Page 28

Chapter twenty-eight

I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a boulder. My head was pounding, and my body was still shaky. It was dinner time. Everyone would already be in the main hall.

I chose a tight, formfitting red dress that hung off my shoulders. I pinned my hair up on top of my head, leaving a small piece of purple curling slightly down the right side of my face.

I left my room, still putting on my earrings. As I entered the commons area, I spotted Levos in a chair along the wall. He stood as I approached. I looked around for anyone to save me, but we were alone.

“Everyone else is at dinner, I presume?” I asked.

He nodded. “Eren threatened to drag me to the hall by my hair, but Gen somehow convinced him to let me stay so we could talk. I never thought I’d see the day that Erendrial Lyklor was muzzled, yet here we are.”

I smirked, looking down at my hands as I began to fidget.

“How’s your neck?” I asked.

“Already healed, no need to fuss. Now, my shoulder, on the other hand, still hurts like a bitch.”

A laugh slipped from between my lips. My eyes rose to meet his. My breath caught in my chest at the sight of his shimmering golden irises. The moments we had spent together rushed through my mind. How our hands had explored each other. I pushed the thoughts out of my head.

“Right, we should probably join the others,” I said, moving towards the exit.

He caught my hand gently as I passed. “Evinee, we need to talk about what happened earlier today,” he said softly.

I readied myself, turning to face him. “What is it you wish to discuss?”

He studied my face. “What are you?” he asked bluntly.

I took a step back. “What do you mean, ‘what am I’? I’m a dark alfar, just like the others.” I said without hesitation.

He smiled, closing the space between us with one step. He folded his hands behind his back. “I may be young and not as experienced in some areas, but I excel at reading. Studying history about our world. In particular … other races.”

I swallowed hard.

“My intellect and observation skills have earned me the position I currently hold, though others believe it is because of my relation to the king. Based on your behavior, your appearance, and a few little things I remember so fondly about our … dance earlier today, I have my suspicions, but there’s one small problem. If I am correct, that means our records have been wrong for millennia. Both the light and dark court archives believe your race to be extinct.”

He was close enough that I could taste his scent. He peered down at me, his expression calm. “Even though you owe me nothing,” he whispered. “I would like you to tell me what you are and where you came from.”

I looked up at him, not knowing what to say. I could kill him, that would be easier. Yesterday, I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would have enjoyed it. But now, since I had felt him, tasted him, all I wanted was to consume him entirely. I wanted to know what every part of his body tasted like. I craved to hear the sounds he would make. To watch his face while I rode him to completion. To feel his cum drip down my body. I wanted him … every … single … drop.

He reached out slowly, wrapping his hand around my arm. “I know you have no reason to, but you can trust me. Gen is proof of that. I believe many of our laws are barbaric, and believe it or not, I admire King Drezmore for changing that one specific rule.”

“It’s not that simple, Levos. If you know what I am, then you know there’s a price on my head: not just for being a half-breed, but also for being what I am.”

His eyes widened as I confirmed his suspicions. “A siren. You’re a siren.”

I dropped my head, not able to say it.

“How? The courts called for a genocide of your kind over a thousand years ago. How are you here now?”

“The dark court. When they use to experiment on other races. The crossbreeding projects. My father was a dark alfar. My mother, a siren of course. Instead of killing me when I was born, my father thought to weaponize his … experiment . He would use me for his own political gain. Thankfully, I appeared more like an alfar physically, but when my powers are unleashed … sometimes I can’t control myself.”

“You were born from an experiment?” he asked.

“Yes. Even after the dark king at the time abolished the experiments, there was a small group of alfar who continued the project in secret. My mother had been a prisoner for nearly five hundred years. Once I was born, my father had her killed. She had served her purpose.”

“And who is your father?”

“Orfias Duprev. He died a hundred and fifty years ago.”

“He was a scientist, right?” Levos asked.

I was startled. “You know of him?” I replied, panic rising, along with the anxiety that controlled most of my life.

“I remember reading about him. His experiments and findings were amazing, though brutal at times. He was the head of the initial interracial experiment sector, IES, correct?”

“Okay, it’s freaking me out how knowledgeable you are about my father.”

