Page 27

Chapter twenty-seven

I woke to the rattling of teeth. I ran my hands over my face. My head was still spinning. It wasn’t often I over drank like that, but yesterday had been especially hard for whatever reason. I just needed to forget and let go of myself for a bit. On a positive note, I hadn’t dreamed during the night.

A warm finger ran down my chest, to my abdomen, and then over my sensitive parts between my legs. “Wakey, wakey, my little lush,” whispered a husky voice. The hand began to rub on the outside of my dress, making my bundle of nerves swell. I let out a sensual moan, pressing my hips up into the feeling. The voice laughed. A nip on my earlobe jarred me awake.

I sat straight up, reaching for my ear. “Owe,” I yelled, turning to see Phasis lounging next to me. He placed his hands behind his head.

“Well, good morning to you too,” Phasis said, flashing his teeth in a wide grin.

“What in the hell was that?” I asked, knocking him in the leg.

He laughed, sitting up as he stroked his hand down my arm. “I couldn’t help myself,” he said, nuzzling his nose against me. “I’ve always loved the way your little body responds to me. And how you smell when you free yourself. And … you haven’t sung for me in forever. I do miss that little talent of yours.”

I gave him a small smile. “I’ll make you a deal.”

He sat up, clapping his hands together, his wings rustling. “I’m listening.”

“If you promise to agree to Eren’s terms today, I will sing for you, sweet Phasis.”

“Blah, not fair, not fair at all. I do not mix politics with pleasure. You know this, Evie.”

“Oh, come on,” I said, holding onto his arm, making a pouty face. “I promise it will be to your liking. You will get to kill things. You love to kill things.”

“Kill? What things will I get to kill?” he asked with excitement.

“I can’t say more, but I would never make you agree to something if it was going to hurt you or Pyra. You know this.”

He pondered over the deal for a moment before exhaling. “Fine, fine, but right after the meeting, you sing.”

My stomach turned at the thought. “Of course,” I agreed, leaning into kiss him on the cheek. A knock came at the door. I rolled my eyes, falling back into the bed. “I’m not ready to be social today.”

“Oh, my little one, do you want me to get rid of them? I can do that, yes, I can.”

I laughed, looking up at Phasis. “Maybe. Depends on who is behind the door.” I sat up, fixing my dress. “Come in,” I announced.

Gen’s head appeared. Her hair was pinned off her neck, her beautiful crystal crown adorning her dark bundle of curls. She looked at me and then at Phasis. “Oh,” she said. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Phasis sat up, his smile elongating across his face. “Oh, you are not interrupting. In fact, you are right on time for dessert.” He licked his lips, looking from me to Gen.

I laughed, knocking him in the arm. “You’re relentless,” I whispered. He winked. “What can I help you with, princess?”

“I was hoping to speak with you alone for a moment,” she replied, leaving the door open behind her.

I shrugged at Phasis. “Sorry my friend, it’s not going to happen today. Maybe in a century, when she tires of Eren,” I said.

He chuckled, his head rocking from side to side as he rose from the bed. He leaned down and kissed me gently before walking towards Gen. “You’re missing out, little half-breed. My tongue can do things your husband’s physically can’t,” he said against her ear.

She took a step back, seeming appalled by his comment. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’ll make sure to relay that to Eren,” she replied.

“Oh, please do,” he winked at her and then shut the door behind him.

I rose from the bed and went to the wardrobe to find something clean to wear. Pants and a shirt today, for sure. I wasn’t in the mood to look fancy. “I have to jump in the bath,” I announced to Gen. “What is it you need?”

“Eren’s been worried about you the past few days. I just wanted to come see how you were, or if you needed anything,” she replied.

“Eren’s a mother hen. No need to worry about me. But thank you. I appreciate the thought.”

“I just want you to know that I am here too, if you ever need to talk. You know, girl to girl.”

I turned towards her slowly, taking in the female that had been chosen over me. “Thank you, but I have friends for that.”

“I know, I’m just hoping maybe, we could become friends as well. Since we share the same family and court.”

“Thank you for the offer, but my friend card is currently full. If there is a vacancy anytime in the next millennia, I will let you know.”

