Page 76 of A Fate in Flames

Dalkhan laughed—a deep, wicked sound.“I don’t play games.”His fingers traced higher before stopping.“I win them.”

I kept my chin high, willing my expression to remain unaffected though I knew my flushed cheeks betrayed me.My parted lips, my dilated pupils—I was an open book, and he was reading every page.

“Seems you have a little flame in you after all, though I’d be careful if I were you.”

Then Dalkhan pulled away.

I clenched my jaw, hating the smug look on his face as he rose to his feet.

His gaze slid over me, unrushed before he turned and motioned for Iznia with a single crook of his finger.

She obeyed, her eyes dark with lust and her body swaying toward him like she couldn’t help herself.

I shouldn’t care, and yet something in me stirred at the sight.

I didn’t look back as he led her into the shadows, but I felthis eyes rake over me one last time.

A scream tore from my throat, wrenching me from the nightmare.I curled my fingers into the sheets, my mind still clawing at the remnants of the dream.

I tugged at my hair, frustration curling hot in my chest.They were getting worse.

What if one day I don’t wake up?

I shoved the thought aside and climbed out of bed, heading straight for the bathing chamber.The water was cool against my overheated skin, washing away the sweat.I scrubbed hard, like I could erase the feeling of flames.

The soft sound of Mira’s voice drifted from my room, light and cheerful as she entered.It grounded me, if only slightly.

I quickly finished and joined her.She was beaming.

“Why are you so happy?”

She placed the clothes down on the bed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Jasila said I’d be allowed to escort you outside today.”

My heart leapt in my chest.

This was perfect.I could finally start looking for the damn stone.

“What made her change her mind?”I asked.

Was it all the exhausting ass-kissing I’d done?Or had Tavrik somehow swayed her?

Mira shrugged, reaching for the clothes.“I don’t know, but who cares?”

She began dressing me, falling into the familiar routine.I, on the other hand, was already scheming.

Zaheera hadn’t mentionedhowto find the stone.I was going to need to ask her, which meant I was going to need a distraction.

I glanced at Mira.

Theo.

I cleared my throat.“Can Theo and Tavrik come with us?I’m sure Theo would love your company.”

She couldn’t suppress the giddiness that immediately took over her features.I bit my cheek to keep from laughing.

Ahh, the infamous Theo charm.