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  I took a deep breath and sank deeper into the bed.

  “What about here?” He shoved a finger inside me.

  “Ah!” I lurched forward and felt my eyes begin to water.

  Grabbing his wrist, I peered up at the god. A steady stream of fire was traveling up through my body to my chest. He removed my hand and kissed my forearm with a smirk.

  “Too soon?”

  I settled back into the mattress and breathed deeply, adjusting to the new sensation.

  Aedus laid on top of me. “Feeling it, right?” he whispered in my ear.

  I nodded, covering my mouth.

  “It won’t be as sensual as Zoran,” he brushed my hair off my forehead, “but it’ll be far more intense.” Another finger worked its way into my ass.

  I gasped as the heat increased. It was a dull ache. I didn’t like it, but my body was loving his heat. The markings started to burn a deep red.

  He jabbed his fingers hard into my sweet spot. Fire rose up from my body as I arched off the bed, gasping for air. The blue flames burned across my skin.

  Aedus closed his eyes had hummed to himself. “Yes. I understand why my girls are so addicted to Zoran now.”

  He continued to suck on my neck while scissoring his fingers. I gripped the sheets beneath me as my body was thrown into conflicting sensations.

  “I think you’re ready now.” He sat up on his knees.

  Shaking my head, I clasped my mouth and took deep breaths.

  “No?” He removed his fingers and gave my cock a couple yanks. “I think you lying.”

  I was shaking, heaving from his touch. Aedus grabbed a bottle with a long narrow tip from the table next to the bed and returned to between my legs. He took off the lid and dumped some onto his hand and his erection.

  “Remember this?” He dumped some on my skin. “Lamp oil. The mortals were throwing it on you earlier. This one, though”—he hitched up my legs. My eyes grew wide as he put the end into my ass—“is very high quality.” He poured it into me.

  I squirmed beneath him as the liquid fire raced through my insides. He took out the nozzle and sat back, leaving me to convulse on the bed. It was burning inside me.

  He put the lid back on and tossed the container to the side. “Ashleen loves it; Amber hates it.” He put his weight on his fist and hovered above me. “I’d say you’re like Ashleen.”

  He stroked my cock and fire burst from my body. I arched into the air, struggling to breathe.

  “You’ll be fun to play with.” Aedus flipped me to my stomach and lifted my hips. He traced the design on my back, making me shudder.

  He entered me slowly. I gritted my teeth and tried to relax.

  “You’ll enjoy this, I promise.”

  He pulled out quickly and thrust in hard. Fire burst from our connection and exploded into the room. Aedus continued to roughly fuck me as I cried out in pain from the fire that my body loved. I had no control. The god’s fire, a fire that belonged to the cosmos, had left me helpless, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

  Chapter 43: Just a Pet

  My body felt weird, even the next morning. The feeling of something pricking my skin hadn’t gone away. I glanced back at Aedus, who was still asleep. I wondered if he cared whether I went back to my room. I doubted it. Waking him up to ask was something I wanted to avoid, though.

  I slowly crept to the side of the bed. Aedus didn’t move. I rolled onto the ground and rose to my feet. My muscles ached. I took a minute to stretch them out before searching for my clothes.

  Once I had my shorts on, I tiptoed to the door. I slipped into the hall and bumped into someone.

  They slapped their hand over my mouth from behind before I could make a sound.

  “Did you have fun, Fin?” whispered Amber with a smile.

  I breathed deeply, removing her hand.

  “Zoran enjoyed himself last night as well.”

  If she wanted a reaction, I didn’t give it to her. I glanced over my shoulder and met her gaze. “With you?” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Doubt it.”

  She glared at me, but I remained plain-faced. I brushed past her and walked down the hall. Last night had taught me something: in this world all that mattered was power and lust. Gods were incapable of any other ambitions.

  I SAT ON THE WINDOW bench after a quick sponge bath and I’d even found some less revealing clothes to wear. I had the urge to burn anything that entered my line of sight outside. Brite was a horrible place. I didn’t want to stay here or in Zoran’s fire pit. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be frozen for a couple decades.