Her face fell in defeat. “I understand. I just wanted you to have the option, if ever …” she said, turning towards the door. Dammit, what the hell was I doing?

“Princess,” I called after her. She turned around. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, I just can’t be that way with you right now. I know you are aware of Eren’s and my history. I’m still trying to unravel my feelings with all … that . So, for now, I just want to keep my distance. It’s nothing personal. In fact, I admire the shit out of you, with all you’ve overcome. But to get personal, I’m just not capable of that. Not right now.”

She nodded with a small smile. “Thank you for explaining. And I get it. I hope in time things get better for you. For what it’s worth, he loves you very much.”

“I know he does; I just need some space right now. Just to figure my life out and what happens next.”

“I can respect that,” she said.

I turned back to the wardrobe. When I heard the lock click, I exhaled in relief. Thank Azeer that was over.

I bathed and went to the commons to meet up with the rest of the group. Zerrial looked like a lost dog, staring aimlessly in the fireplace. I went over and knelt beside him.

“How you doing, buddy?” I asked.

“I can’t wait to get the fuck out of here,” he grumbled.

“Oh, come now, they aren’t that bad,” I replied.

“It’s not that. It’s just …” he paused, running a hand through his hair.

“Hey, you can talk to me,” I said softly. “You know that. About anything.”

He huffed. “I know you think I am an idiot for being with a human, because of how weak and fragile they are; but I’m worried, Ev. How am I supposed to protect her while still doing my job? While fighting whatever is out there? And I know Fi is watching over her back at court, but there are dangers there as well.”

“First, you’re not an idiot. If this past year has shown me anything, you dumbasses can’t seem to help who you fall in love with.”

Zerrial laughed, shaking his head.

“Second, you aren’t alone. We are all here. If you love her and claim her as your own, then we all claim her. She has all of us to protect her. No matter where the threat comes from. Fi maybe quiet, but he is far from harmless. Remember when he and Doria got into that debate about which high lord would attempt to overthrow King Drezmore about fifty years ago?”

We both started laughing at that fond memory.

“He leveled the whole fucking forest,” he said, still laughing.

“Exactly. Now think what he would do if anyone attempted to lay a finger on sweet little Lilian.”

He paused, nodding in agreement. “You’re right. I just can’t think straight when she’s not with me. When I can’t physically see her.”

“You’ll be with her soon enough. In the meantime, I know Eren will need you the most with the dwarfs. You are one hell of an intimidating figure. With all those rippling muscles I so often admire.”

He smirked, gently nudging his fist against my jaw. “Thank you, Ev. You always know just the thing to say.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? One of my many gifts.”

Levos was the last to exit his room. We all turned in his direction. “What?” he asked. “Did I oversleep?”

Fairy servants entered the room, carrying platters of breakfast dishes. They lined the table off to the side of the room and nodded before leaving.

“Shall we?” Eren said, gesturing to the food. We all sat at the round table and filled our plates. Levos sat next to me, with Gen on his other side.

“What’s the plan for today?” asked Zerrial, stuffing his face.

“Flatter them, flirt with them, appease them. The usual,” said Eren.

“You won’t have to go overboard,” I said, pouring myself a glass of white wine.

Eren paused mid-bite. “Evinee, what did you do?” he asked.

“I made a deal with Phasis. He’ll give you what you want.”

“What was the deal?” asked Gen. “Did it have to do with what I saw this mo—” she stopped, looking around the table at the others. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in frustration. It took everything I had not to toss my glass at her perfectly crowned little head.

I could feel the judgment begin to silently pour out from the others. The court whore was at it again.

“What happened this morning?” asked Levos, chewing on a baked pastry.

I slammed my fork into the plate. “The deal doesn’t matter. It affects none of you. Is it not good enough that I secured what we came here to do? Without help from any of you, might I add,” I snapped, standing from my seat, throwing my napkin on the table. I stormed towards the exit.

“Evinee,” I heard Eren call after me, but I didn’t stop until I found a quiet room and an unopened bottle of wine.

“And what do we get out of this?” asked Pyra, sitting next to Phasis. The five of us sat across the table as negotiations began. I didn’t say a damn word the entire time. I couldn’t wait to be rid of my companions.

