"And?" I probe.

"I do not like them," he growls. He doesn't explain further. He merely directs his attention to the stage, no doubt imagining countless scenarios in which he could harm that Milado person.

"He hates Earth deities," Thea leans in to whisper. "He's been badgered for a long time by a slew of Earth nymphs—among others."

"Earth nymphs?"

"Minor deities, but they always think themselves so important." Thea rolls her eyes. "They think he's a catch, so there's a running bet on who's going to land him first."

I blink in surprise.

"Are we talking about the same Ze?"

He might be good-looking, but I doubt anyone would consider his extraordinarily sociable personality a prize.

"Yes, I don't know how that happened." She laughs.

"I will have you know that I am very sought-after," Ze intervenes with a huff. "I have been branded the most eligible mate at every court I have been to."

"I can't say I know why," I say, struggling not to laugh.

He narrows his eyes at me.

"Of course you would not. Your human mind is too narrow for that."

"I will accept that as my fault." I nod, amused.

He stares me down.

I shake my head and turn, ignoring him and his too inflated ego. Most eligible mate, my ass. I truly wonder how that happened.

Leaning closer to Thea, I whisper, "Is this the part where you finally admit to me that you're not a harpy?"

She blinks repeatedly as her eyes widen.

"Is it that obvious?"

"I was waiting for you to tell me on your own, but yes. It is very obvious."

"Drat it," she mumbles. "I thought I was good at it."

"You were quite mediocre." I pat her shoulder. "Except the claws. Those were a good addition."

She releases a dramatic sigh, though the corners of her mouth twitch in amusement. "We're from a realm called Arche," Thea mentions with a tight smile.

"Arche?" My brows go up. "Why the lie then?"

"Don't take it personally, Luce. I didn't want to lie, but we're technically not supposed to be here," she whispers. "So please, don't tell anyone or we'll be in big trouble."

"Of course. I wouldn't say anything that might harm you."

"Everything else I told you is true. Ze and Cer are part of an army that fights demons. I'm...well... I'm still taking my exams." She sighs.

"You are overly gregarious today, Erithea," Ze comments in his imperial tone.

She whips her gaze up, wariness entering her eyes. It's not the first time I've seen this. She's always careful around Ze, almost as if she fears him. And then there's also our conversation from last night in which she told me to be careful with him. I can't help but wonder what happened between them...

"She's not dumb, Ze. She was bound to figure out I lied," she shrugs.