  The door opened, and Zoran entered.

  “Where have you been?”

  “Having sex with Aedus,” I replied.

  “What?” he snapped, marching over to me. “You were where?”

  I faced the god and looked up at him unfazed. “Letting your brother fuck my ass.”

  “Don’t joke with me, Fin,” he stated firmly.

  I stood and locked eyes with him. “I spent the night with Aedus having sex until dawn.” I gave him a smirk. “Surprised you’re not still asleep yourself. Satisfying two women must have been draining.” I shoved my way past him.

  Zoran snatched my arm and yanked me back. “I am a god, Fin.”

  “So is Aedus. He’s the first god of fire, actually.” I jerked my arm free. “Don’t lecture me when our sins are the same. It’s pathetic.” I walked to the door and opened it.

  “Fin!”

  I didn’t respond and marched into the hall.

  “Fin! Come back now.”

  I was done with him. As soon as I could, I was leaving this place and going to live on my own. These people worship gods and shapeshifters; it shouldn’t be that hard to survive.

  “Fin!” Zoran appeared in front of me in a puff of smoke. He grabbed my upper arm and slammed me against the wall. “You will listen to me.”

  I didn’t struggle, but I didn’t give him my attention, either.

  “I made a mistake.”

  I drew in a breath and nodded. “Yeah, you did. I hope you enjoyed your trade.”

  “You don’t know what it’s like,” he stated. “I’ve watched my brothers enjoy their girls for centuries. When given the chance, yes, I’m going to take it.”

  “Aedus took his chance, too.” I met his gaze. “There’s nothing to be upset about. I understand now. Firebirds are just pets to be used whenever the almighty gods want.”

  Zoran grabbed my throat and lifted me onto my tiptoes. “You will treat me with respect. I get that your feelings were hurt, but I am still a god, a level much higher than that of a shapeshifter. I will be obeyed.” He released me. “Go back to the room and stay there. Try anything, and I’ll have Aedus send you home in an ice block.” Turning down the hall, he stormed off.

  I trudged back to the room, rubbing my neck. Going to the bed, I flopped down on top of it. Two beautiful women against one plain boy. I probably would’ve made the same choice. It still hurt, though. I thought I had gained at least a little bit of respect from Zoran, but I was mistaken. He was the god, and I was just a pet.

  Chapter 44: The Gods’ World

  I slipped past the men standing outside the palace. I didn’t know why Aedus needed guards. Anyone trying to break into a god’s home would have to be insane. I’d prefer the gods didn’t find out I was going out into the city without permission, though. So I crept through the garden and hurried out through a side entrance that was letting in merchants’ supply wagons.

  Ducking into a nearby alley, I glanced around the stack of crates I was hiding behind. It didn’t look like anyone had seen me or cared that I left, at least. With a deep breath, I sunk to the ground. It was just nice to be away from them. Zoran would figure out I was gone soon enough, but until then I was going to enjoy this small moment of freedom.

  Rising to my feet, I shoved my hands in my pockets and wandered down the street toward the coast. Brite was calmer today. The people were just going about the
ir days, and even with the fire god’s symbol on my clothes, no one bothered me. It might have been because of the symbol that I was being left alone, actually.

  A group of boys raced by chasing a cat. They swerved through the crowd and nearly knocked over an old woman. She shook her fist at them, yelling at them to be careful. I held in a smile. It reminded me of Gail. I’d had plenty of people shake their fists at me. I wished my life could go back to being that simple.

  My shoulders rolled forward and I continued my journey toward the shore. The sea appeared between the buildings. I walked onto the dock and peered out at the fishing boats sitting on the horizon. Some were just small specks in the distance.

  “Boy,” snapped a man.

  I glanced over my shoulder.

  “This place is off limits to—” His eyes grew wide. “Beg your pardon, sir. I’m so sorry. I didn’t notice.” He forced a nervous laugh and sidestepped around me to get to his boat. “Excuse me, sir. I’ll be on my way.”

