Page 82 of Demon's Bane

It could be the two of them alone, for all that they’re aware we’re still here. With their eyes locked, and his hand moving from her chin to brush the vivid red claiming mark on her throat, the love and affection flowing freely between them is obvious.

I glance at my own mate out of the corner of my eye, and she’s watching them with some combination of wistfulness and humor, an echo of her earlier worry, and something tender and proud of her friend.

“Sorry,” Allison says with a laugh, pulling herself back to the present and bracing her palms on the table. “Newly mated bliss and all that.”

Joan laughs, too. “I mean, really, get a damn room.”

It’s more impertinence that puts me immediately on edge, but when Eren’s booming laugh joins theirs, it passes.

“So,” Allison says. “Can I tempt the two of you to stay, at least for tonight? We’re hosting a party—a ball, really—to welcome all the new Crescent witches.”

An immediate denial sits on the tip of my tongue.

I should get back to the village. With everything that’s happening, and with the long shifts everyone will be working to get the mines cleared and regular operations back up and running, I should be there to do my part. I’m about to politely decline the offer, when Joan leans forward with a sparkle in her eye.

“A ball? Seriously?”

Allison laughs. “Yes, seriously. With gowns and dancing and everything.”

“I don’t have a gown,” Joan points out.

“No, but we could absolutely find you one.”

My little mate looks intrigued by the idea, excited at the prospect of music and revelry, but when she turns her gaze to me, her expression falls.

“We don’t have to stay,” she assures me, quickly hiding her enthusiasm.

“Of course you should stay,” I say, taking her hand in mine. “I’ve been to a party or two in the demon court, and know how much fun they can be.”

A half-smile turns up the corners of her mouth, but she shakes her head. “What about you?”

“I…”

I should go where I am needed. Back to my village and my responsibilities. My family. My penance.

It’s been the single driving purpose for me this past year. Making up for all the years I was not there to do right by the community which raised me. Paying back the time I wasted and proving myself worthy to be amongst my kin.

But now?

Now my heart has a second purpose, every bit as visceral and undeniable as the first. And like I’m already coming to understand, there’s no part of me that wants to deny my mate a single thing she asks of me.

Am I not needed here, too, with her?

At least for tonight, perhaps all those responsibilities can wait.

“I’ll stay.”

Joan’s smile widens, but the thread of worry doesn’t entirely leave her eyes as she nods and squeezes my hand.

“Great!” Allison chimes in. “Joan, you’re with me. We’re going to find you the most incredible dress you’ve ever seen.”

With a brief kiss to the king’s lips, she stands and circles the table to offer my mate a hand.

“Eren,” she says as she pulls Joan out of her chair. “Can you and Rhett hang out for a while? Maybe find him something to wear tonight?”

“Certainly,” he says indulgently, and before I can protest, the queen sweeps my mate out of the room.

Joan gives me one last apologetic glance over her shoulder before she goes, but there’s also something lighter in her expression. Relief, maybe, or happiness to be able to spend some time with her friend. It lightens the heaviness in my chest, too, at least until I remember where exactly that leaves me.