“Your Majesties,” said Gen. “None of us get anything more than keeping our lands and protecting our kingdoms. If they destroy our kingdoms, they will come for you next. Your court is next in line for its size, resources, and abilities.”

Pyra chattered her teeth, appearing annoyed. “I want ten humans a month,” she snapped.

“Absolutely not,” replied Levos.

Pyra angled her head towards him, flashing her bright white teeth. She launched herself across the table, stopping only a few inches from his face. To his testament, he didn’t flinch.

“I was not talking to you, you light prude,” she snapped. Her nose wiggled as she sniffed around him. A low, sensual moan came from her while she licked the side of his face. She returned her eyes to his, examining his reaction.

“The humans are not a bargaining chip,” Levos said firmly.

Pyra slammed her hands into the table, making a whining noise.

“The choice is simple, really,” Eren butted in. “Either we combine our forces and fight as a united front, reducing casualties in the process, or they pick us off court by court until there is nothing left. The choice is entirely up to you.”

Phasis drummed his fingers on the table. He looked at me for a moment and grinned. “Fine, Prince Lyklor. We will join forces with you and the light fucks and any other race that will fight for the same cause. This treaty will hold ONLY until the rift is permanently closed and all the beasties are put in the ground. Then, we shall go about our courtly business as usual.”

“We are grateful for your assistance,” Eren said, smiling with what I could tell was relief. He slid his eyes to me. I looked back at the table. Eren pulled out the paperwork and slid it across to King Phasis. They both slit their hands and signed the document before mixing their blood together to seal the deal.

“You will stay two nights more,” Phasis insisted. “Now that we must fight together, there is planning to be done.”

Eren nodded. “I agree. I sent a message to my other companions this morning for an update on who has agreed to help us. We should have a response by tomorrow morning.”

“And what of the light court?” asked Phasis, turning his attention to Levos. “Will your territories fight in the war?”

“I have also sent a messenger,” answered Levos. “I am confident our allies will rally around this cause.”

“Fan-fucking-tastic,” commented Phasis. He stood from his chair abruptly, walking around the table. He grabbed my arm, pulling me up out of the chair as he continued for the door. Another hand grabbed my opposite arm, pulling me back. Phasis felt the tension, turning around aggressively.

“Where are you taking her?” asked Levos, still holding onto me.

Phasis stepped up to Levos, chest to chest, pushing him so hard the alfar slammed into the table, releasing his hold on me.

“None of your fucking business. She is mine. All mine. Do not touch,” the fairy king snapped, turning back to the door, pulling me with him.

Phasis relaxed his grip as we headed for his rooms. “Sorry about the aggressive grab,” he said with a devious smile.

“Did I complain?” I asked.

He chuckled, sliding his hand down my back. “You never complain. That’s why I like you. You’re always up for anything. Easy.”

“Yes, I am easy. Everyone knows it,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

Phasis looked puzzled.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Why did the light ambassador grab you?”

“Psh, you got me? He probably thinks you are going to eat me for lunch.”

Phasis chuckled. “That can be arranged, pretty one. Ah, here we are,” he said, pushing the double doors open.

His rooms were just as I remembered. An oversized bed full of furs and plush pillows. A black velvet couch and two matching chairs. Black leather straps hung from the ceiling, used for more experimental sexual endeavors. Lush rugs covered the floor and beautiful dark blue flowers bloomed along the walls.

“Now,” Phasis said, shutting the door behind us. “Time for my song, little siren.”

“Go lay on the bed and get comfortable. Any form I should take in particular?” I asked.

“Mm, the dark princess. Yes, she will do,” he said, laying back against his pillow.

I felt sick. The thought of wearing her face—the face Eren truly loved. I exhaled, now regretting my decision to make this bargain. It will only be a few moments , I told myself. I closed my eyes, holding Gen’s image in my mind. Once I had a firm grip on it, I allowed my magic to flow over me. The smell of the sea and sunshine filled the room as swirls of purple and blue fog consumed me. When the transformation was complete, I opened my eyes and peered down at Phasis. His wicked grin was stretched wide across his face.

