Inferno Read online

  Iri let out a huff and braced her arms behind her. She sunk into her shoulders. “Zoran is so boring,” she stated. “All Amber wants to talk about is Zoran, and Ashleen just nods along with her. This place is so dull.” She examined her nails. “Masou and I are going home in the morning, thankfully.” She sat up straight. “When are you and Zoran leaving?”

  I shrugged. “Don’t know. I don’t really care to go back with him.”

  “You’re being so sensitive, Finny. It’s not the first time Zoran’s slept with Amber.” She flashed me a smirk.

  Masou cleared his throat.

  Iri rolled her eyes and sucked in her cheek.

  “They’ve done it before?”

  “Well, yeah,” she said plainly. “Why do you think she’s so obsessed to him? You can’t become addicted to something if you’ve never even tried it.” She twirled her hand in the air.

  “Iri,” stated Masou firmly.

  She gave him a sideways glance. “If I didn’t have Masou, I’d be tempted myself.”

  “Iri.” He faced us. “Enough.”

  I glanced between the two. “Is this some big secret I’m not allowed to know?”

  “It would embarrass Aedus,” said Masou. “The gods have a presence to uphold. If we can’t even control our shapeshifters, why would the people think we could do any better for them?” He looked to his firebird. “Say your goodbyes, Iri, and let’s be done with it.”

  She draped herself over me again. “You made the festival bearable, Finny. Please don’t turn into an Ashleen over the next year. I couldn’t stand another dull week here with bossy Amber, dull Ashleen, and Aedus ordering me around like a slave. He made me go get you. Do you know how tiring it was to carry you out of the garden to Masou? You’re not exactly light.”

  “I thought—?” I gave Masou a confused look.

  “Second god of fire,” he said softly. “I don’t object when my brother speaks.”

  Iri hooked my chin and brought my attention back to her. “Don’t let Zoran get the best of you. You’re far better than that,” she stated. “By next year, I’m expecting some improvement when it comes to flying, or I might just have to push you out of the tower again.” She kissed my cheek. “Bye, Fin.”

  She stood and went to Masou. The two looped arms and walked toward the palace. Her. Masou had fallen in love with her. That would never make sense to me.

  I peered up at the windows above. She was right. I couldn’t let that man get the best of me. I might be considered a “baby firebird,” but if I had to live with Zoran for the rest of eternity, I wasn’t going to tolerate this sneaking around behind each other’s backs. Rising to my feet, I took a deep breath and pushed my shoulders back. I could do this. We’d figure this out together, or at least try to define whatever kind of relationship we had.

  Heading inside, I went back to the bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. I pushed on it and the door swung open. Amber was sitting on the arm of the chair Zoran was sunk down in. He glanced my way but didn’t make any indications of moving.

  “Oh, Fin.” Amber flashed me a smile. “Did you run off again?”

  “I went to the garden,” I muttered. “I needed space.”

  “Hmmm... from who?” She rested her arm along the back of the chair and played with a piece of Zoran’s hair.

  “Everyone,” I said sharply. I sat down on the bed and faced the window. “I need a break from everyone,” I whispered.

  “What a depressing boy,” she sighed. Amber leaned in close to Zoran’s ear. “Let’s go to the banquet hall. We can get something to eat.”

  Zoran shook his head and waved her off. “Go alone.”

  “Zoran,” she whined. “Why don’t you come with me?”

  His eyes flashed red. “It wasn’t a suggestion. Go alone.”

  Amber pursed her lips and slid off the chair. Holding her head high, she marched from the room and slammed the door behind her. An awkward silence started to build. I glanced at Zoran, but he didn’t seem interesting in talking to me.

  I turned forward and stared at the floor. “How many times have you slept with her?”

  “That’s none of your concern.”

  “It is,” I replied. “If I’m going to be forced to spend the rest of my life with you, I need to know why she’s so infatuated with you.”

  “The same reason you are.”

  “I’m not obsessed with you,” I said under my breath. “No sane person on this planet would ever be obsessed with someone like you.”

