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“You would have eaten them alive,” I chuckled conspiratorially.

She turned her face to the side, but not before I caught the amused look playing over her features. I thought not too long ago that a bride had to bring something to the table. I was just beginning to see what a colossal idiot I’d been. Serena broughtmore than enough, and now it was going to be a challenge to be worthy of her affection.

While guarding my cold, dead heart from being revived.

I might have broken my promise to marry for status, but I would be damned if I let myself fall for someone. It would only lead to misery and ruin. I already lived without feeling; there was no way I could bear the agony of loss again.

“Come on, the meeting can start now,” Draco said impatiently, jerking his chin toward the dining room. “She might be your wife, mate, but you know she isn’t privy to the information we discuss.”

I frowned, but Serena jumped into the conversation.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll just wander around down here or out in the garden—if that’s allowed?” She cocked her head slightly.

Draco grinned.

My grip subconsciously tightened on Serena. He didn’t get to appreciate her. Hell, I wanted to stab his eyes out for looking at her! Her hiss cut through the turbulent thoughts. Reluctantly, I let her go.

A whisp of black, she wandered away as we filed into the dining room. I threw one last look over my shoulder.

Mine.Serena was all mine.

The turn of events was a welcome change. Not what I planned, but I was beginning to hope it was for the better.

Atlas called the meeting to order, and I took a seat as the thick doors closed. One by one, various issues were discussed, but nothing was pressing enough to hold my attention.

“There was another threat,” Indigo stated, the thick silver bracelets on her arm jingling as she dropped a letter on the table.

Her statement snapped my attention.Ah, so this was the reason for the impromptu meeting.

I tried to focus as they discussed the dangerous situation. I really did try.

But soft strains of music floated under the door. The classical melody carried like a ghost from another part of the house.

When did we buy a piano?

The others spent far more time here. Those who didn’t live in town even stayed here, choosing the social aspect of our tight-knit group as opposed to the solitude of a condo. But even the idea of belonging couldn’t keep me away from the sea.

I listened to the notes as they shifted from a well-known piece to something truly haunting.

The moment Atlas dismissed us, I shot from my seat. Anatole moved to intercept me, but I brushed the computer whizz off.

“Call me,” I clipped out.

That music—I had to find it!

Already knowing who created such ethereal sounds, I prowled through the dimly lit rooms until I came to a back parlor where I stopped dead in my tracks.

The little princess could play.

No...that was putting it too simply. The goddess had the gift of music, and her fingers worked magic on the ivory and black keys. Lost in the sounds, Serena’s eyes were closed as her body swayed slightly. The piano told a mournful tale in a language I didn’t know but still understood.

Merciful heaven, what have I done?I took this beauty, kept her from her home, and bound her to my side. I would burn in the next life for that. It was time to right the wrong as best I could in this one.

Chapter 24 – Serena

“Black Tide, let’s go!” a male voice shouted.

I snatched my fingers away from the piano, coming back to reality with a sudden rush of self-consciousness. I didn’t play for others. And right now, I was keenly aware of someone watching me. From the way the hairs on the back of my neck tingled, I knew exactly who it was. Rising from the piano bench, I turned and faced the monster.