  Jumping onto the deck of a boat, the men started yelling orders, and the other sailors quickly untied the vessel and cast off. The old man was talking to another and glanced at me. All the sailors kept giving me quick peeks. I scanned my clothes and folded my arms over the symbol. Even here I was a considered a freak, someone to be avoided.

  I wandered back to shore. Even if I could find another shirt, it would be hard to hide the black tattoos that still stained my skin. I just hoped that no one would try to set me on fire again.

  Walking down past the docks, I found a small beach tucked between the rocks. I sat down and took off my shoes. I had never seen so much water before. I stretched my foot out so the waves touched it. There were lakes near Gail, but nothing close to the magnitude of the sea. The old man’s boat was sailing off to join the others. I would be fun to ride in a boat.

  Climbing to my feet, I waded out into the waves. I wished I could fly and see how far the sea stretched. This world was full of so many things, and I wanted to see it all.

  “Funny place for a firebird to be hiding.”

  Flinching, I turned around and saw Masou standing on top of the rocks. He wore a cloak with the hood shading his face.

  “This goes against your very existence.” He gazed out over the water.

  “I’ve never seen water of this size before,” I replied.

  “There’s a better view from the palace.”

  The wind started to grow stronger, ruffling our clothes and sending a chill through me.

  “Hmmm...” I left the water and went to sit on a rock. I grabbed a handful of sand and let it slip through my fingers. “I needed to be away for awhile.”

  “Aedus got what he wanted, I presume.”

  “So did Zoran,” I muttered, leaning over my knees.

  “This is a dispute among gods, Fin. You’re nothing more than a pawn. My brothers will be the ones to decide your fate.”

  I propped my head on the palm of my hand. “I realize that now.” I glanced at him. “You don’t want anything, right?”

  Masou smiled for a small moment before it disappeared. “I have Iri. She is all I need.” His eyes flicked to me for a moment. “It would be best not to harm her, either. The girl likes to talk, and you’ve been a main topic as of late.”

  “I couldn’t do anything to her if I wanted.” I tossed a rock into the water.

  “Not just physically, Fin.”

  I swallowed hard and wrung my hands together.

  “Unlike my brother, my pet isn’t just for self-gratification.”

  I faced the god but he had no expression. Masou just stared off into the distance.

  “Do you love Iri?”

  “Iri and Ashleen were born around the same time. I gave up Ashleen to my brother to make sure he didn’t end up killing Iri by accident.” His eyes met mine. “Ashleen was simply a new pet to keep him busy for awhile.”

  I turned forward and slumped over. “Zoran isn’t gay, is he?”

  “No, but neither are you.”

  “The only people I’ve slept with are men,” I scoffed, running my hands through my hair. “I don’t know what I am.”

  “Would you sleep with a mortal man?”

  I thought for a moment and then shook my head. “No. No, I wouldn’t.”

  “Gods have a tendency to make people act differently. Yesterday, you saw for yourself what kind of influence we have on mortals.”

  I shrugged. “I guess.”

  The wind had brought in a set of dark clouds from the sea. They were slowly approaching the beach.

  “The wind gods are going home,” said Masou. “That storm will be here shortly, and firebirds don’t fare well in the rain.”

  I stood and brushed off my pants. After putting on my shoes, I climbed up on the rock next to him.

  “Are you going to tell Zoran?”

  Masou raised an eyebrow. “A god of fire outside among mortals next to the water? Sounds about as nonsensical as a firebird doing the same.” He started down the path toward the palace. “Don’t worry, Fin. I’ve heard enough of my brothers’ bickering for one day.”

  I WALKED DOWN THE HALLWAY to our room. The rain had hit before I could make it back and I was feeling the cold. Raised voices were coming from further down. One was Zoran, and it was getting louder. I hurried inside the room and went to sit on the bed. The door was thrown open. Zoran was heaving as fire boiled around his hands.

  “Where did you go?” he snapped.

  “To see the docks.”

  “Liar.” Blacks vines shot toward me and pinned me to the bed. “You were trying to run.”