“Evinee, it’s my job to know everything about the dark court. It doesn’t mean I agree with how your father conducted his business. But, if I remember correctly, your mother is listed as Sophia Duprev, his legal wife. A dark alfar who came from a high house. She willingly raised you?”

I scoffed. “No, she barely looked at me. He threatened her to keep her mouth shut about my biology, and she agreed, but that doesn’t mean she had anything to do with me. She never had children, so there was no need to destroy me and risk the wrath of my father.”

“And how did you end up in Lyklor’s crew?”

“That story is complicated and one I am not willing to revisit,” I said firmly.

His hands rose defensively. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push. I appreciate your honesty with me. You don’t have to trust me, but you are. That goes a long way in my book.”

“Well, I figured I owed you something after I attempted to rip your jugular out. Sorry about that.”

He laughed, rubbing his hand over the spot where my mouth had been. “Yea, that was unexpected. Not completely unenjoyable though, if I’m being honest.”

I blushed, dropping my eyes away from his.

“Is that normal … the biting?” he asked.

I exhaled, crossing my arms over my chest. “We’re not going to make it to dinner with all the questions rolling through that head of yours, are we?”

“It’s not every day I get to meet a member of an extinct race. My curiosity is getting the best of me.”

I chuckled, going over to the servant’s rope, pulling it once. A female fairy fluttered down the hallway. “Yes, Lady Duprev, how can I be of assistance?” she asked in a high-pitched voice.

“We’ll be dining in here this evening. Would you please fetch a few bottles of wine and some food for Ambassador Levos and me?” I asked her.

“Of course, Lady Duprev,” she said with a sharp smile. She growled at Levos before leaving.

“Either they want to bed me,” Levos said, “or kill me. I don’t know if I should be flattered or afraid for my life.”

I laughed as we took our seats around a small table. “Yes, you appear to have that effect on most. Yesterday, I wanted to kill you, then this afternoon I tried … you know,” I said, still feeling embarrassed.

“Yes, about that,” he said. “When you came into the commons area, you were … different. What caused that?”

“That had to do with the deal I made with Phasis,” I started, as the fairy servant appeared with food and wine. I waited for her to leave.

“Did you … did you sleep with him?” he asked, hesitantly. “Is that how your power works?”

“It can work like that, but no, I did not sleep with Phasis today. He wanted me to sing for him. My song … my power can do many things to the neurowaves in the brain. It can soothe someone, make them fall in love with me or under my power, or kill them instantly.

“I have never killed anyone that way, just so we’re clear. It takes a lot of power and control to do that. I can only use a little bit of my power at a time. It takes its toll on me. That’s probably why I lost control today. It’s like a muscle: if I don’t use it, it weakens. But the more I use it, the stronger I get.”

“So, why not use it more? Train with it?”

“Many reasons. One, if I was ever caught, they would kill me. Two, I don’t want to hurt anyone with this curse. Three, when I lose control, it’s hard to come back. Eren’s power helps, but what if he’s not around? I could hurt someone. And most importantly, if I am being honest, a part of me is scared to explore deeper than I already have.”

“What happens if you lose control?”

I paused, thinking back to the innocent males I had killed in my earlier years. “Those around me die,” I admitted. “The siren inside of me takes hold. If I am not in my right mind, or in a good head space, my emotions take over and give way to the desires of the siren. The creature desires to kill. To sink its teeth into someone. To rip them to shreds. It’s my natural instinct to try and kill the lover I have sung to or lay with. I don’t fully understand it, but it’s a bitch to control.”

“So, why am I still alive?” he asked.

“I could have killed you. A part of me wanted to. I could feel my song creeping up my throat, but you tasted too good. And the way you felt. I didn’t want to stop what we were doing.”

He laughed lightly, shaking his head. “Well, the feeling was mutual, if that makes this,” he said, gesturing between us, “any easier. Even the biting part, surprisingly.”

I took a deep drink of the wine.

“Why were you off your game?” he asked.

I paused, not wanting to dive too deep. “I’ve been having some nightmares, and then … Eren,” I admitted.

“You don’t have to say anymore,” he said, taking a bite of his food.

I turned my focus towards him. “You know? I’m starting to feel a little freaked out. You know an awful lot about me and my life.”

He chuckled. “As I’ve told you before, it’s my job to know. And as far as you and Eren, I don’t know the details, but Gen has told me enough for me to put the pieces together.”