  Zoran’s head snapped toward me. “Personality-wise, maybe not. Looks, most likely, but as a firebird, you’ll always seek the source. It’s a temptation you’ll never be able to overcome. You’ll always want it, and at times, you may even need it.”

  “Aedus mentioned that.” I met his gaze. “You created the firebirds. Before, you made it sound like your brothers were mostly behind it.”

  “They tried.” He rested his knuckles against his lips. “Aedus’ flame comes from the cosmos. It creates the sun and stars. An untamable force. Masou’s from the cavern of hell. Not suitable for human life. Mine,” he smiled to himself, “mine can be molded for human power. A soothing inferno that is forever trapped in the mortal realm.” He stood and stretched out his back. “I think I’m the one that needs to go for a walk now.” Zoran walked to the door and opened it.

  “Wait!” I rose off the bed. “The firebirds, then?”

  “They came from me, Fin. I’m the source of your fire just like the dragons. The only god’s flame that could transform a shapeshifter without killing it.” He stepped into the hall. “A firebird will always be drawn to the source.”

  The door closed behind him. I ran my hands down my face. This was never going to work.

  Chapter 46: Helpless Addict

  It was getting late, and Zoran still hadn’t returned. Having grown tired of waiting for him, I had been wandering through the halls for nearly an hour. I had occasionally gone back to the room to see it he had returned, but to no luck.

  I tried a different hallway on the ground floor and stopped in front of a dark corridor. A female voice faintly echoed through it. Checking to make sure no one was around, I hurried down it. At the end of the hallway was a spiral staircase that disappeared below the palace. Swallowing hard, I started down it. The voices grew louder and it started to get very humid.

  Reaching a landing, I stepped out of the staircase. Hot pools ran along the walls. Stream rose up from the surface and dripped down the walls. Giggling came from behind a pillar. Walking further into the room, I stretched out my neck to see around it. I was shocked to see Ashleen’s back and her straddling Aedus. My eyes snapped to the ground, and I hurried on down the walkway. More voices came from up ahead. I quickened my pace and turned down a passageway, running straight into Amber.

  “My god, Fin.” She adjusted her towel.

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  “What are you doing here?” she snapped. “You shouldn’t be wandering around the palace. Aedus will be furious if he finds out.”

  “He’s kind of busy right now, so I think I’m fine.” I glanced over my shoulder. “I’m looking for Zoran. Have you seen him?”

  She smiled and flicked her hair back. “Where do you think I’ve been?”

  Clenching my jaw, I glared at her. “He’s here then?”

  “Yes.” She started to braid her hair. “He has been for most of the day. He needed to unwind because someone is causing unneeded tension in his life.”

  I shook my head. “Whatever,” I breathed. “Where is he? We need to talk about some things.”

  She shrugged. “Figure it out yourself. Just pray Aedus doesn’t catch you first.”

  I met her gaze. “What is it with you? I get it you're pissed that you’re stuck with Aedus, and I get to be with Zoran. I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t make the rules. This is just how things ended up.”

  Amber lifted her chin and looked down her nose at me. “You don’t deserve him. You�
�ll never deserve him. He should be with someone like me. A powerful firebird. Not a misplaced little boy who spent the entire festival embarrassing Zoran. You should hear what the mortals are saying about you. ‘He’s such a misfortunate creature who can’t even fly.’ ‘It’s too bad our great god is forced to settle for him.’ ‘He barely knows how to make fire unless he’s provoked.’ You’re a disgrace to all fire kind, really.”

  “I’m new to this,” I muttered. “I’ll learn how to fly eventually.”

  She laughed to herself. “Blue.” Her head fell to the side and she gave me an unimpressed expression. “Aedus told me about your aura. It’s from the human world. Everyone else is from the cosmos or hell.” She chuckled, covering her mouth. “It’s so sad that you think you’ll ever become a proper firebird. You’ll never have the same amount of power as me. You’re no better than a dragon.”

  “Zoran has a blue aura,” I replied, shifting my weight.

