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Fennan lifted his shoulder. “Fine, don’t believe me.”

“You’re such an ass.” Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “You don’t want me, but you don’t want anyone else to have me either. You say you loved me since you were seventeen, but you slept your way through a quarter of the court. And I get it. You’re charming, handsome, and a high-ranking Raven. You can have anyone you want. So I thought I could just wait until you had your fun. I thought I’d wait until you finally noticed me for something other than your sparring partner. But then I realized that if you loved me, you would have shown me. I’m done waiting for you, Fennan.”

He stiffened and stood taller. “Piper…” When he didn’t go on, she shook her head and started to walk away.

He grabbed hold of her arm, his red-brown eyes pleaded with her to stay. Layala wanted to jump in and side with Piper. Everything she said was spot on. How could he be in love with Piper for so long and yet ignore her for others? But Layala stayed at Thane’s side, pretending like she wasn’t eavesdropping.

“I realized I loved you in that cell. I’m sorry I didn’t see it before. I said I loved you since I was seventeen because when I thought back on it, I have. I have loved you that long. I was just too stupid to see it sooner.”

She tugged out of his grasp. “The others are watching us. Ronan is watching us.”

“I don’t care,” Fennan said.

“Well, I do.”

“You’re going to choose him over me? You’ve known him for a week.”

“I don’t know what I want so right now, I’m choosing me.” Piper stepped away from him and started back toward their group. Layala found staring to into her glass prudent and scratched the back of her arm.

Thane leaned down. “Don’t say anything.”

Layala chuckled. “I won’t.”

Ronan looked like he was about to make a comment, so Layala blurted out, “Do you know Varlett? The dragon shifter who worked closely with the Black Mage.”

Thane’s eyes flashed wide, a silent tell that he didn’t want her to say more. Prince Ronan ran his fingers through his long silvery hair. “I do. She isn’t allowed here. She earned her banishment a few centuries ago. Why do you ask?”

Not allowed? Should she alert him and the guards that Varlett was here then? At that very moment, the golden-haired dragon shifter stepped out from behind a large pillar. She raised the glass of wine in her hand practically begging Layala to start a brawl. Layala was no longer just a young elf mage afraid to use her magic. She was a descendant of gods and a powerful mage. “Excuse me for a moment,” Layala said, and stepped away.

She slipped around groups of chattering people in extravagant gowns and suits. The light string music picked up pace to something easy to dance to. If she wasn’t so focused, she’d find herself swaying to the tune, lost in the wistful melody.

“Congratulations,” a pair said as she passed by.

A male tipped his glass toward her. “I’m in awe of your power, elf. Truly magnificent. Goddess blood among us once again.”

Layala gave a brief smile but kept her gaze pinned on Varlett until she disappeared into the shadows. She wouldn’t be stupid and go anywhere alone with her but in the public eye where Varlett was forbidden, was the best place to confront her. Layala set her glass on an empty table and with a dagger in hand and her magic thrumming through her like its own heartbeat, she stood opposite of the bitch who nearly gutted the love of her life.

Varlett’s smile made Layala’s skin itch. “You think because you won one match against a dragon, you’re big and bad now?” Varlett cooed and then sipped her wine.

“What are you doing here?” Layala snapped. Her hand twitched to plunge the blade straight into her chest. She had no dragon scales to protect her at the moment, but rash decisions only brought trouble. Varlett obviously had something.

“Stopping you from making a huge mistake.” Her heels tapped as she strode forward. “If you put that scepter and stone together, you won’t survive and if you do, you’ll be changed, cursed just like Zaurahel.”

Layala’s stomach dropped, but she played it off. That’s what she and Thane discussed at length, whether or not it was worth the risk. “You’re just desperate now because I’m close to finding out how to end your pathetic dead lover’s curse for good.”

Pushing her hair over her shoulder, Varlett cackled. “You are so naive.” She curled her black-taloned fingers around her glass, tapping them rhythmically. “That’s never going to happen. Not even a line to the gods could give you the power to do that. You’re not strong enough and neither is your prince. How’s that wound of his anyway? Bet it left a nasty scar. I’m surprised the bastard survived.” Her golden eyes looked brighter than usual against her brown skin. Her gaze flicked to where Thane stood, watching them, but he hadn’t moved. “I hope he has a limp cock too.”

The hairs on the back of Layala’s neck raised and an angry heat flooded her body. “I think you’re scared.” Layala arched an eyebrow. “And you’ll say anything to deter us. But your words have no power over me, and you have no authority here.” Layala turned and took a few steps away.

“I found your aunt or whatever you call her. I still can’t believe your parents chose her, a simple human of all people to raise you.”

The music and hundreds of voices muted as if she stuffed cotton into her ears, and the drum of her heart grew loud. Layala froze.

“That bitch is tough for an old thing. She thought she could squirt slumber berry juice in my eye, and it would work on me.”

Layala whirled around, driving the point of the dagger at Varlett’s chest. She pressed it against her skin but not enough to do any damage. “Where is she?”

“Come with me and I’ll give her back to you. We’ll make a bargain. You give me what I want, and I’ll give you what you want.”