“I’m adjusting. I just need time,” I said, trying not to seem pathetic.

“No need to explain,” he said, winking at me.

I thought for a moment. My reckless actions not only affected Levos, but someone else I cared for.

“Oh, Azeer. Vena,” I said, running my hand across my face. “She is going to be so hurt when you tell her what I did.”

He took a deep drink of his wine this time. “Vena and I aren’t exclusive. We’re just … talking. No need to worry her about nothing.”

“Nothing! I basically raped you without your consent. How is that nothing?”

“Evinee, let me make this clear.” He leaned in close, brushing the loose strand of hair from my face. “I was a very willing participant in whatever that was this afternoon. You didn’t rape me and you had my consent and more. I wanted to murder Lyklor for interfering.”

I was surprised by his directness and physical contact. This wasn’t the same male I had dealt with yesterday.

“What,” he said, leaning back. “You look surprised.”

“I am,” I admitted. “Did you not just yesterday call me a useless slut who was only good for one thing?”

“I apologized for that already.”

“Yes, you did. And then within twelve hours, you want to bed me? Talk about sending mixed signals.” I took another drink of wine, reaching for a new bottle.

“My particular sense of humor isn’t for everyone.”

“Yea, I would say insults are not a way to win a females heart.”

“Are you ready for another question?” He arched his brow, swirling his wine in his glass.

“If I must,” I said.

“What do your powers consist of? From the siren side, that is?”

“Physical and mental manipulation, as I’ve already explained. My physical attributes I suppose: sharp teeth, nails, oh, and I physically turn into a siren in water, if I choose. I can also change my physical appearance, like a shapeshifter.”

He looked me up and down. “Show me,” he demanded.

I laughed. “Bossy much?”

“Oh, come on. If you do it, we’ll call the little biting thing even.”

“I thought you said you enjoyed that?”

“I did. But I know you feel guilty about hurting me, so I am playing my hand.”

“You’re awful.”

“Only in the most pleasant way,” he said, holding his bottom lip between his teeth. I couldn’t help but focus on that lip, fantasizing about his teeth and how they would feel around my clit.

I concentrated, closing my eyes and imagining him: his face, the details of his figure, the colors that made up his hair, and those brilliant eyes. The cold magic swept over me as the smell of sea water engulfed my nostrils. I heard his chair scratch against the floor. I opened my eyes to see him looking back at me, astonished.

“Happy now?” my mouth said, but in his voice.

“Oh, Thor, this is amazing. I mean, I knew the dark queen had this kind of gift, but I never got to see it in person. The detail, it’s … it’s amazing. You can even change the tone of your voice? Incredible.”

I arched my eyebrow, running my hand up his leg. “Wanna take you for a test drive?”

He flinched away from me. I let out a deep, gut-wrenching laugh.

“Not in the slightest,” he said, joining me in laughter. I closed my eyes, still laughing, and shifted back to my normal form. The cloud of blue and purple magic dissipated around me.

“I wish you could have seen your face. It was so worth it,” I said, still gasping for air. My stomach hurt I was laughing so hard.

“I’m glad you got amusement out of this little experiment,” he said. He steadied himself, looking at me with a softer gaze.

“What?” I asked.

“Is this,” he said, gesturing to my body, “your true form?”

“It’s my biological form, yes. Why? Is there something wrong with it?”

He sat quietly, not answering my question while he studied my face.

“Okay, stop doing that. Why did you ask that?” I demanded.

“I thought maybe you had created this form from pieces of females you encountered.”

“And why would you think that?”

“Because you’re the most perfectly assembled female I’ve ever seen,” he said, leaning into me with a flirtatious smile.

My mouth gaped open. I shut it, realizing I was beginning to let my mask slip. He wasn’t serious. I felt the warmth go to my cheeks as I fought it. The silence was killing me. Not knowing what to do, I plucked a grape from the platter and threw it at him. He caught it without flinching and popped it in his mouth.

“Mm,” he said, chewing slowly. “Are you a mind reader as well? Because I was just thinking about how good a grape sounded right about now.”

“You are a shameless flirt, you know that? Completely awful. Probably one of the worst I’ve encountered in my long life. And that includes Phasis, if that puts things into perspective.”

