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"Hi, Ronan," I called with a wave.

He grinned at me. "Hello, little witch. Are you lost?"

"Most definitely." I tilted my head towards Silver. "Have you met my friend? Edith Silver. Call her by her first name only if you want to get stabbed."

She stepped on my toes. "You're not supposed to mention that dumb as fuck name,ever!"

I laughed.

There was definitely something in the air, and the water, and my mead.

All of it was delicious.

I was delighted to be here and never wanted to leave. All my stress dissipated the moment Lucian appeared, as though my mind had conjured him. I'd needed him and he was here.

"I haven't seen you around, I don't think. First time in unders, Edith Silver?" Ronan asked.

"She wasn't kidding. Iwillstab you."

"Even if I buy you a drink?"

She considered it. "Yep. Nothing's worth being reminded that my birth mother was that much of an idiot."

"Understood. Silver, then. What can I get you?"

"Pan gave me a lovely cocktail on my way in. Centaur's Tears, I think?"

"Satyr, actually."

Silver and I both jumped as Pan himself appeared, her golden drink in one hand, and another filled horn for me.

"Circe's tits, how did you do that?"

The man grinned, and I noticed that the corner of his lips hiked up a bit too far, making it more terrifying than charming."I'm a god, and you called my name. I told you to be careful. Circe could also show up if you invoke her titties, you know. And she's far less affable than me."

"Consider me properly petrified," I grumbled.

Only, I wasn't. A part of me still acknowledged that he was far, far too dangerous for my taste, but I just couldn't summon the necessary stress level to want to run.

Instead, I took my drink gratefully. "What do we owe you?"

That eerie smile was back, as well as the golden eyes. "On me, lovelies.You two have given me something far more valuable than coin."

That was not good news. Except, my slow, addled mind couldn't really decide why.

"What's that?" Silver had the courage to ask.

"Pleasure, darling. The smell of your arousal is sweeter than ambrosia. I can practically taste how delicious you are. Pleasedoenjoy yourselves."

And then, the god touched her shoulder. When he moved to do the same to me, Lucian grasped his wrist before he could make contact.

The god laughed, the vibration reverberating through my entire body. "But they're just so muchfun. Proper and righteous and so, so high-strung." He licked his lips.

"Please," Lucian said.

Only it didn't look or feel like he was asking anything.

The god clicked his tongue. "You Regis folk. Never ones for sharing, are you? Very well."