Dark Nine ❈ Dark Nine Universe Bk1 ❈

Chapter Seventy-Four

I was so annoyed about the Kors and their bloody party that I used my power as an Empress to request a simple wish. Leave me alone until tomorrow morning.

I didn't wish to even look at the bloody mess, so I had a bath, followed by a shower, until all the black blood was off me from Leona and then I went to bed while the Kors cleaned the mansion.

I slept in peace in the bedroom Pluto decorated for me.

If there were BDSM devices in here for the Kors and their sadism, they're tucked away. The carpet and walls are a pitch black, however, and the ceiling has a tint on-off ability. If I turn the tint down, I can stare at the night sky and all the nebulas right above me.

I fell asleep slowly under the eyes of the universe above and I wake up to see that Mars and Alpha Centauri snuck in by morning.

Mars was sleeping on the other side of the bed, not touching me, but laid out within inches from me, his handsome face content in sleep, his naked body above the silks.

Alpha Centauri is awake and I'm thinking maybe he just appeared, as he's walking toward me as if he sensed my mind was waking.

As I sit up on my elbows, the Estori's steel blue skin is draped in his metallic robe, his hair longer than ever. Alpha Centauri swoops down to kiss me good morning.

I close my groggy eyes and lean back against the pillows – while he growls against me, "You desire friends, Empress?"

"Ah, yes," I nod and open my eyes to see the Estori curl his hand under my arm, preparing to haul me up.

"Then let's go," Alpha Centauri smiles as he pulls me up.

I'm halted when my other arm is caught by Mars, and I turn to see he woke, checking on me.

"Diana," Mars says my name with a deep curiosity, "Do you forgive us for last night?"

"I know you have to eat. From now on, I pick the food," I groan with the fact I'm still waking and they're already interrogating me. Mars grimaces but nods, turning onto his back as he watches me stand with the Estori. His dark eyes run over my naked body, like he wants a drink.

"Be quick," Mars directs this softly at Alpha Centauri, "We're all hungry."

The Estori slides his smooth warm hand around my throat, holding me still in front of him.

"Your call," The King of Kors surprises me, "Stay or hunt?"

"We 'hunt' – which means talking civilly to my friends. Since you're up, put on some normal clothes – if you have any," I suggest, holding his wrist, as he playfully feels my pulse, "I'll make a few calls – we'll be back here soon. I'll lead this."

"Bunny?" Alpha Centauri asks, practically drooling copious amounts of sparkling venom from his six fangs in his polite smile.

"Yes."

"Orlai?" Alpha Centauri pauses and his smile is no longer too friendly – for this I know he doesn't need my permission, but he does want my opinion.

"...yes," I nod, "On the condition –"

"It's laid to rest," Alpha Centauri drawls over me, looking through my very soul, "...my Orlai... her heart truly beats? I'll let her keep it this time, Empress."

I remember just how Elion they are when I hear the venom in his every word, like a simulation on how much he could hate me if I wasn't a good and giving Empress.

The sick part being that meant total and complete sacrifice.

When all Orlai had wanted was to survive.