He sat back, laughing at me. “And how long of a life span are we talking?”

“You first,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.

“I’m ninety-nine years old. One hundred in the fall. Now you.”

“Azeer, you’re a baby,” I said, bringing the wine to my lips.

“Oh, come on. Your turn.”

“I’m … I’m three hundred and four. Three hundred and five in the winter,” I admitted.

“Damn. You look pretty good for your age.”

“Oh, shut up,” I said, reaching for the bottle.

“Do you not eat?” he asked.

I looked back at him with confusion.

“I noticed you maybe take a bite or two, but you don’t eat a full meal. I didn’t know if sirens ate something different.”

“No, I can eat normal food. And I do eat when I need to. I just … I don’t really have an appetite most of the time.”

“Why is that?”

“That’s a long story, and one I’m also not willing to share,” I said softly.

“I understand.”

“Alright, that’s all I am going to tell you. Enough about me. Tell me something about you. It’s only fair,” I said, folding my legs underneath me, preparing for a story. “What’s it like being cousin of King Fucker?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Gods, I love that nickname.” His smile faded as his face went stern. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

I threw my hand over my heart. “Blood oath’s honor.” I winked.

“Well, my father and Gaelin’s father were in the military together. They were raised by a very stern father figure, so in return, they were hard on us. When I came along, Gaelin was already about a hundred and fifty. He basically raised me. He looked after me and made sure I had everything I needed.

“He noticed my skill in history and my love for books right away. He made sure I had the appropriate tutors and resources to have a happy life. He protected me when my father expressed his disappointment. I wasn’t a born warrior like the rest of our family. Don’t get me wrong, I can kill almost anything—thanks to the endless years of training I was forced to endure—but I wanted to explore. I wanted to learn about the races, about our world, and others. Which obviously has come in handy with our current situation.

“In the light court, I was basically invisible until Gaelin became king and appointed me ambassador. Now, everyone kisses my ass, trying to gain my favor. Can’t say it’s all bad. I get to travel between courts. And I take the opportunity to piss off Lyklor anytime I can.”

I chuckled. “Yes, I am sure he appreciates that.” I leaned forward. “Don’t tell him I told you, but when he found out you were the new ambassador of the light, he was pissed. He told us he had to start actually thinking about negotiations with your court. If you ask me, that’s as good of a compliment as you’re going to get from him.”

“Hey, I may not be a fan of his, but he is one smart and tricky fucker, I’ll give him that. If he was born in the light court, I would have wanted to be tutored by him. He’s that good.”

“Yes, he is. Sometimes too good,” I felt my heart tug slightly as my face fell.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up,” he said sincerely.

“No, it’s fine. Really. He’s a part of my family. Even though we’re in a weird place, I know we’ll always be there for each other. And regardless of my own situation, I am happy for him and Gen. They have fought so hard. One can only hope to have an equal like that someday. Someone who would go to the ends of the world to be reunited with their soulmate. Someone who would fight through anything … even death.”

My words felt heavy. I did want that. Someone to completely rely on. It would be nice to share the burden of this life with another. To know they would stop at nothing to find me. Just to love me.

“Yes, their entire relationship has made me rethink my perception of Lyklor. Gen is happy. That’s all that matters. That she’s alive and that she’s happy,” he said, twirling his glass of wine on the table.

“Have you … ever been in love?” I asked, trying to move away from the topic of Gen and Eren.

He smirked, with a slight nod.

“I’m sorry. If you don’t want to talk about it. I shouldn’t have—”

“It’s fine. It’s in the past. I fell in love. She was in danger. So, I sent her away to safety. End of story.”

“That was a very honorable thing to do,” I whispered, knowing it was a subject I shouldn’t have approached.

“Thank you. I appreciate the sentiment.”

I paused, trying to think of a way to lighten the conversation. Flirting: I was good at that. “So, you’re only ninety-nine and you kiss like that, huh? Must have had a lot of experience in that department. That was some Jestu action this afternoon.”

He started laughing. Thank Azeer.

“I don’t know if my limited experience can compare to yours, but—”

“Hey,” I said, kicking him in the leg. “What in the hell is that supposed to mean, my ‘experience’?”

“Well, with you being a siren, and from what I’ve heard about the great Evinee Duprev—”

“And here I thought you were smarter than to believe rumors,” I said, arching one eyebrow.

