Page 200 of Cursed Evermore

Perhaps when I saw her again, we could talk about her disagreement with Wolfe. I didn’t want things to become more awkward with her secrecy.

“I don't know if I could ignore the dragon's song if I hear it again,” I muttered, pushing Zyrra out of my mind for now.

“Come and find me the next time you hear them.”

“Is that supposed to be some kind of joke?” I smirked. “I canneverfind you.”

That smooth-as-silk grin returned to his handsome face. “You'll figure it out, mage.”

I raised my brows. “How?”

“You just will.” As his grin widened, his fangs lengthened again, and a pang of desire shot through me.

“Your teeth... They're long again. Tell me what it means?”

It had to be something sexual. I suspected that on the ship but I wanted to know for certain.

He leaned forward and lifted a lock of my hair between his fingers, the touch so gentle it sent shivers down my spine. While he twirled my hair around his finger, he held my gaze with predatory intensity. The simple touch made every nerve in my body come alive in ways that only happened with him.

“You'll figure that out, too.” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper that made my pulse race.

He released my hair with another smile, then leaned against the wall with that casual dominance that made him look so captivating. His bare chest rose and fell with each breath like sin wrapped in shadows and ink. Every line of muscle emphasized dangerous beauty that made it impossible to look away.

It wasn't until he snapped his fingers and the sharp click of the door unlocking echoed through the room that I broke free of the dangerous trance I'd fallen into.

“Get some breakfast.” He dipped his head. “Arielle will be along to fetch you soon.”

“Alright. I’ll see you later.”

“Later.”

I took a quick breath, tore my eyes away from him, and walked through the door.

He kept his gaze on me. A few steps down the corridor, I glanced back. Wolfe stood in his doorway, arms crossed, still watching me.

I continued on, feeling different.

Different like... I wasn't a prisoner anymore. And like I'd become something else to him. Somethingmore.

Wolfe Nightblade had become something more to me, too.

Part Three

Velastra

Chapter 39

Elariya

“The Halls of Hyxian”

Nothing could have prepared me for my visit to Hyxian. Even my wildest dreams hadn't captured the breathtaking magnificence of this place.

The academy rose from Galaythia's cliffs like a crown of silver and glass, its spiraling towers reaching toward the heavens. Built from pale moonstone that shimmered with inner luminescence, the ancient castle glowed against the dark ocean below.

Gargoyles perched along the battlements, their stone eyes following visitors as they passed. Crystalline bridges connected the floating towers, curving through the air in impossible arcs. Moving staircases of pure light shifted between levels at will, and gardens of radiant flowers surrounded the school, their petals glowing blue and violet like perpetual twilight.

Inside, the beauty and wonder only intensified. A Great Hall dominated the academy's center, its domed ceiling made entirely of enchanted glass that showed not the sky above, but visions of distant realms and swirling galaxies. Long tablescarved from single pieces of starwood stretched across the floor, where students gathered for meals that appeared with a mere thought. Floating candles drifted overhead like fallen stars, casting dancing shadows on the ancient tapestries that lined the walls.