Page 48

The Bargainer settles himself next to me, his back leaning against the wall. He sets the items down, and a moment later the bottle uncorks itself and begins pouring.

“What’s the occasion?” I ask, watching the rosy liquid foam as it fills the flutes.

“My soulmate survived a day in the Banished Lands—and managed to walk away with the kingdom’s crown. I’d say that’s an occasion worth celebrating.”

Something warm blooms low in my stomach. Something that feels a lot like happy, stupid love—and maybe a little pride too. I helped chip away at the mystery of Galleghar’s awakening.

When the champagne flutes are filled, one floats over to me.

I take it and peer into the drink. “This is safe to drink, right?” I ask. “It isn’t like the rosé version of lilac wine?”

“You caught me, love. I’m hoping to grow you a set of pointy ears,” Des says, taking his own glass.

I stare down at my drink, swirl it, wonder if I should drink it after having a migraine, then a magical pill with who knows what side effects.

Des doesn’t look over at me when he says, “I wouldn’t let you drink that if I thought I was putting you at risk.”

I glance sharply at him. “H—”

“Please tell me you’re not asking how I knew that. I’m not entirely sure my ego would recover from that sort of slight.”

Heaven forbid I wonder how Des knows an unknowable thing.

“Your ego could probably use being knocked down a peg or two,” I say.

He presses a finger to my mouth. “Sssh, cherub. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I nip at his finger. In response, Des’s eyes become like sultry little sluts.

“Fae wine doesn’t interact quite the same way human wine does,” he says distractedly. “Now do that again.”

If I dothatagain, I’ll be in serious threat of turning this into a bangfest (which is always fun). Right now, though, I kinda sorta just want to savor this thing between us. It’s our friendship aged eight years—with a little bit of sex thrown in.

I draw his finger away and bring the wine to my mouth. “So.”

“So,” he repeats, his gaze trained to my lips.

He’s excruciating to look at, with his pale eyes and even paler hair. I’m going to cave and let him carry me inside so I can have my way with him if I keep drinking him in.

I gather my legs up to me and look out over his kingdom, desperate to hold on to this moment.

“I never thought I’d be here,” I say, taking a steadying breath as my gaze sweeps over Somnia. “All those years ago. I mean, I had always hoped you’d take me, but I never really thought I’d be here one day.”

Des’s gaze falls heavy on me.I did, it seems to say.

After several moments, he turns his attention to the night. “I never imagined it would be under these circumstances.”

My wing roots prick at his words, drawing my attention away from the ominous note in his voice to the fact that I am a part of this world, with all its horror and injustice, and I fit in here as I never have on earth. I have scales and wings and claws and fae power running through my veins. I feel … suitably magical for this place.

“Think Typhus is still alive?” I ask, changing the subject.

The Bargainer huffs out a laugh. “Unlikely.”

Is that a pang of guilt I feel?

“Callie, don’t feel bad for the man.”

I make a face into my wine (the shit is super good). “Ugh, you’re like a mind reader tonight.”