Public Enemies by Ann Aguirre Read Free Book Online Page B

told one of the shadows nearby.
    It drew me close with a whisper I didn’t catch. Seems really important. I should—
    â€œWhat would you have me do, sire?” The Harbinger broke the spell, and something slithered away from me with a frustrated snarl.
    But I was shaky as hell, like I’d gone days without eating, and my mouth was dry as a bone. When I touched my lips with trembling fingertips, they felt like leather. How long have I been here?
    â€œI led the procession, like you wanted,” Kian said. What? I don’t remember that at all. “Now I need to find Edie.”
    â€œAh, yes. Your beloved queen. Go to her, then. I’m certain sure she’s unharmed.”
    I suspected his definition and mine were much different. The crowd gave way, letting me meet Kian halfway. He wrapped his arms around me, and I smelled blood on him. His shirt was stained dark with it, and his beautiful face bore streaks of grime. When he lifted a hand to touch my cheek, I saw that his knuckles were scraped raw.
    Damn. I didn’t even know what to ask.
    He beat me to it, swearing viciously. “Something fed on you.”
    I stared up at him, confused. “Are you sure?”
    Reflexively I flinched when he touched a sore spot on my neck. “Yeah. Right here.”
    That was when I realized I wasn’t wearing my coat … or the dress I had on before. But sadly, starting with that lost time, my Feast of Fools troubles had only just begun.

 
    DEATH MATCHES ARE NOT PARTY GAMES
    A smoothly sinister voice spoke from behind me. “Introduce us.”
    Kian kept his arm around me as we turned. I still hadn’t recovered from realizing I couldn’t remember what happened; it was too soon for another complication, but from Kian’s expression, I didn’t have a choice. The person who’d addressed us, well, he was radiant. There was simply no other word. Garbed in shades of bronze and gold, he should’ve looked tawdry, gaudy even, but instead he radiated an aura of majesty. I fidgeted, as if I were staring into the sun.
    Unlike the Harbinger, I had no problem focusing on these princely features. Everything about him was beautiful, perfectly sculpted. Hollywood would instantly plaster his face all over billboards and make him model underwear, if they ever saw him. But this creature also radiated an uncomfortable heat. Sweat broke out on my forehead and beneath my armpits the longer he looked at me without speaking.
    Finally Kian said, “This is Edie.”
    I wasn’t sure if that was the best move, but unless they were asking for your head on a stick, maybe it was best to be polite? Somehow I managed a sickly smile. It made my cheeks feel swollen and my lips felt like they might crack. My throat was so dry I could hardly swallow.
    â€œYou need to take better care of her.” So far the creature hadn’t addressed me.
    I was mesmerized by the inhuman spikes of hair that somehow looked more like precious metal. Even his eyes were golden. As if reading my mind, he swiveled his head in my direction, reminiscent of a hunting hawk. The intensity of that stare rocked me back a step.
    â€œShe’s protected,” Kian replied.
    A graceful gesture, indicating disbelief. “And you trust her to that one?”
    I followed his gaze to the Harbinger, spinning madly across the room, for no reason I could discern. It did seem like a bad bargain, but if there had been anyone more powerful, who wasn’t also part of the game, Kian would’ve approached him instead. Sparks of light prickled in my field of vision, giving the creature before me an odd ambient glow.
    â€œDo you know who I am?” His voice sounded strange.
    â€œDwyer.” I rasped out my best guess. “Formerly known by many names, most of whom were sun gods.”
    The resultant smile was blinding. “I see why you treasure her,” he said to Kian. When he turned to me again, his face fell