Chapter 15

Burned to the ground. My Centimane was barely more than a pile of gore, and my own subordinate was to blame.

Fascinating.

"Rai." I lifted my chin, beckoning the dark haired devil who was standing by the door. Pumpkin had retaken his spot on my lap, so I couldn't get up from my throne at the moment. Fortunately, the Minotaur was a dutiful soldier.

He wasn't watching the projection of Sela's little adventure, however. For some reason, he'd bowed out and put his back to the image as soon as Aegaeon grabbed her. Bitterness maybe?

My pets were all so comically jealous of each other's successes. That was the only logical explanation for the fact that Theron had taken it upon himself to brutally melt my Centimane. The hideous giant was a titan gifted from my dearest friends in Olympus in their sorry bid for mercy, and I couldn't say I approved of such treatment of a gift. I'd have to discipline the Dream Weaver later.

"Yes, Master?" Rai turned his head in my direction, but still so pointedly avoided the projection. His abstention was a bit too blatant. Was he tired of my games? Or did he just not find this tribute interesting?

"Why aren't you watching?"

"Because I don't want to spoil the challenge once you allow me to hunt her." Rai turned his attention back to the far wall and crossed his arms. "The more I know about her movements and decision making, the easier it will be execute her swiftly, and there's no pleasure in that for me."

"That's fair, I suppose. It must get dull catching them so quickly every time." I slumped over my armrest, supporting my cheek on my balled fist, while being careful to keep my lap still for the cat. I stroked his fur idly and glanced at the projection again. Sela held so tightly onto Theron. She squeezed his shoulders and buried her face into his back while he swam towards the surface of Aegaeon's sea. There was an oddly protective determination in his expression that was very unlike my Little Nightmare.

Interesting. So Interesting. "If you're not going to watch, how about a trial run? Would you like to toy with her in person, my pet?"

Those beautiful red eyes widened in my direction. "So soon?"

"I'm not telling you to kill her. Just… blow off a little steam. You seem tense, and I think it might help to test the waters. "

Theron placed his hand upon the ice, and started melting through the thick sheet. Sela squeezed him harder, waiting for that breakthrough as the limits of her held breath started to turn her otherwise warm, pink face blue. He reached behind himself and squeezed her thigh gently to comfort and reassure her.

So.

Very.

Interesting.

Rai's Adam's apple bobbed, and he rubbed the back of his collar. Also interesting. Why would the monster of the maze ever feel nervous?

"What sector is she in now?" He asked steadily, like he was being very careful about his words.

"Blue. For the time being. She'll be in the Green Sector soon, but I'd like you to intercept her before then. I don't want her to think the Labyrinth is easy."

Rai nodded silently, but he continued to avoid the visual on her predicament or location. His discipline was impeccable, unlike the rest of my subordinates. I kept him by my side for a reason.

"As you wish." Rai turned on his heel towards the portal room I'd set up, so he could more efficiently navigate the maze. Ordinarily he preferred to run through his twisting corridors, but he wouldn't have that kind of time if he hoped to head her off before she was falling into an entirely different trap. My portal magic had made it easy to take the crown all those millennia ago, but now it was used for little more than convenience. I was proud to have created such a peaceful time in the Realm.

Before he was out of earshot, I called out to him once more. "Oh, and Rai."

"Yes, Master?" His ordinarily cold, cruel eyes were adorable when he was awaiting a command. I swear I fell in love with him all over again every day.

"If Theron gets in your way, I give you permission to do whatever you feel you need to do."

His mouth opened ever so slightly in the quietest surprise. He held eye contact as he moistened his lips. Light caught on the silver tongue piercing as it skimmed over his skin. I couldn't help but notice the spark of excitement in his eyes, even if that perfect discipline of his meant it didn't reflect in the rest of his expression. One more silent nod, and my Minotaur disappeared around the bend.

A smile crept across my face. This would be a first for both of them, and I couldn't wait to see how it unfolded.

Theron had gone about his existence unchecked for far too long. I'd gone easy on him since we'd gone our separate ways in adulthood. Perhaps he was acting out because he missed my attention.

I settled in for the show, while the crackle of my Blue Sector portal echoed off the stone walls of my fortress. If my Little Nightmare wanted to change up the game, I would be happy to oblige.