“Happy?” I asked.

He clapped his hands together, his teeth chattered in excitement. “Yes, I like very much, yes I do,” he said.

“Lay back and close your eyes,” I whispered, leaning over him seductively.

The monster underneath my skin began to shift. The animalistic desire to kill, especially males, was overbearing, sometimes impossible to sate. When I was younger, the siren part of me took control often. During sexual experiences, I hadn’t been able to stop myself. By the time I was twenty-two, I had killed thirty-eight males and nine females. Not intentionally, but still, I was responsible. That guilt ate at me and sent me to the darkest place I had ever been.

My canines began to elongate as my pupils dilated. The smell of Phasis’s testosterone was delicious. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and opened my mouth, allowing the song of the sea to flow throw me.

The melody was transcendent and tranquil. The sound came deep from within, and Azeer, did it feel good. It was as if I had a ball of tension and pressure trapped deep in my chest. When my song began to flow, the ecstasy I felt was just as powerful for me as it was for my victim. Probably why it had taken me so long to control the murderous aspect of my power.

I leaned down as purple and blue magic drifted from between my lips. I kissed Phasis softly, sending my magic into him, targeting his nucleus accumbens, the part of the brain that controlled pleasure. I pulled away, cutting off the song.

Phasis eyes were fluttering back in his head. A relaxed grin spread across his cheeks. His body was twitching from the impact of my power. Azeer, I wanted to sink my teeth into his throat and rip out his jugular. My nails elongated into thin black talons. My body trembled … I was losing control.

I stumbled away from him, grabbing at my head while I shook, trying to snap myself out of it. I knocked into a wall, turning to see myself in the mirror. Gen’s face stared back at me. My breath caught in my chest. I gazed at her for a few moments, feeling the heaviness in my heart. I hung my head, changing back to my normal form. I looked back at Phasis, watching while his body quivered from my pleasure.

My gift was unique. I created sound frequencies that released endorphins in the brain of my victims, while blocking other pathways. Depending on how I wanted to affect them, I could change my frequency as I sang. I could make them fall in love with me, turn into my slave, or make them trust me fully to extract information from them. I could also render them brain-dead or paralyze them for as long as I wanted. There was a reason the sirens were almost extinct. Other races feared them, with good reason.

I walked out of Phasis’s room, drained and pissed off at the same time. I wanted to kill something. I needed to kill something. And fuck something. And tear something apart. My teeth ached. My gums throbbed, desperate to sink my fangs deep inside of someone. My vision became tunneled. I could hear my heart pounding as my pulse went ballistic.

I stumbled into fairies along the way, trying to stay close to the wall. I kept my eyes down to avoid looking at anyone. My skin felt like it was on fire. This happened every time I used my power, but today was especially volatile. Maybe it was due to my mental and emotional state, with Eren and my nightmares. My control was slipping, and I needed to get somewhere isolated, fast.

I staggered down the hallway to our shared commons area, praying to whatever god listened that no one was there. My ears were humming so loud it made my eyes vibrate, casting a blinding haze over my vision. I tried to focus, scanning the room. One head turned around from the couch as I tripped into the table, knocking the vase of flowers to the ground. I closed my eyes, panting heavily, trying to regain control of myself.

Levos stood, turning slowly towards me. “Evinee, are you alright?” he asked in a deep voice.

I moaned at the sound of his voice, fighting the urge to look upon his tall, lean body. I had never noticed how sensual and delectable his voice was, and Azeer, his smell. Now, with my senses heightened, I could smell the sweet caramel scent mixed with the warmth that he radiated. I took another breath, licking my lips as I noted tones of vanilla. Mm, I bet he tasted good too. Maybe just a quick little— no !

I pulled myself towards my room, making it down the short corridor. I could hear his boots circle the couch, heading in my direction. I managed to open the door, sliding in before slamming it shut. My entire body shuddered with need and desire. A bath. Yes, a cold bath would help. I had made it halfway across the room when I heard the door latch click.

Fuck! I screamed in my head. I turned around predatorially. Levos closed the door behind him, and paused.

“Are you okay?” he asked, assessing me.

