Chapter Fifteen

Malphas POV

“Maddie is Sídhe.” Malphas declared once he heard the shower turn on at the other end of the house. “She hails from the Aos Sí.”

Murmur, who’s eyes had lingered on the doorway long after Maddie had left, finally dragged his gaze to Malphas. “Truly?”

“Yes, brother.” Caim grinned as if he had discovered the fact after hours of investigation—instead of being told by Maddie herself. “She is Fae. Do you know what this means?”

“That her magic is older than all of us put together?” Murmur replied, distracted. “How unexpected. What is she doing in the Red City, under the control of the demons? Sídhe do not leave the Aos Sí. They do not come to the Human Realities. It just isn’t done. For the human's good, as well as their own.”

“Fae are ruthless.” Malphas agreed. “But Maddie is at least part human. She didn’t mention her parents, but full bloodied Sídhe cannot bear iron. It is lethal to them.”

“She can’t come to Behem’s domain.” Murmur interrupted. “If the Bean Sídhe are anything like the Tumbi’ka , Behem will not let her leave if he discovers what she is.”

“We’ve been living with Maddie for a week and didn’t know.” Caim pointed out.

“We aren’t full-blooded demons. Not anymore.” Malphas pinched the bridge of his nose. “Would you be willing to risk Maddie for Stolas?”

“No question.” Caim nodded eagerly. “Stolas has been our brother for many years.”

“You had your cock inside of her no more than three hours ago,” Malphas growled.

“My cock has visited many places.” Caim arched a brow. “Should I put half of the Seventh Circle before my own brother? We fell together. We, all , made the deal with—”

“Yes, yes,” Murmur said dryly. “We all know about the deal .”

“Do you believe Behem is linked to the human trafficking case?” Malphas interrupted the bickering. “Or has he taken Stolas for another reason?”

“When I told Maddie he would not eat Stolas, I didn’t lie.” Murmur shifted from one foot to the other defensively.

“Though you did not tell the whole truth.” Malphas surmised. “What happened?”

“Behem is not stealing humans,” Murmur said gravely. “He is trafficking the Sídhe . He has utilized their magic to glamour the whole mansion. Stolas could not see through it, but I could. I see the truth. Stolas tried to distract Behem, so I could get the women out, but…” Murmur let the sentence hang ominously.

“Perhaps Maddie should come after all.” Malphas offered. “She may be able to protect us from Behem.”

“How utterly humiliating,” Caim admitted, shaking his head and smiling to himself.