to. For now.

“I understand,” I murmur, the words turning to ash on my tongue. “If that’s all, I’ll be leaving now.”

Without another thought, I turn and walk out of the throne room, my skin trembling with the effort to hold my transformation at bay. I know attacking him now will do no good. I’m still not strong enough yet, still not healed.