“You need to go,” I growled, baring my teeth.

He took a few steps towards me. “Did he hurt you? Let me help,” he said. His words flowed over my skin like a silk sheet. I closed my eyes and extended my neck into the sky, bathing in the tenor of his voice. When I opened my lids, his brilliant golden eyes were peering down at me. I examined every inch of his face. Pyra was right, he was magnificent.

And that smell … warm vanilla and caramel. I could taste it. I inhaled, my chest rising to barely brush against him. I stumbled back from the contact. He lunged, grabbing my arms to steady me.

That was all it took.

One moment, I was looking up into his eyes, and the next … I had smashed him against the wall, taking his mouth with mine. My tongue lashed between his lips, savoring his sweet taste. My hands scoured his body, relishing every ripple of his perfectly muscled physique.

His hand tightened around my waist, while the other fisted my hair, yanking my head back before he began devouring my neck. Azeer, I was coming undone. Warmth began to spread between my legs. I needed him—inside of me. Now.

I pulled him from the wall, needing to be closer, needing to taste more. We knocked over the table, sending all the glass to the floor, shattering it into a million shards. But he didn’t stop. I could smell his desire. I could feel it. I pressed my body against his, feeling his hardness fighting against his pants, wanting to be released.

He slammed me into the mirror hanging from the wall. The glass splintered, small pieces tearing at my shirt. His mouth engulfed mine. His hand slid down my neck and over my full chest. His fingers lingered there as he let out a deep moan that sent me trembling. We knocked over the small table and a statue on a pedestal. I tangled my hands through his beautiful white hair, pulling his head back and sinking my teeth into his neck.

“Fuck, Evinee,” he gasped.

I pulled back, realizing what I had done. I looked at him for a moment, tasting his blood that now stained my lips. Shaking my head in shame, I whispered, “I’m so—”

I didn’t manage to get the words out before he ploughed me into the wall, knocking a picture off the wall. We twisted and turned, consuming each other while we destroyed everything in our path. He felt so good. Better than anything I had ever had. And he wanted me. I hadn’t used my power on him, but he still wanted me.

We were so taken with each other that I didn’t notice the others enter my room until I felt a strong pair of arms pull me from Levos. I fought against the restraint, trying to get back to him. I needed him. I wanted him so badly my entire body screamed.

“Evinee!” I heard Eren’s voice. He sounded far away.

Levos took a step back as Gen turned him to look at her, checking his neck where I had bitten down. She looked at the state of my room, holding onto Levos firmly.

“Evinee, that’s enough!” Eren roared again. I steadied in his arms. My breathing was rapid. I could still feel my heart pounding out of my chest.

“What are you doing?” Levos demanded, pulling away from Gen and looking at Eren. “Get out, now!” he snapped, taking a step towards me. The demand and desire in his voice charged my need. I pulled away from Eren’s grasp, fighting to get to him.

“Levos, leave now!” Eren ordered. “Gen, get him out!”

Levos looked at me and then at Eren, seeming confused. Gen pulled Levos towards the door, and they left the room. Eren threw me to the bed, pinning me there while I thrashed underneath him.

“Let me go!” I whined, twisting and turning.

“Evinee, look at me. Look at me now,” he demanded.

“Get off!” I screamed, refusing to open my eyes. I licked my lips again. Azeer, his taste. I had never had someone so delicious. I was going mad!

A warm citrus scent wafted in the air. It was comforting, but not as delightful as the way Levos smelled. Eren was using his powers on me.

“No … stop,” I whispered, feeling the calming effects of his gift.

“Don’t fight it,” he said gently, loosening his grasp. “You need to relax. Calm yourself. Take deep breaths.”

I listened, breathing in deeply until my heart stopped raging and my canines receded back into my gum.

“There you go, that’s it,” he encouraged. He finally got off me and sat on the edge of the bed. He ran his hands over his face, taking in a deep breath.

I pulled myself up, shame and horror colliding into me as I came back to my senses. Tears began to fall silently from my eyes. “What have I done?” I whispered, bringing my fingers to my lips. Levos’s warm, sweet blood stained my skin.