  She gave me an amused look. “Don’t compare yourself to a god. I wouldn’t even do such a thing, and I’m in a much higher position than you.”

  I felt a rush of heat against my back. I lurched forward startled by the hand that landed on my shoulder.

  “Go to your master,” said Zoran to Amber.

  She glanced between the two of us. “As you wish.” She marched off to where Ashleen and Aedus were sitting.

  I didn’t turn to face him as he squeezed my shoulder.

  “Don’t take it to heart, Fin. All fire has the same purpose: it creates and destroys. Ours just does it differently.”

  “I don’t understand,” I replied. “Her wings are blue and orange. I saw them. They’re not that different than mine.”

  Zoran rested his head against mine. “If Aedus or Masou showed their true color, they would have burned down the city. Same for Amber and Ashleen. It’s too dangerous. Iri, though...” He pulled me to his chest. “Her aura is actually weaker—red—but she likes the feeling of yellow.” He pressed his lips to my ear. “They all have their preferences. With time you’ll find what feels best for yourself.”

  I nodded. “Is that why Aedus hurts?” I hugged my arms around me. “I hate it when his fire touches me.”

  “As does Amber,” he whispered in my ear.

  “Yours is blue, though. How am I any different than you?”

  He tucked my hair behind my ear. “I can create all kinds of fire of any power or hue I wish. Blue is my natural tendency. I don’t have to try, it just happens. Like I said, my brothers have to hold back when in the presence of mortals or risk incinerating them.” He grabbed my hand. “Come with me.”

  Zoran led me into one of the rooms. The water was boiling. The steam felt nice and made the cold of a raining day go away. Zoran dropped his robe and stepped into the pool. I quickly took my clothes off and piled them in the corner. I stepped into the water and sat down on the submerged ledge a few feet from him.

  “Fin.” He held out his arm. “Come closer.”

  I moved over and sat at his side. His arm fell around my shoulders.

  “Amber is never going away.” Zoran twirled my hair around his finger. “We both learned our lesson long ago, so without my brother’s permission, I won’t sleep with her.”

  “Was that why you were banished?” I wrung my hands together.

  Zoran nodded. “She spent a decade in an ice block, and I left the world of the gods to the lands overseas. I honestly hoped to never return to Brite.” He propped his elbow on the side of the pool and rest his chin on his fist. “One day I’ll learn. There’s a reason I refer to her as a vixen. She knows what she wants, and it always ends poorly for me.”

  I took a deep breath. “I slept with your brother. Neither of us are that committed to whatever kind of relationship you want to call this.”

  Zoran turned to me and studied my face for a moment. “Amber has Aedus’ aura. I don’t really care for it.” He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Why couldn’t you have been a female?”

  I splashed him. “Have you ever thought to keep some of your opinions to yourself?”

  He wiped the water from his face. “No. It’s a perk of my position. I can say what I want and you have to accept it.”

  I stood and started to get out. “You’re ridiculous.”

  Zoran snatched my wrist and pulled me out into the center of the pool.

  “Let go,” I groaned. “I want to go back to the room.”

  “You’ll like it. I promise.” He swung me around in front of him and pulled me to his chest. “It’s going to get really hot in here.”

  I laid my head on his shoulder.

  “You feel colder than usual.” He brushed the back of his hand down my cheek. “This should help.”

  Flames began to emerge from his body. I pressed into him. Zoran’s warmth really was heaven compared to Aedus’ fire, which only caused pain. The amount of steam coming off the water increased. As the blaze around us grew the water level slowly dropped. Every bit of my body was surrounded by a thick warmth. The steam was like a blanket. It chased out any cold that remained.

  I peeked up at Zoran. I was no better than Amber. Just like her, I had become addicted to this man, a helpless addict to Zoran’s flame.

  Chapter 47: Pillow Talk

  The sun had risen long before Zoran finally started to stir. Rolling over, I watched him rub his eyes and stretch.

  “How long have you been lying there without waking me up?” He pulled me closer.

  I laid my head on his chest. “You looked tired and I couldn’t go back to sleep.”

