Page 44

When I pull away, I look up at him, and what I see in his eyes steals my breath all over again. There’s hunger there, yes. But there’s also something deeper—a vulnerability so raw it makes my heart ache. Because for all his power, all his deadly grace, Prince Aerix Nightborne has given me the one thing no one else in this court has ever had: his trust.

A noble woman drops her glass, crystal shattering on the stone. Another opens his mouth as if to speak, but no words come.

Aerix turns to face the crowd, his wings extending totheir full, impressive span, air magic crackling around him in visible currents of frost-tinged power.

“She drinks from me,” he announces, his voice carrying across the square with commanding authority, “because she’s mine. And no one—” his gaze sweeps the crowd, lingering on the queen, and then the king, “— will dare challenge that.”

Before anyone can react, Aerix turns back to me, pulls me toward him, and crushes his lips to mine. His intensity is brutal, demanding, and unyielding, cold air swirling in a vortex around us as he claims me in front of the Night Court.

I taste his blood again, metallic and rich on both our tongues, and something primal in me responds. My arms circle his waist, one hand sliding up to the base of his wings—the forbidden, sensitive place that drives him wild. He groans against my mouth, the sound vibrating through me as his wings shudder beneath my touch.

When we break apart, both breathing hard, the crowd has backed away several steps. Some look disgusted, others fearful, but a few—including Isla, who stands beside Queen Ravenna with a small, knowing smile—seem almost impressed.

King Thanatos breaks the silence first, his laughter echoing across the square like distant thunder. “Well, well,” he says, stepping forward with Aurora at his side. “My son has always had... unusual tastes.”

Queen Ravenna’s eyes narrow dangerously. “This is unprecedented,” she says, her voice carrying a subtle threat.

“Perhaps,” Aerix counters, his arm circling my waist, “it’s time for new traditions.”

The tension in the air thickens, magic crackling between the royal family members like lightning before a storm. Aerix’s muscles tense. But King Thanatos merely raises a hand, silencing any further protest.

“Tonight is a night of celebration,” the king declares, although his eyes hold a warning that suggests this conversation is far from over. “And so, we will celebrate.”

The musicians resume playing, and slowly, the revelry builds once more.

Aerix’s lips brush against my ear, his breath cool against my skin. “We made our point,” he whispers. “And you were beautiful. Youarebeautiful. Especially right now, with my blood staining your lips for the entire court to see.”

I nod, dazed from the kiss, from his blood, from the enormity of what just happened. And as he leads me away from the fountain, night fae part before us with respect—and fear—in their eyes.

“What happens now?” I ask once we’re clear of the worst of the crowd.

Aerix’s smile is sharp and dangerous. “Now, my littleconsort, we’ve shown the court exactly what you are to me.” His fingers trace the curve of my cheek, feather-light, yet possessive at the same time. “They will never forget it. And if they do...” His eyes darken, the moonlight flashing across them like a warning. “They will regret it.”

ZOEY

The celebration continues around us,having moved from the initial ritual at the fountain to a more festive atmosphere. Tables laden with delicacies have appeared, and fae servants weave through the crowd with trays of blood-filled goblets. Nobles and merchants dance and laugh, although they give Aerix and me a wide berth, their eyes flicking toward us with a mixture of fascination and fear.

I lean against a marble column, the cool stone grounding me as Aerix’s arm drapes around my waist. Despite the looks and whispers, I feel strangely at peace—elevated, even. Powerful. The dagger at my hip and the taste of Aerix’s blood lingering on my tongue are constant reminders of what happened at the fountain.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Aerix asks as he hands me a glass of wine—one without blood in it. His wingsare relaxed behind him, although I can feel the tension coiled beneath his skin.

“Very much so,” I say as I take the glass. “Although I’m pretty sure that half the court wants me dead right now but is too terrified to say it.”

His lips curl into that predatory smile I’ve come to love. The one that promises violence dressed as charm—toward everyone other than me, obviously.

“If the other half of themisn’tterrified to say it, then I must be losing my touch,” he says, and I laugh, the sound drawing more stares from nearby fae.

Before he can say more, the crowd before us parts, and a striking woman with gold-streaked wings approaches, her chin lifted in haughty disdain. The expensive silk of her gown rustles as she walks, and the fae around her defer to her with subtle bows and averted gazes.

“Prince Aerix,” she says when she reaches us, and while she shoots a glance my way, she doesn’t address me. “What an unusual display you treated us to tonight.”

Aerix’s wings rise slightly. Not enough to alarm, but enough to warn.

“Lady Reesia,” he acknowledges with a slight nod. “I trust you’re enjoying the celebration?”

She ignores his question, her gaze settling on me with detached curiosity. “The Night Court has rules for consorts, Your Highness,” she says to him, swirling theblood in her crystal goblet as she continues to stare me down.

Aerix tenses beside me, a cold breeze blowing around us.