Of Wish and Fury (Seven Kings of Jinn)

“Don’t worry,” Ari assured her, the guilt of bringing Charlie into this life igniting her determination. “If I have to, I’ll die trying.”

Epilogue

TWIN FLAMES

The last time Ari had been at the palace, she’d only seen one room. It had been the grand receiving room of the sultan with all that confusing, icy cold glass. Now she stood in a small reception room of the palace. Mount Qaf, though still in the dead of winter, did not seem so cold now.

The shower she’d taken at the hotel had been the quickest one ever and she’d barely given herself time to say goodbye to the team of hunters before agreeing to the summons Red conjured that would take her to Mount Qaf along with Jai. They left Ms. Maggie behind and already Ari missed her comforting presence. Once again, her poltergeist had protected her, alerting Red to her kidnapping. Ari wished she could meet the ifrit for real. Now that Ari wasn’t so blind with grief over Derek, she wondered why the ifrit was so keen to protect her.

Jai, Ari, and the Red King stood before a blazing fireplace, a chaise and two Queen Anne leather chairs confusing Ari. There was even a beautiful library desk and green library lamp. Crowded bookshelves crammed around the rock and emerald walls, and curtains billowed in the breeze coming in from the French doors that led to a balcony that overlooked the mountains. Jai stared out of the window in awe.

First time on Mount Qaf?

He threw her a disarming smile that made him look ten years old. Yeah. It’s… unbelievable.

“I don’t believe this,” the Red King hissed, glancing around the room the shaitan servant led them to.

Ari’s heart thudded in warning. “What?”

“We are in Asmodeus’s quarters.”

“Asmodeus?” Ari and Jai asked in unison.

“That would be me,” a familiar, deep, silky voice entered the room and they spun around.

Ari’s heart dropped out of her feet.

Standing before them was a coldly handsome young-looking man… well… jinn. His black eyes flickered over Red and Jai disdainfully before falling on Ari with a curiosity that froze her to the spot. No way. Not him!

After a moment too long of staring at her, Asmodeus slanted his gaze at the Red King. “Sultan Azazil sends his apologies. He’s rather busy at the moment, so he sent me to welcome our guests to the palace.”

“I’m surprised you said yes?” The Red King narrowed his eyes, a question in his words.

Asmodeus shrugged, and Ari felt her chest constrict with panic. This wasn’t happening. She eyed his familiar long black hair.

Jai? She found herself telepathing frantically.

Yes?

Lilif? Was Asmodeus her brother?

Her twin, Jai answered, turning slightly to catch her eye. How did you...?

Her breath left her. I’ve been dreaming about him too.

Jai’s eyes narrowed. Well, that can’t be good.

No. I thought Lilif was an ifrit. Asmodeus is a marid, right?

Right, Jai agreed. They’re like the jinn version of fraternal twins. They’re also ancient, mysterious and not to be messed with. We have to find out why you’re dreaming—

“Young people,” Asmodeus suddenly said, drawing their attention back to him. “Don’t they know it’s rude to have a conversation behind someone’s back?”

“Well.” The Red King strode forward, putting himself between them and Asmodeus. “Thank you for the welcome, Asmodeus. I’ll take our guests to my quarters now.”

With a cocked eyebrow, Asmodeus stepped back from the doorway and gestured as if to say ‘you’re free to leave.’

Following the Red King out of the door, Ari couldn’t help but chance a glance up at Azazil’s famed first lieutenant. He was even taller than the Red King. As her eyes flickered over him, they caught on the sight of a ring hanging from a piece of leather rope around his neck. Her gaze flew to his face in surprise. He wore a replica of the seal around his neck so others would think he still protected it. His cold look crawled over Ari like frozen little spiders, and she unconsciously grabbed Jai’s hand as the door closed behind them. Her guardian pulled her closer.

Red was silent as he led them through the chilling corridors of the palace. Finally, after a few minutes of walking he said, “You will stay by Ari’s side the entire time we’re here, Jai, do you understand?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“And, Ari.” Red spun around, bringing them to a halt. His expression was harder than Ari had ever seen it. “If you find yourself alone with Asmodeus, and by alone I mean, even if Jai is with you, you call on me. Do you understand?”

“He’s dangerous?”

Red nodded. “He has an interest in you, and I don’t know why. Until I do, we’re keeping you away from him.”

Goosebumps rose on her arms and Jai slid a hand around her back, drawing her into his side. She smiled weakly but gratefully. Too much was happening.