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I started to make my way around the room, pacing myself while casually scanning the crowd for Fallon.

I nodded at passersby in a silent hello—calm, cool, and collected.

No one tried to engage in small talk. They either stared from afar or returned my nod with a smug smile before moving on.

I was clearly a subject of interest—something new, something worthy of conversation.

I pretended not to notice, keeping my chin high and a smile on my face.

Behind the dining tables were several hallways leading in and out of the chamber.

I decided to shift gears and make my way along the outer perimeter rather than aimlessly wandering the center of the room.

If I were Fallon—and expecting the worst—I’d want to be near an exit.

If she wasn’t there, I could always work my way back into the chaos in the middle.

There appeared to be two hallways extending from each side of the room, with several doors and openings along their endless lengths. Mathenholm was massive. I wondered if I’d ever get a feel for its layout.

I made my way down the entire right side of the hall with no luck. Where was she? Nico had clearly instructed her to remain with me. And yet, being forced to be my babysitter for the evening clearly didn’t sit well with her. Maybe she was avoiding me on purpose?

The left side of the room was identical to the right. Two more endless hallways—and still no sign of Fallon. I turned and began making my way back.

Keep your wits, Mic. She’s here somewhere. You’ll find her. She’s probably dancing in the heart of the crowd. Remember to smile.

“Ooh,” I gasped. I’d walked straight into a paunchy male. “Forgive me,” I blurted, flushing with embarrassment. “I… I…” My heart stopped. The room around me closed in.

He needed no introduction.

I immediately recognized him as the greasy male seated beside Nico on the dais. I had bumped into the damn steward. An uneasy feeling settled in the back of my throat.

“My Lady,” he greeted, steadying me on my feet.

“Lord Steward, I beg your pardon. Please forgive me—I wasn’t paying attention.”

“It appears my reputation precedes me.” He raked his eyes up and down my body. “You’re the human girl I’ve been hearing about.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.” I dropped into a curtsey, trying my best to play the part.

“Please,”—he reached for my hand—“the honor’s all mine. Join me.”

Linking our arms, he silently ushered me down a nearby hallway and swiftly tucked us into a private alcove. My heart pounded. Why was he isolating us? How was I going to get out of this one?

“You’ve caused quite a stir amongst the houses. And yet, I still don’t have your name?”

“Your Lordship, I meant no disrespect. I’m Michaela Darling Carlisle.” I extended my hand, expecting a formal handshake. Instead, he pulled it close and pressed an inappropriately long kiss to the back of it.

“A fitting name for a beautiful girl. Johan Vellere, Ruler of the House of Rapere. Steward to the throne of Hiraeth.” He bowed his head. “Please, call me Johan.”

“Johan,” I said, clearing my throat, trying to come up with an excuse to rejoin the festivities. “I should be getting back to the?—”

“Nonsense. They haven’t even started serving yet.”

Fuck. Damn you, Finn, for leaving me alone.

“Besides, I’m enjoying our time away from all the commotion.” He took a step closer, forcing me back against the stone wall. His grey, lifeless eyes drilled into me. “Tell me, Michaela, what brings a human woman to Hiraeth?”

He was close enough that I could smell the mead on his breath. I couldn’t tell if he was threatening me or coming on to me. I pressed myself back against the stone wall, praying a hidden door would magically open and I’d be free of the situation.

“I’m in need of a healer.” The words were out of my mouth before I could think of a better answer. So much for simple pleasantries. My nerves were getting the best of me. How could I let that slip?

“A healer?” His gaze swept over me again, lingering too long at my décolleté. “You look like the picture of health to me.”

I froze.

Johan braced one hand against the wall, blocking my only exit. I silently begged one of the beasts who insisted I attend tonight’s festivities to come looking for me. Where was Fallon?

The corner of his mouth curled up while his eyes fixated on my neck. Without hesitation, he leaned in—his nose skimming my skin as he inhaled deeply. “There’s a layer of sweet death perfuming your intoxicating vanilla scent.”

Did he just… sniff me?

Was that supposed to be a compliment?

I remembered Gunner’s eidris. It was strapped to my thigh. Of all the places I could have hidden it, why had I chosen my thigh? Why did they always show that in the movies? It wasn’t exactly easy access.

“Michaela?” Fallon’s voice echoed down the hall.

Finally!

“Fallon!” I called out. Breathing a sigh of relief when Johan quickly pulled away.

“Sounds like your keepers are looking for you. Such a shame—we were just getting to know each other.”

I dropped into a curtsey. “Another time, Your Lordship. I must be going.”

Fallon was just outside the alcove, hurrying toward me. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She grabbed my hand and spun us around, marching us back toward the main hall.

“Finn left and told me to find you. I… I bumped into?—”

“Fucking Johan. I know.”

“You knew? Why did you leave me with him for so long?” I stared at her, confused and furious. “Wait, were you watching me?”

“I have better things to do than waste my time watching you. I felt something.”

I stopped her. “What do you mean, you felt something?”

Fallon sighed. “Intuition. It’s my… gift.”

I stared at her, wide-eyed. “You have powers too?”

“Ugh, we don’t have time for this. Michaela, did he touch you?”

How was I going to explain what transpired? “He, um… he sniffed me. Then he proceeded to tell me I smelled like death. Not exactly a charmer.”

“He said you smell like death?”

“I believe it was “a layer of sweet death” perfuming my scent.” Such an odd thing to say to someone.

“Fucking vultures. Don’t ever let that vile Rapere get you alone again. Do you hear me? He’s a fucking scavenger by nature.”

It was all starting to come together. Vellere. House of Rapere. All bird references. The “sweet death.” Johan was a vulture shifter.

I immediately felt unclean.

Fallon laughed. “That look on your face says it all. You figured it out—he’s a vulture.”

“Why doesn’t anyone tell me these things?”

“Here’s a little tip for you. Whatever you do, don’t watch him eat.” Her face scrunched with disgust.

I raised my brows. “Why? Does he peck at it?”

“Haha, that would be hysterical. You’ll see. Speaking of eating, we’ve got to get seated. They’re about to serve the meal. If Nico’s right, everything will go as planned. Otherwise… remember to stay calm, no matter what happens.”

The Crownspire feast was massive. I had never seen anything like it.

Course after course was served with meticulous care.

All of the cuisine was completely foreign to me, each plate more delicious than the last. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, the most beautiful, glistening desserts were placed before us.

Fallon and I were seated at a table of honor to the right of the dais.

We were out of earshot but had a clear view of everything.

She had been right about Johan’s eating habits.

He ripped and tore at his food with his mouth in the most uncivilized way.

Not quite pecking per se, but close enough that, if you knew his true form, you could see the vulture in his movements.

I wondered if that was why his face appeared so greasy.

“When does the transfer of power happen?” I asked Fallon.

“It should be anytime now. Once the royal family has had their fill, Johan should summon the court musicians to start the ceremony.” Fallon began to fidget with her dress, watching her brothers intently.

“Everything seems to be going smoothly.” I hoped Nico had been right, and Fallon’s concern was only petty gossip.

There had been no indication that things were out of the ordinary.

But who was I to assume I’d notice if something were amiss?

I had never seen a Hiraethian transfer of power before. I had no idea what to expect.

“You think so? Was your little escapade with Johan part of the plan?”

“Well, no. Not exactly.”

“Nothing about this evening is smooth.” Fallon’s gaze swept the room. “They’re taking too long. I don’t like it.”