He smirked, tilting his head forward. “You mean to tell me that all these elaborate stories I have heard from hundreds of males across the fae lands are fabricated?”

I raised my brows, taking a deep drink.

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” he said, laughing under his breath. “How?”

“Well, first of all, as I have already told you, it is extremely hard not to kill a person, especially a male, during intercourse. So I try to refrain from getting to that point at all costs. I pride myself on not being a murderous siren. And with my powers, I can construct elaborate images and stories in the brain, making my target crave more. Making them believe we were together, even though I only ever kiss them.”

“So, your power isn’t activated without a kiss?” he asked.

“Correct.”

“So, you haven’t slept with thousands of males and females?”

“Also correct.”

He leaned forward with his wine in hand. He hung his head low. “Gods, Evinee. I feel terrible about what I said to you yesterday. No wonder you wanted to kill me.”

“I’m used to it. Our entire family must wear masks to get shit done. I am the whore. Eren is the selfish throne climber. Zerrial is the big heartless brute, even though he has the biggest heart out of all of us. Doria is the brutal psychopath, even though she’s a lover. Leenia is the warrior princess, yet she’d rather be behind a canvas with a palette of paint. The only true ones in the group are the mad genius twins.” I laughed, thinking of them.

“No wonder why Gen chose to follow this path. You’re all … astounding,” he said. “Don’t tell Gaelin I said that either. He would cut off my balls for giving anyone in the dark court a compliment.”

“Don’t worry. I am hoping we agree that everything we’ve discussed this evening stays here and isn’t used against one another. Not everyone knows about me,” I admitted.

“Who does?” he asked.

“Well, you. Eren of course. King Drezmore. Pyra and Phasis.”

He looked at me in shock. “That’s it? The rest of your chosen family doesn’t know about you?”

I shook my head. “When my father died, I burned all my medical records and my mother’s medical records. Everyone who knew of me is … is dead. My secret is safe. It’s not that I don’t trust my family. It’s just … I didn’t want to put them in danger. I don’t want to burden them with another secret. The only reason I told you was because of today. There were things I couldn’t lie my way out of, so I spoke with Eren and just figured I’d come clean. Believe it or not, I think he believes you to be honorable, or something like that.”

He smirked, looking to his wine glass. “Full of surprises that one.”

“So, does that mean you agree to keep my secret? You won’t tell anyone in the light or dark courts?”

He looked at me for a moment, then scanned the room.

“Hold that thought,” he said, rushing to his room. A few moments later he came back, holding a quill and piece of parchment. He began to write with haste. I watched him, knowing what he was going to propose: a blood oath. Finally, he put the quill down and handed me the piece of parchment.

“Here,” he said proudly. “I insist you read it first.”

I took the piece of paper from him, fighting the smile on my face. It read:

I, Levos Theryian Atros, swear to never reveal the secrets of Evinee Duprev now and forever regarding any personal, physical, mental, or biological information. If I reveal her secrets in any form of communication, whether it be written or verbal, I will become her male servant and slave, pleasing her every hour of every day until my heart ceases to beat. If that does not please Evinee, I will be forced to cut off my own testicles and serve them to her in whatever manner that pleases the lady.

I couldn’t help but laugh. He watched my expressions.

“I think we need to add some details about what the male servant’s duties will be. I just want everything to be as clear as possible, so I know what I am getting out of you,” I said, laughing over my own words.

He snickered, snatching the parchment from me. “Attention to detail. Another attribute to like about you.”

“Oh, I was unaware you were making a list about little old me.”

“I do this with every person I meet. Don’t let it go to your head … Now, about the details of my indentured servitude. What shall we include?”

“Hm, how about, all laundry cleaned and put away.”

“Check.”

“Full body massages whenever I want.”

“Definitely including that.”

“Armor and weapons cleaned and shined.”

“Of course.”

“You will scrub my back when I wash, and all those hard-to-reach places.”

“Mm, I like how you think. Got it.”

“And of course, at least three orgasms a day,” I said, biting down on my lower lip. The thought of his mouth on me made my body warm.

He stopped, raising his eyes to mine. “Ya, know,” he whispered, looking over his shoulder. “I might break this damn contract just so I can fulfill these duties immediately.”

