Page 100 of Where Darkness Falls

“You’re safe,” I whisper.

I create a smaller dome than the one I made earlier, solely for the purpose that if someone were to walk out here, it would merely look like a typical shadow along the back of the terrace. The palace is always dark, so they’d be none the wiser to believe it another darkened piece of the hellish expanse.

Once the dome is secured, her eyes bounce around and the tiniest smirk crosses her lips until a grimace replaces it. Even in this state, she’s beautiful.

The guilt churns in my gut as I think about all the things I’ve said today to dull her light.

I’m such a fool.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, avoiding her eyes. “I’m sorry for how I treated you earlier today. You looked radiant, but I couldn’t say that to you then.”

“Why were you so horrid then?” she asks coldly.

“I was careless when I spoke so freely with you this morning. Domhnall overheard our conversation somehow and threatened to tell the king that I’m growing attached to you. So I had to say that I care nothing for you, and I had to treat you that way in case he was eavesdropping.”

She waves to the shadows. “Would he not hear us here though?” she asks.

“No,” I reply. “This is a soundproof dome. I should’ve summonedone this morning as well, but I was foolish, and for that, I’m sorry, because my actions must’ve confused you greatly.”

She chews on her lip, nodding and contemplating my words.

“I just don’t understand. Why does it matter whether or not you care for me? You’re obviously not attached to me,” she replies.

I’m silent for several moments, as my eyes search hers, hoping for the right words to describe what I feel for her.

I swallow thickly. “It’s impossible to not have an attachment to you, Rosey,” I murmur. “How could I not when everything about you draws me into your orbit? The moment I saw the blood on your face, I was ready to destroy whoever put it there.”

Maeva’s mouth falls open momentarily before she promptly closes it and clears her throat. “Why would you care about my fate?” she mumbles.

I’m not sure whether it’s impulse or just the overwhelming need to touch her that fuels my next move, but my hands rest on either side of her face, caressing her like the priceless jewel that she is. Maeva releases a small sigh as her own hands grip my armored wrists. She relaxes against my hold, and the tension in my arms dissipates. “I care because you see past the mask I wear and don’t cower or yield,” I say tenderly. “I care because you’re special to me—just as you are. Even if you decide to never summon your starlight, you’ll still be the most beautiful creation I’ve ever seen. You stood with me in my shadows. Now let me stand in your darkness with you, Rosey.”

She smiles, and a weight that’s pressed on me for years feels lighter seeing such a radiant display. Tiernan might be willing to do anything for her ability, but I’d do anything just to see her like this. “Thank you, Emyr,” she whispers.

I pull my hands away from her. The way she says my name has my chest fluttering in a whole different way than moments ago. “You’re welcome, Rosey,” I say. “Now, I need you to tell me what happened in that throne room.”

And she does without hesitation… every miniscule detail. After she concludes, I know with all the certainty I can muster that if I ever find a way to break the loyalty oath, I’ll slaughter every last one of them.

“Miiieeess Caaiille,stoooooiiiiip paaeeciiieengg. Yooiiiiu aaiirrree gooeeeiinng to tiieere yooiiurrseeiiilf beeiiiffore the baaeeell staaeerts,” Tilly fusses as she tidies up the makeup and extra fabric used to prepare me for the Masquerade of Shadows.

I’ve been pacing the floor for at least a half hour, waiting for the Cadre to escort me. My palms are sweating profusely, and my stomach is so twisted that I fear I might be falling ill. Perhaps agreeing to go this evening was a mistake, yet how could I refuse when the king made it clear that I’m to attend? While a ball is innocent enough, I fear what he might have in store for me as his “guest of honor.”

When I asked Emyr about what to expect, he told me that even though the ball is called a Masquerade of Shadows, no one actually wears a mask. When I inquired why it’s called a masquerade,he simply said because it happens under the cover of the mist, surrounded by shadows and darkness. It’s a chance for the creatures from the courts in Zulgalros and Malvoria to mingle under the night sky, relishing the darkness. Truthfully, that doesn’t sound malevolent or evil, yet I’ve heard about the creatures of Zulgalros and the cruelty they’re capable of when provoked.

You’ll be fine, my dear. The High General promised that the Cadre would be with you at all times,Saoirse says.

I know,I reply.I just worry about what the king might do if I provoke him. I’ve never attended a ball before, so I’m unsure of the protocols or decorum that’s expected of me.

I’m fully confident that you’ll do splendidly this evening. Nonetheless, if the need should arise, the Galrosans will help guide you through it. Allow yourself this one moment to enjoy a little revelry. Even if it’s in that detestable man’s court,Saoirse says.

It sounds like you’d rather be the one to go to this event,I jest.

As lovely as that sounds, I’ll happily enjoy watching it through your memories,she laughs.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Wish me luck,I reply.

I promise you won’t need it, but I shall wish it for you all the same. Good luck, my dear,Saoirse coos.