Eren wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into him. “Shh, you’re okay. Everyone is okay, that’s what matters.”

“I haven’t lost control like that in … decades, Eren. Not since—” I looked up at him but stopped myself as memories flooded back to my mind. Not since I had been with him the first time.

“It happens, Ev. It’s to be expected. We all snap at some point.” We sat in silence, while he rubbed my arms in a comforting manner.

I shook my head. I was humiliated. “I’m never going to be able to show my face in the light court again,” I said.

Eren started chuckling, shaking his head. “Levos didn’t appear to mind your attentions. In fact, I think he was enjoying himself.”

I elbowed him hard in his ribs.

“Owe,” he yelped, as we both laughed.

“Azeer, what in the hell was I thinking? With the ambassador of the light court for heaven’s sake?”

“Your power is effective. Irresistible, in fact. He didn’t stand a chance.” I stared at the floor, pursing my lips.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I … I didn’t use my power on him. I didn’t sing for him, I mean. In fact, I told him to leave when he came in, but he wouldn’t.”

“And the bite mark on his neck?”

I shrugged. “It seemed to … excite him.”

Eren paused, then burst into a fit of laughter, falling back onto the bed. “Holy fuck! Levos Atros is a freak in bed. I should have known. It’s always the quiet do-gooders that are the craziest.” He turned, propping his head up with his elbow. “So, little Atros desires the beautiful Evinee from the dark court. And the plot thickens.”

“Is that so hard to believe?” I asked, turning towards him.

“Of course, not. I just find his behavior towards you when we arrived interesting. I thought he was repulsed by you. Instead, he was just flirting, like some schoolboy.”

“Azeer, what the hell is wrong with me.” I said, falling back into the bed and covering my face with my hands.

Eren pulled my hands back. “Nothing is wrong with you, Ev. You are perfect just the way you are.”

I smiled up at him. “Ugh,” I gasped. “What am I going to tell everyone? How am I going to explain this?”

“If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t. It’s your business, no one else’s.”

“Right, like Gen is going to let this go.”

He shrugged. “I’m not going to tell her. This is your life and your secret.”

I laughed. “You know what’s funny? Gen and I share a lot more in common than I care to admit, being a half-breed myself and all. You apparently have a type.”

He chuckled. “What do you mean? Beautiful, brilliant females with lush black hair? I see nothing wrong with that.”

“You’re intolerable,” I groaned, pushing myself up.

“Irresistible is more like it, but I’ll take the compliment.”

I smiled at him, looking at the state of my room. “It’s a damn war zone in here.”

“I’ve seen war end cleaner than this place. What caused you to lose control? Was it Levos’s dashing looks?” His eyebrows bounced up and down.

“He’s easy on the eyes, but no. The deal I made with Phasis. He wanted me to sing for him. So, I did. I unleashed my power, and I wasn’t in the best head space. My monster took over and wanted what it wanted. I was able to make it down here without touching anyone, but then Levos came to check on me. I fell back and when he reached out and grabbed me, I lost it. He smelled and tasted so good, I couldn’t help but get as much of him as—” I turned to see Eren looking up at me with taunting eyes.

“Oh, please continue,” he said sarcastically. “I am enjoying this immensely.”

“Shut up,” I said, smacking him with a pillow. He laughed, ripping the pillow from me, and burying it underneath him.

“You could have at least killed him for me. It would have been so nice to be down one Atros.”

“Always thinking of yourself, aren’t you.”

His mouth gaped open. “I don’t know if I am more hurt or offended by that comment. Me, narcissistic? Never.”

“Alright, alright. Maybe not completely selfish, but selfish enough. Now, if you are done taunting me, I’d like to try and sleep. That took a lot out of me.”

“Fine, fine, kick me out. I see how it is.” He pushed himself off my bed and bent over, kissing me on my head softly.

“Will you do me a favor?” I asked. “Make sure Levos is okay.”

“Dear Evinee, are we developing a liking for young Atros? First, you want to murder him, then you want to bed him. Now, you are concerned about him?”

“My statement remains. Intolerable.”

He chuckled. “Yes, yes, I will make sure the young light alfar is alright. Get some rest,” he said, turning and taking his leave.