I dissolved into another laughing fit.

“No, I am serious,” he continued, chuckling along with me. “This is far more pleasing than being the light court’s ambassador. Better yet—” he said, standing and going over to the servant’s cord. He pulled it once, standing tall and proud. “I am going to break the damn contract right now so I can take you in the room and begin my duties.”

The servant appeared instantly while we both were roaring. “Yes, what can I get you,” she said in her high-pitched voice.

“Wine,” Levos said, in between laughing. “More wine.”

“Right away,” she responded, leaving the room.

Levos took out a knife from his belt, slicing his hand and signing the contract. He handed me the knife and I did the same. He held out his hand towards me. I placed my wound over his, feeling the contract snap into place. When I went to pull away, he tightened his grip, slowly placing his soft lips to the back of my hand, keeping his eyes on mine. He pressed a kiss against my skin, leaving his lips there a few seconds longer than normal.

“You can trust me, Evinee,” he whispered on top of my hand.

“I know,” I replied without hesitation.

He smiled at my response. The servant dropped off the bottle of wine and then left. He refilled our glasses, looking at me with alluring eyes.

“So, would you like a test run of what you will be stuck with if I break the contract, or are you confident that my ninety-nine years of experience has taught me enough to please a siren?” he asked.

“Confident now, are we?”

“I am. But I am also teachable. And I would very much like it if you would teach me.”

“You are absolutely awful.”

“Yes, you’ve said that about a thousand times tonight.” We both giggled, leaning towards each other. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed this hard. I was truly enjoying myself, with Levos Atros, of all alfar. Conversation was easy with him. And for whatever reason I did trust him.

“There you two are,” Eren said as he, Gen, and Zerrial descended the hallway. “We were waiting for you all evening. Phasis and Pyra were not pleased by your absences. You will be hearing about it tomorrow, I am sure.”

I waved my hand in the air. “They’ll be fine,” I said, taking another sip of wine.

“You might,” said Levos, “but I won’t, if Pyra has anything to say about it,” he said, laughing and gesturing to his shoulder. We both roared.

“Well, you … you are delicious. I can’t … I can’t blame her,” I said, gasping for air in between each word.

“What?” Gen asked, approaching Levos’s side, reaching for his shirt. “What do you—” she stopped in horror as she pulled the fabric back, revealing Pyra’s handiwork. “Oh, my gods. She took a bite out of you. I am going to kill that fairy bitch.”

Levos swatted her hand away. “I’m fine. Really. I’m apparently very edible,” he said, winking at me. I chuckled, shaking my head. I could feel Eren’s eyes assessing the situation.

“What is happening here?” Eren asked, looking between Levos and me. “Because whatever it is, I don’t like it, nor do I approve.”

Levos stood, taking one of Eren’s hands and bringing it to his chest.

“Don’t worry brother, I know you secretly love me. It’s okay. I know you admire me, and I, you. Mutual respect,” he slurred, looking at me with a smile. Eren pulled his hand back.

“Did you just call me, brother ?” Eren spat, turning his attention to me. “What in the hell have you two been gossiping about?”

“Too many things,” Levos said. “I can’t tell you half of them, because then I would become an indentured servant.” We both fell into a fit of laughter. Eren and Gen glanced at each other with confusion.

“I’m going to bed,” stated Zerrial.

Levos rolled up the contract casually, making sure not to draw attention to the document. Eren noticed the paper and glared at me suspiciously. Levos looked from Gen to Eren.

“Did anything happen at dinner we should know about?” Levos asked.

“No. Everything was surprisingly mild,” replied Gen, still assessing us both.

“Good to hear,” replied Levos. “Now, if you would be so kind, would you please give us a moment alone?” he asked Gen and Eren.

Eren furrowed his brow. “Ev, I’d like to speak to you when the two of you are through.”

“Of course,” I answered.

They went back to their bedroom, shutting the door behind them. Levos grinned widely at me. He knelt on one knee, taking my hands into his.

“What are you doing?” I asked, giggling to myself.

“Tonight was … unexpected, to say the least. I haven’t had this much fun with a female ever. With you, this is easy. All of it.”

“I agree,” I said.

“I want you, Evinee. I want you tonight. May I visit your room?” he asked.

