Page 46

Amari

C arla’s quiet, staring at the waters as we reach the docks of King Amir’s Island. She’s been quiet the entire boat ride, just staring at the water, her mind clearly elsewhere. I hate this silence, this distance between us when all I want is to crawl inside her mind and ease her worries.

I cut the engine and secure the boat to the dock, then step out first before gripping her waist and hoisting her onto the wooden planks. Her hand finds mine immediately, her eyes fixed on the cabin-styled palace ahead of us.

The autumn light is soft and golden, dimmed by the clouds covering the sun.

The forest around the palace is full of red, orange, and yellow leaves, scattered across the ground like a natural carpet.

Beyond the cabin-like palace is a taller, darker structure at the edge of the island—a looming, castle-like building that feels cold and unwelcoming.

I can’t help but glare at it, clenching my teeth involuntarily.

“What’s wrong?” Carla asks, noticing my tension.

“Nothing,” I reply, beginning to lead her toward the royal palace. “I’m just not a fan of the Master Coven. They’ve been betraying King Amir for centuries, yet he continues to give them chances.”

“But Damon remains loyal,” she points out.

“He’s about the only one,” I mutter. “Without a heartbeat, vampires can be cruel, soulless. They have no problem turning on their own just to benefit their personal gain. It’s one of the major reasons why I left to start a coven of my own.”

I squeeze her hand and smile down at her, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ll tell you more later during dinner.”

The royal palace comes into better view now – a massive log mansion that somehow manages to look both rustic and regal at the same time.

The steep A-frame roof is covered with forest-green shingles that blend with the surrounding pines, and stone pillars support a wraparound porch.

Floor-to-ceiling windows catch what little sunlight filters through the clouds.

“I can’t help but admire the simplicity,” I say, genuinely impressed by the structure.

“Yeah, that’s my cousin Anora,” Carla responds. “She’s very simple.”

“Do you have a bond—a relationship with your Blackwood cousins?” I ask, curious about this part of her life she rarely mentions.

“No,” she says flatly. “Anora was born in the shadows, the same way I was born. I thought Anora was a gift to me because I can’t have children of my own.”

I stop walking, looking down at her with a furrowed brow. “What do you mean?”

She shrugs. “I don’t get a period, never have.”

“Does that bother you? Did you ever want children of your own?”

She shakes her head. “Fate gave me Anora, and I couldn’t handle it. I didn’t know what to do with her. So I took her to an orphanage in Detroit and left her there, knowing she’d have a better chance with the humans. I didn’t know it at the time, but I cast a spell on Anora to bind her powers.”

“So, your children can lift the veil they have on you,” I say, the pieces clicking into place. Interesting.

“The veil doesn’t bother me,” Carla says. “I didn’t really realize they were doing it until now. And since I’ve been on Wintermoon, I haven’t needed my powers. I’ve been more focused on fitting in with the community than embracing my identity as a witch.”

I pull her through the large front area until we reach a beautiful set of double doors.

I choose not to comment further, careful with my words.

She’s sensitive about my opinions of Wintermoon.

If only I could get her to see that there’s more beyond this land than restricting herself to an enclosed area full of creatures that despise her for simply existing.

The double doors open immediately upon our arrival. I’m surprised there isn’t any security, but then again, if you’re King Amir, do you even need it?

Carla looks at me with a shrug and steps in before me. I follow close behind, and the doors shut immediately.

The interior takes me by surprise. While the outside resembles a cabin, inside is pure luxury. The foyer is vast, with polished marble floors that shine. As we stand admiring the space, I hear footsteps clicking against the floor. I grab Carla by the arm, pulling her behind me protectively.

“Amari, what are you doing?” she grumbles, trying to peek around me.

Then King Amir comes into view. He’s dressed in a simple black tunic and matching pants, with sandals on his feet—casual attire that does nothing to diminish his commanding presence. His hands are clasped behind his back, and he smiles when he sees us, his eyes bright, fangs flashing.

“Ah, Amari, what a surprise,” Amir says. Before I can blink, he teleports, appearing directly beside me. I bow my head immediately, centuries of training kicking in, but Amir places a hand on my shoulder.

“Oh no, that isn’t necessary from you anymore. You’re practically family now.” He looks around me to Carla, who’s clutching the back of my suit jacket. He bows his head to her, and after a moment, she returns the gesture.

