Free Blood Flows Deep in the Empire by N. Isabelle Blanco Page B

expression, but Ismini could still see the frustration in his eyes.
    She saw Cy’s gloating look from across the room. Oh . . . damn you, Cyake.
    “Okay. Now stop that.” Ismini waved her fork in Zen’s direction. “I feel like I’m high on something.”
    He laughed and stood up. He was still chuckling when he stepped back, shaking his head.
    She turned and pinned Eve with a stare. “We need to talk about this.”
    Eve didn’t even blink. “No, we don’t. Remember?”
    Cy walked back in Ismini’s direction, shoving an entire cheeseburger into his mouth. Yup, in one bite.
    “I know you think you’re my new best friend, but I have explained to you that this is a delusion you’re having,” Ismini said.
    He stopped right in front of her, glowering. He swallowed what was in his mouth all at once, leaving Ismini gaping and slightly repulsed. “Shut up and eat, smartass. I’ve been dying to play this game.”
    Sillizi looked like she was fighting for patience. “I don’t understand your fascination with that stupid game. You are not going to get to play that, it was explained to you, Cy.”
    Eve grimaced. “Okay. Now I’m scared. What game?”
    “Me, too. Seriously, which game are we talking about?” Ismini asked.
    “Pin the tail—”
    “Oh, hell no. We aren’t five, Cyake.”
    He crossed his arms. “Do you honestly think I have small mortals running around, willing to play this game with me? And these fidiots agreed that they might play if you guys do. It’s on my bucket list.”
    “You’re immortal,” Eve shot back.
    “Not completely. What if existence comes to a halt tomorrow?”
    Ismini set her plate aside. “Okay. Okay. I might be down to do this—”
    “See, Iss? That’s why I love you!”
    “You just met me. Now shut it, I’m still debating the risks of this decision.”
    Cyake scoffed. “What risks?”
    She ignored him and stared at Sil. “He’s a cheater, isn’t he? No, wait. Don’t answer that, I know he is. Is there some kind of way to keep him from cheating?”
    “Make him vow it,” Sil said smirking.
    “You’re both full of shit.”
    Ismini raised her eyebrows and shrugged. “Take it or leave it, but I’m not playing this stupid game without your vow.”
    “You’re serious? You’re gonna play pin the tail on the donkey?” Eve asked.
    “ We’re gonna play, Eve. Now vow it, Cy.”
    “I vow it.” Cy’s golden aura flared around him for a few seconds before appearing to slide back into his skin. “There? Now can we play?”
    “You’ve both lost your damned minds. But I’m in.” Eve got up and placed her plate on the table.
    Ismini didn’t miss the sly smirk on Cy’s face. Somehow, she was sure Zeniel had been talked into this game, as well. “This is really going to be interesting.”
    “Remember, you agreed to this first,” Eve said as Cy walked up to them, a blindfold in his hands and a large smile on his face. “And I’m going to kill you myself if this mofo manages to cop a feel of me while I’m blind.”

Chapter 9

    Eight days later.
    -Enzyria. Lower level, living room area and sparring quarter.

    “Look who’s back. Where you been, D-Man?”
    Dyletri rolled his eyes as he walked into one of the living rooms on the lower level of the compound.
    Cyake was sitting on the massive, black sectional in front of the 108-inch LCD. He had a bowl of popcorn in his hand.
    “Seriously, Cy. I sometimes wish you’d act more like the ancient being you are.”
    “Ugh. Don’t tell me you’re gonna be all moody just like Zen’s been. ’Cause if I have to handle another god on PMS—”
    “Fuck you, asshole.” Dyletri walked up to Cy and ripped the bowl of popcorn out of his hands.
    “Hey!”
    “Sharing is caring.” He shoved a handful into his mouth and turned his attention back to the television.
    That’s right, he was pretending like everything was just peachy fucking keen. Like he hadn’t just spent the last seven days making sure the Fates