Page 157 of A Fate in Flames

Had I not been drowning in my own problems, I might’ve found their silent dance amusing.

“Let’s go!”Jasila’s sharp command cut through the moment.

Theo’s shoulders shot up toward his ears, and I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

The throne room was already brimming with life when we arrived.The heavy doors swung open, releasing a wave of sound from beyond that overwhelmed me.

The pounding of the drums resonated in my chest, their rhythm so deep I felt it in my bones.Laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the mouth-watering scent of roasted meats, sweet pastries, and spiced wine.People were already lost in dance, their bodies twisting and turning, feet stomping in time with the hypnotic beat.

None of it mattered, because my eyes found him.

Dalkhan lounged on his throne, one leg thrown carelessly over the armrest.The dim light caught the lines of his face, shadows pooling in the hollow of his throat.

He was not alone.

My heart plummeted into my stomach, leaving a cold void in my chest.

The most stunning women draped over him like silk.Their eager fingers trailed along his skin, raking through his dark hair.Their palms sliding across the hard planes of his chest.One with dark hair had positioned herself beside his legs, her head angled uncomfortably while she gazed up at him in worship.Another pressed against his side, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered things that made his mouth curve into a devastating smirk.

He let them touch him.Welcomed it.His eyes were dark and hungry as he soaked up their attention, his fingers stroking along Iznia’s bare shoulder.

I started to move forward, drawn by some unbreakable, invisible thread.

But then he leaned in and kissed her.

I froze mid-step, heels digging into the floor.

Not a brief, meaningless kiss.She melted into him, back arching like a bowstring pulled to its breaking point.Her moan cut through the music, wild and loud enough that everyone could hear her surrender.He fisted a hand in her hair, tilting her head back as he devoured her mouth.

I was going to be sick.

Acidic bile rose in my throat, and the urge to storm over and tear her away from him was overwhelming.I wanted to feel her perfect hair wrapped around my fists.Wanted to—

“Come,” Tavrik murmured close to my ear, his hand closing around my arm.

I wrenched away with enough force to make him stumble back.

I couldn’t leave—couldn’t look away even though every second was like a knife twisting deeper into my heart.

I wanted to break something.To feel glass breaking under my fists and hear the satisfying crash of destruction.

Time stretched thin as he gripped her tighter, his large hand cupping her face.His eyes were predatory, lit with something cruel.

I spun sharply, my dress whipping around my legs as I stomped toward the long table.Tavrik moved to follow, his mouth opening to speak, but I shook my head sharply.

He stared at me with the concern of an older brother, his brow furrowed and lips pressed into a worried line, but he stayed silent.

I searched for Theo, needing something—anything—to anchor me before I did something spectacularly stupid.

He was exactly where I’d expected, dancing and blissfully unbothered.He had somehow acquired not one, but three women who were taking turns grinding against him, their bodies swaying like reeds in the wind.Sweat dripped down his face, but his grin was wide.He caught sight of me through the writhing mass of bodies and had the audacity to wink.

Despite the agony clawing within me, my mouth twitched.The bastard was having the time of his life, and somehow his ridiculous joy was infectious enough to crack through my misery.

Beside me, Tavrik and Jasila sat close enough that their shoulders brushed.A quiet warmth passed between them, unspoken but palpable.

I had never felt more alone.

The noise of the celebration faded to a dull roar, and even the music’s pull couldn’t affect me.I was too lost within my own mind.