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“Des?” I call out.

The lamps are dimmed. I don’t have a clock to go by, but I’m pretty sure this is the Witching Hour, a time when good little supernaturals are all fast asleep.

Probably why I’mnotasleep.

I get up, slipping on one of the least elaborate dresses I can find. Moving from room to room, I look for the Bargainer in our chambers, playing with my wedding ring as I do so. He’s nowhere to be found.

I could simply call on him. I know the words.

Bargainer, I would like to make a deal.

He’d be here in an instant.

But I don’t necessarily want to pull him away from whatever he’s doing.

At least, that’s what I tell myself. I ignore the ball of worry that sits in the pit of my stomach.

I’m imagining things. This is what I always do when life gets too sweet. I assume the worst—and rightfully so, the way my life’s been so far.

Closing my eyes, I focus inward. Right where my heart is, I can feel the glow of my bond. It’s the magical tether that connects me to Des, the thing that physically makes us soulmates. I’ve pulled his power through our connection, but I’ve never tried to simply find him through it. I know enough about supernaturals to know that it can be done.

I could try.

My breathing slows. The smells and sounds and sensations, all of that fades as I search down that magical bond.

And …nothing.

I open my eyes, feeling ridiculous.

WhereisDes?

A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I stride over to it and, grabbing the knob, swing it open.

Malaki stares down at me, looking more ferocious than ever. “I think it’s time we talked.”

“Where is Des?” I ask.

The two of us are sitting in some side room I’ve never been in before. On the wall is an intricate mosaic depicting some great battle taking place among the heavens.

“Busy being a king.” Gone is Malaki’s good humor. And here I thought we’d bonded last night over that champagne.

I lean back in my chair.

“And Temper?” I ask.

“I am not her keeper.”

Could’ve fooled me …

Just then a fairy comes in carrying a tray with an assortment of coffee and pastries on it. Malaki and I are quiet as he lays it out. It’s only after the fairy leaves and the two of us are alone once more that we speak again.

“Why were you knocking at Des’s door in the middle of the night?” On our wedding night, no less.

I look around, trying to figure out why I’m here, having a conversation with Malaki, instead of in bed with Des.

Seriously, where the hell is the Bargainer?

“How long have you been having dreams of the Thief of Souls?”