“Congratulations, Carla. You’ve found your fated mate. Quite interesting given your circumstances.” Carla steps from behind me and stands at my side, taking my hand.

Amir turns, keeping his hands behind his back, leading the way out of the foyer. “Come, let’s catch up on old times. I haven’t seen you since before my slumber, and I’ve heard you’ve done some amazing things for yourself, Sire of the Medina Shadow Coven.”

I look down at Carla, who gulps nervously. I smile and kiss her forehead, then pull her to follow after Amir.

As we walk through the palace, I take in the architecture. It screams House of Zorah, the immaculate craftsmanship evident in every detail.

“I’ve been expecting you,” Amir says without looking back, “a lot sooner than now.”

“You seem a bit disappointed by our arrival,” I observe.

Amir stops at a set of double doors, turning to face us with his hands still behind his back. “The life of a king feels isolating at times. I don’t get to go out, have fun...” He flashes his fangs, and I frown at the implication.

The double doors open to reveal a large library, books lining the walls from floor to ceiling. A fireplace burns at one end, warming the space, with a long sofa and two end chairs arranged near it.

“This is more of a family gathering, so I’d prefer to keep this meeting informal. Please, join me.” Amir moves one hand from behind his back to gesture for us to enter.

I bring Carla’s hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her skin before leading her inside.

A beautiful woman stands by the fireplace, holding a little boy in her arms. The doors slam shut behind us, and King Amir suddenly appears beside the woman, gently kissing her forehead before cooing at the baby.

“That’s my cousin Anora, the queen, and their son Solomon,” Carla whispers, leaning into me.

“That’s a very powerful child,” I say, sensing the energy emanating from the infant.

“Solomon is part bear shifter, part warlock,” Amir confirms. “It’s too early to detect his full power as he’s still too young.”

Anora passes Solomon to Amir and approaches us. I bow quickly while she acknowledges me with a nod before embracing Carla.

Anora is breathtaking, with rich golden-brown skin and wild curly hair that frames her face beautifully.

Her brown eyes are warm, and she moves with the natural grace of someone comfortable in their power.

She wears a simple blue dress that complements her coloring, making her look ethereal yet approachable.

“Carla, you have been a stranger. Why?” Anora asks, pulling back to look Carla over with a warm smile.

Carla hangs her head. “I didn’t want you to return Yara and Kofi.”

Anora gives a dark laugh. “Now why would I do that?”

Carla looks up, confused.

“Yara and Kofi are family now,” Anora explains with a wicked grin. “Let’s just say they’ve grown on me.”

“We’ve had quite a few human intruders on the land,” Amir adds, stepping forward. “Yara and Kofi have proven to be worthy guardians. They have adopted Solomon as one of their own, sworn to protect him until their deaths.”

“Yara, Kofi, come see your mother,” Anora calls.

My eyes widen with delight when the enormous spiders join us, magically appearing from the smallest spaces in the study.

Their bodies are massive, each standing nearly four feet tall with legs spanning wider than a carriage wheel.

One has a shiny black body with yellow markings down its back, while the other has a deep brown body with white spots near its eyes.

Carla runs across the study and throws her arms around each of them, kissing and greeting them with the unbridled joy of a mother reunited with her children.

“We not only have humans as our enemy,” Amir explains, “but also those stuck in limbo. At first, I didn’t understand why Mother Fate created them, but when they caught the first spirit trying to intrude upon our son, we understood.

These creatures are the balance of the supernatural and paranormal realms. They give us an even playing field, just as they help humans with overpopulation of certain insects. ”

Amir grins at me. “I know why you’re here.”

Carla finishes greeting Kofi and Yara, then returns to my side, taking my hand. “Come, let me introduce you to them,” she says, but Amir holds up his hand.

“What an interesting pairing. The Spider Queen with the legendary Amari Al-Baqar.” Amir’s eyes flash with amusement. “Tell me, Amari, does your fated mate know just exactly what atrocities you’re capable of?”

I look down at Carla, smiling when she clutches my arm protectively.

“Something tells me, she’d love you regardless,” Amir adds with a knowing look.

“This is not why we’re here,” I nearly growl.

Amir chuckles and looks to Anora. He teleports to her side and takes Solomon from her arms. He leans in and kisses both his son and Anora. “Anora, my love. I’d like to have a private discussion with Amari. Please take Carla with you.”