The music pounded between us.
With his eyes locked on mine, he suddenly slammed down to his knees. He was wearing only black training shorts from his workout earlier, and the rug was covered in broken glass.
Blood pooled beneath him.
I took a step back.
He smirked cruelly, like he still had the upper hand while impaling himself. “I will kneel on glass for you every day if that’s what you need to believe me. I’m serious about you, Arabella, but I will not stand by as you have a relationship with—that woman. She already took your virginity. She will not take you from me too.”
My jaw unhinged.
He picked up a piece of glass and slammed his palm down on it. “Is this what you want?”
“Stop it!” I begged.
“Do you want all of us to kneel?” Orion whispered as he and Scorpius moved like they were going to mimic Malum.
“Don’t!” Surprisingly, Luka also leaned forward like he was going to stop the quiet king from hurting himself.
I shook my head.
There was too much bloodshed.
Too much war.
Too much violence.
“Um,” Sadie said awkwardly as she rubbed the back of her neck. “I think we should be honest. Honestly, I thought it was like the funniest thing ever, but now it’s feeling a tiny bit concerning. Side note—aren’t you guys in group therapy? It doesn’t seem to be working.”
“How do you stand to be around this imbecile?” Scorpius asked with genuine confusion.
John mumbled, “Finally someone said it.”
“Hey, don’t call her that.” I rubbed tiredly at my eyes. My fingers came away coated in black.
Symbolic.
Malum eyed a jagged shard like he was thinking about using it.
“Don’t you dare,” I warned.
“It was fake!” Sadie blurted. “I was just making out with my hand, also—we faked it in the shower. We’ve never had sex.” She shrugged. “Honestly, the thought makes me feel a little queasy because Aran is my best friend and sometimes romantic relationships end and the thought of ruining what we have is horrible.”
I grimaced because my friend was a rambler when she was stressed.
“Excuse me?” Cobra hissed. “Romantic relationshipsssss with me do not end. Ever.”
Sadie pursed her lips and smiled at him like he wasn’t creepy.
Before I could point out how weird he was, John pulled my head to the side and grabbed my cheeks.
His dark eyes were imploring as he said, “Tell me it’s true. You’ve never had sex with her?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve never even kissed her. She’s my friend, nothing more.”
John smiled, dimples on display, and he patted my cheeks. “That’s my girl.”
I flushed.
He winked and released me.
“What a relief,” Malum said calmly as he got to his feet. His bronze legs were streaked in red, and shards glinted in his skin.
I pointed at him. “What is wrong with you? Why would you do that?”
Pink stained his cheeks, and he had the audacity to shrug like it was nothing.
“We’re going to the medical barracks. Now.” I grabbed Malum’s wrist. Our skin sizzled as ice melted against heat.
I shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold.
Pain exploded down my back.
John grunted as he grabbed my arm, and the rest of the men gathered around me as we RJE’d from the party.
I blinked, and we were back in the forest.
Malum burst into laughter and leaned forward to kiss my forehead.
I yanked away and stomped down the path to get a doctor.
Snow fell around us and the chilly air felt pleasant after the heat from the party.
“I like your outfit,” Malum called after me.
I shook my head and didn’t look back.
Men.
Chapter 37
Journal Prompt #2
TRUTH JOURNAL TO HELP FACILITATE RELATIONS AMONG THE CRIMINALLY INSANE
If you were in love, how would you communicate your feelings to your partner?
Corvus Malum
Since we’re all lying awake in bed （I can hear you muttering insults under your breath, Arabella） and we’ve had an illuminating night, I thought it would be a good time to answer the second prompt.
I’m also a little intoxicated and want to talk to my mates.
Love is a weak, pitiful emotion that doesn’t apply to devils. Since I’m an Ignis, I’ll answer this question as it applies to my fated Protectors and Revered. I’d communicate my feelings by protecting them with my fire and killing for them. I’d touch them constantly because I crave physical contact.