  “Why’s that?” he muttered, laying an arm across my waist. “I’m positive I left you thoroughly exhausted.”

  I scoffed at him. The man’s self-confidence was a little too high.

  “I was just thinking about everything.” Laying on my back, I stared out the window and took a deep breath. “I still don’t understand any of this. But I am dealing with gods, and nothing makes sense when it comes to gods.”

  “It makes perfect sense,” Zoran stated. “You’re simply too young to comprehend it.” He tapped the side of my head.

  I pushed his hand away. “You really are an ass, you know that?”

  Closing his eyes, Zoran relaxed into the mattress. “I’m tempted to let you spend a couple days with the frost if you don’t fix your attitude.”

  “Let me spend time with the frost, you’re too kind,” I muttered under my breath. “Fine, I get it.” With a sigh, I pressed against him. “When are we going home?”

  Keeping his eyes closed, Zoran shrugged. “Whenever Uther arrives. I was expecting him to get here yesterday, but the rain must have delayed him. The dragon hates being cold just as much as you, and there aren’t any active volcanoes around here for him to warm up in.”

  “We can leave today, then?”

  Zoran chuckled lightly. “What’s the hurry? I thought you’d want to stay longer and learn some tricks from the girls.”

  “Yeah, right. Amber hates me, and Ashleen has barely said a word to me. Iri is a pain in the ass at times, but she’s gone, thankfully.”

  “You’re not really good at making friends.” He peeked open an eye at me. “I noticed that when you lived with the mortals. It’s something you should work on. You have to deal with those girls for eternity, so it’s best for everyone if you were on decent terms with them.”

  “Inform Amber of that,” I muttered. “She’s the one—”

  Zoran grabbed my chin and tilted it up. “Enough,” he said firmly. “It’s understandable why you dislike her, but her status is higher. She might try to hurt you if you’re too vocal.”

  I turned sharply and dropped my head. “You’d let her?”

  “Depends on if you needed to be punished.”

  My mouth fell open. “Zor—”

  He snatched me and kissed me hard. I pushed against his chest to get away. Zoran responded by sending waves of warmth through my body. That was enough to make me stop fighting. We parted, and he brushe
d back my hair.

  “You’re a horrible person,” I said, scowling at him.

  “We don’t get to pick our masters, Fin.” He gave me a smile. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to obey them.”

  With a sigh, I flopped down and traced the wrinkles in the sheets. “I know I have no choice in any of this. No matter what I say, you’ll still do what you want. But that doesn’t mean I’ll ever like being traded off to Aedus.” I glanced up at the god.

  “Aedus had his taste.” Zoran let out a deep breath. “He won’t want to have another for a while, if ever again. It wouldn’t look good on the almighty first god of fire if it spread among the people that he was sleeping with a man when he has two beautiful women waiting in his room every night.”

  “Do people think poorly of you?” I sucked in my lips. “Because of me?”

  He was silent for a moment. “I don’t concern myself with the opinions of mortals.” Sitting up, he climbed out the bed.

  I laid there and watched him search for clean clothes. Zoran was such a difficult man. I had a feeling I’d never understand him even after centuries of us being together.

  A shirt flew at my face. I snatched it.

  “Get dressed.” Zoran tossed more clothes at me. “I don’t plan on sitting around here all day.” He gave me a smile. “Unless you’d prefer I left you to spend some quality time with the girls before we leave.”

  “No, thanks.” I quickly put my arms into the sleeves and pulled the shirt over my head.

  “Come along, Fin.” He slipped into a long coat and started doing up the buttons.

  While yanking on my pants, I stumbled off the bed and grabbed my boots before hurrying out the door.

  I caught up with him in the hall and dropped my shoes on the floor. “So, where are we going?”

  Zoran smiled. “Hell.”

  Chapter 48: Dragon’s Nest

  I followed Zoran to the lower levels of the palace well below the hot pools. My stomach was filled with butterflies. The idea of actually getting to see hell was kind of exciting. We stopped at a solid stone door.