  “Z-Zoran.” I gagged as they tightened around my neck.

  The god stood above me. “I’ve warned you. You belong to me. My dragons will burn the city to the ground if they have to.”

  I was panicking. I couldn’t get him off me. That fire started to build in my chest. I didn’t even bother trying to hold back the flames. I erupted and incinerated the black vines. Zoran’s presence disappeared as well. Clutching my neck, I rolled onto my side and gasped for air.

  “If I was running away, I wouldn’t have come back by myself,” I stated, rubbing my throat. “Did you even consider that?”

  Zoran stood a few feet away with a blank expression. “Leave the palace again, and I’ll freeze you.” He went to the window.

  The storm had arrived, and rain was pelting the glass. Lightning lit up the sky.

  “I don’t understand why you care if I leave.” I examined my clothes to find the edges singed.

  Zoran clasped his hands behind his back.

  “I’m sure if you asked Aedus would trade me for Amber or Ashleen. They’re both already obsessed with you.”

  “Don’t think so highly of yourself,” he replied. “Aedus isn’t into men. He simply wanted to experience what it was like to have sex with someone of our aura.”

  I clenched my jaw and looked away. “And you just want something that wouldn’t turn into a pile of ash. I get it.” I laid down and bunched up a pillow under my head.

  “It doesn’t matter what you think, Fin. You are mine. I created your kind to serve the fire gods. That is your only purpose, and you will complete it.”

  “Until another girl is born,” I replied. “Then I’ll be done with you, and we both can have what we want.”

  A black cloud formed above me. Zoran appeared from it and pinned me down onto the mattress. “I’m a man, Fin. A man who has lived longer than your mind can comprehend. You have no idea the frustrations I have experienced.”

  “I’m not some toy.” I jerked my arm free and turned to the side.

  Zoran moved off me.

  I glared at his back. “You can’t just make deals involving me without even asking, Zoran. I’m not a bargaining tool so you can do it with Amber. I’m sorry you got stuck with a male, but you’re going to have to deal with it.”

  “You’ve turned into a spoiled little vixen just like the others.”

  I felt my own temper rise. “
I’m not gay, either. I just crave your heat, the feeling you give me. If you weren’t a god, I’d have nothing to do with you.” I climbed off the bed and marched toward the door.

  “Where are you going, Fin?”

  “To get away from you!” I threw open the door. “But don’t send the dragon out just yet. I promise I won’t leave the palace, your supreme godship.” I slammed it behind me and stormed off.

  I hated him. Zoran was a horrid man who only thought of himself. But I was stuck in this world. One ruled by the gods.

  Chapter 45: The Source

  I sat beneath a covered walkway in the garden behind the palace. The rain still pounded the ground just feet from where I sat. Clenching my jaw, I wiped my face on my shoulder. I wasn’t going to get upset over this. I’d be damned before I cried over something so pathetic. My eyes started to burn.

  “Damn it!” I threw my hands down, causing fire to shoot out of them.

  Leaning over my knees, I dug my fingers into my skull. Why was I so upset? Zoran was an egotistical, self-centered jerk. He didn’t care about me or anyone else. My shoulders rolled forward as my hands fell between my legs. I’d never understand any of this. There was no logical reason why I should be feeling this way. I peered out across the garden, feeling even more miserable.

  I heard movement behind me, but before I could turn to look, my head was yanked back by my hair. Masou stood above me. He pressed a vial to my cheek and forced the tear collected in the corner of my eye to fall into it.

  He put the cork on top and released me. “Clean yourself up. We don’t need a mortal seeing a creature of fire crying.”

  I wiped my face roughly and glared at my feet. “I wasn’t.”

  “Finny.” Iri sat down on the bench next to me. “Why are you so sad?” She put her arm around me and rested her head on my shoulder. “Is Zoran in one of his moods?”

  I glanced at Masou, who stood a few feet from us staring blankly at the pond. “I’m not sad, just confused. I’m not gay, but Zoran...” I muttered. “He’s just an exception.”