My smile faded from my face as I pulled my hands away from his. “No,” I said plainly. His smile evaporated, replaced with confusion.

“I’m … I’m sorry. I must have misread all of this,” he said, pushing himself up of the ground.

“No, Levos, you didn’t misread anything. Tonight was wonderful, but you know what happens if I … if I engage in intercourse. The risk we would be taking. And right now, with everything being held together by a thin thread, I can’t risk killing the ambassador of the light court.”

“I trust you, Evinee.”

“That’s sweet, but I don’t trust myself. I … I actually like you. Azeer, I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth, but I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt you.”

“You aren’t going to hurt me. I can handle myself, I promise,” he said, leaning towards me. His hand grazed down the side of my cheek, sliding to my chest and stopping right before the curve of my breasts. My breath quickened. I felt the warmth pool between my legs and erupt as I leaned into his touch. Treacherous body , I thought to myself.

“I … I can’t,” I managed to get out.

“You know what I can’t do,” he said. “I can’t get the memory of how you felt out of my head. How your body felt against mine when I slammed you into the wall. How your neck tasted in my mouth. How euphoric it was to have your teeth bite into my skin. I can’t get the sound of your moan out of my head. I need to hear it again, Evinee. Please … please don’t deny me,” he said, leaning into my lips.

I felt the brush of his bottom lip and knew if I didn’t pull away in that moment, I would be the end of him. I placed my hands against his chest, putting distance between us.

“I can’t, Levos. I want to, but I can’t. I am sorry. I hope you understand.”

He pulled away with disappointment, looking away from me.

“I really did enjoy tonight,” I added, trying to lighten the blow. “I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that.”

“Good,” he said, taking his wine glass back in his hand. “I’m glad we were able to clear the air.”

“Me too. I hope this is the beginning of … a friendship,” I said.

He stood up. “If a friendship is what you wish, then a friendship is what you will have,” he whispered, leaning down and kissing me on the cheek, allowing his lips to linger. He pulled away, remaining face to face. “But know, I will always want more.” He drew his thumb across my bottom lip, then brought it to his own lips, placing it in his mouth before he pulled away and retired to his room.

I took a few deep breaths, calming the ever-growing need between my legs. Azeer, I did want him. I wanted him so badly I almost gave in. But the sensible part of me was right. I couldn’t risk it. I was unhinged at the moment.

I knocked on Eren’s door. A moment passed before he slipped out, taking me by the arm and leading me into my room. He slammed the door behind us, turning to me with worry in his eyes. “What was that?” he demanded. “What game are you playing with Levos Atros?”

I shook my head. “Nothing. I am not playing any game,” I admitted.

“So, what? You two are best friends all the sudden? I don’t like this, Ev. I don’t trust him.”

“Well, I do,” I snapped. I paused, taken aback by my own admission.

Eren took a moment, assessing me. “Are you insane? He is Gaelin’s cousin. Loyal to the light court.”

“And? How does that affect me?”

“Evinee, stop and think. He could use your secrets in a heartbeat to further his ambitions?”

“And what do you know of his ambitions, Eren? Have you even had a conversation with him? Do you know anything about him, besides the fact that he’s Gaelin’s cousin?” I waited for a moment. “No, I didn’t think so. Your princess trusts him. Why shouldn’t I?”

“Ev, you’re not thinking clearly. You’re hurting and looking for someone to fill a void—”

I whipped around towards him, pointing my finger in his face. “Do not presume what I am feeling or how I cope with situations, Eren. Tonight was nothing more than two alfar enjoying each other’s company. It had nothing to do with you, or Gen, or this impending war. I deserve moments of happiness. Even if they are with someone from the light court,” I spat in rage.

He took a few moments, pondering my words.

“I don’t care,” he said bluntly. “You are forbidden to continue any type of relationship with Levos Atros. Am I clear?”

“The fuck you are,” I said, in disbelief. “No male is going to tell me how to live my life. Am I clear?” I snapped back at him.

“He is too much of a liability to this family and to our court. This is for your own good, Evinee. I am sorry, but you will end the relationship immediately,” he said, and left my room in haste.

I took the new vase the servants had placed in my room and threw it at the door after him. There was no way in hell I was going to let anyone tell me how to live my life—especially Eren Lyklor.