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CHAPTER SEVEN

NOVA

T he commons are busy by the time I grab my tray, and there’s hardly any room to sit. The floating lanterns overhead paint a glow across the long tables, reflecting off the polished wood like firelight on water. Gone are the family-style feasts of the first few days, replaced with long lines snaking toward the serving stations. Students shift impatiently, trays in hand, as they wait for ladles of steaming stew or slices of crusty bread. A fae ahead of me waves their hand over a bowl, the food reshaping into something more appetizing—a clear flex for those who already have magic.

With a full platter of meat, Tai gives me a nod while he finds his seat. As I gather my food, Callum waits at the end of the line, leaning casually against the wall with his tray balanced on one hand. He spots me and grins, his eyes lighting up as I approach.

“Saved us a spot.” He tilts his head toward a table near the middle of the room.

I follow him, ignoring the curious looks from the other students as we weave through the crowd. He’s got that effect on people—too relaxed, too confident for someone with no magic. It’s infuriating and, gods help me, a little endearing.

Perhaps all of his countrymen are like this. Brave.

We sit across from each other, his tray piled high with pasta with some kind of meat sauce, steamed greens, and cheese bread that smells like herbs my mom grows in the kitchen. He breaks off a piece and holds it out to me.

“Try this, it’s grand.”

I lean forward, taking the offered bite. It’s warm, soft, and garlicky, the herbs like a slow dance on my tongue. I groan in appreciation, already reaching for another piece.

A low chuckle rumbles from his chest, and I glance up to find him watching me. “Ach, lass, ye’re gonnae be the death o’ me wi’ sounds like that.” His smile is softer now, less teasing, and it makes something flutter low in my stomach. I focus on my plate, suddenly too aware of how handsome he is, how it makes my heart quicken. The thick stubble on his chin, the way his white T-shirt pulls taut across his chest. There’s so much light in his eyes. And knowing he’s been through so much? It does something to me, seeing him so full of life.

It’ll be a cruel day if the world ever dims that fire—if someone snuffs it out before its time.

Tai sits a few tables away, wings gone but his eyes intent as they scan the room. His spoon hovers over a bowl of stew, forgotten, as his focus locks on us. My shoulders stiffen, and the warmth from Callum’s attention fades, replaced by the warm prickle of being watched.

No matter how much I try to forget that day in Espero, I still remember the way his lips taste on my tongue, and the press of his body against mine, his erection trapped between us. The sound of his groans.

A startled expression flashes across his face, his nostrils flaring.

I look away quickly, but it’s no use. The heat of Tai’s stare lingers, and I can almost feel his attention sharpening. Damn his heightened incubus senses—he’s already picked up on the shift in my scent, the lust feeding him a subtle boost. I force myself to take a steadying breath, willing my heart to stop racing.

“You alright?” Callum asks, worry etched across his face.

I nod, forcing a smile. “Great.” I shovel food into my mouth, eating quickly.

“It’s Tai, isn’t it?” Callum’s words pulls me back, his eyes landing briefly on him before settling on me again.

I nod, tearing off a piece of bread. “Yep.”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table as he drops his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Ye reckon he'd clock it if we slipped away fer a bit?"

The corner of my mouth twitches, but I don’t dare glance Tai’s way. “Probably. He’s annoyingly good at his job.”

Callum smirks, his eyes dropping to my lips for just a second before he shifts back in his seat. “Shame.”

The air between us feels warmer, charged with an energy I don’t quite know what to do with. I’m about to say something—what, I don’t know—when movement catches my eye.

Sylus.

He’s at a table across the room, flanked by a group of born fae who hang on his every word. He has that way about him—like the world moves for him, not the other way around.

Shock flickers across my face before I can stop it. He’s not wearing black tonight.

It’s gray .

A soft shade that clings to his frame in a way that’s almost unfair, emphasizing broad shoulders and a tapered waist. The lighter color softens the usual hardness about him, making him look less like the arrogant thorn in my side and more … approachable.

I hate that I notice.

His hair, usually messy in a way that feels styled that way, looks damp, as though he couldn’t be bothered to fully dry it after a shower, despite the fact he absolutely has magic and I’ve seen him use that spell. The ends curl just enough to brush his cheekbones.

Perhaps he just came from working out or something.

He’s not even looking my way, but something about the casual tilt of his head, the way his fingers toy with the edge of his glass, makes me feel like he knows I’m watching. Like he’s aware of every glance, every tiny shift of attention in the room, and he’s reveling in it.

I tear my eyes away, focusing on the plate in front of me, but my stomach twists—not from hunger—as I chance a quick glance at him. Damn him for being so impossible to ignore.

His plate is untouched, and just now, his head snaps up, his attention locked on me. The set of his jaw, the furrow of his brow—it’s all so unlike his usual smug arrogance. It’s almost like?—

No. That’s ridiculous.

I tear off a chunk of bread and feed it to the invisible creature on my lap. She licks me in thanks, putting her dainty paws upon my wrist as she settles in.

Callum nudges my foot under the table, his expression curious as he follows my gaze. "That’s no' the alpha arsehole?"

There are plenty of alphas at Moonfire, but he’s the biggest ass of ‘em all. It’s obvious who he’s talking about, and not because I was just caught staring at him.

I take a bite of my food, forcing my attention back to Callum, heat in my cheeks. “My roommate, Sylus.”

“ Sylus Creed’s yer roommate?” He leans in, his accent thickening around the name. “Ach, sorry ye’ve tae put up wi’ him.”

I snort a laugh. So that’s his last name. I thought it was going to be something ridiculous, something he didn’t want everyone to hear. But no, he was just being an ass. “I don’t think I understood what you just said.”

He grins, his green eyes twinkling. “Ach, ye’ll get used tae it. Means I’m sorry yer stuck sharin’ a room wi’ that eejit.” He pauses, cocking his head. “Wait … d’ye even know what ‘sorry’ means, or do I need tae start from scratch?”

I smirk, tilting my head as I feign thought. “Oh, I know what ‘sorry’ means. I just didn’t think it was in your vocabulary, Highlander.” I only understand about half of what he says on account of his accent, but I’m getting better at it.

His grin widens, all charm and mischief. “Ah, so ye are flirtin’ wi’ me, then. Thought I felt somethin’ in the air.”

Shaking my head with a smirk, I glance back toward the fae in question. He’s leaned back now, his arms crossed over his chest, but his stare hasn’t shifted. It’s piercing, assessing, and it makes my skin prickle.

Callum reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine as he grabs the bread next to me. The contact is brief, barely there, but Sylus’s expression hardens. He says something to the fae beside him, and they laugh, though his smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

Tai’s chair scrapes against the floor, drawing my attention back to him. He stands, his tray already empty as he moves toward the exit. I don’t miss the glance he casts my way, brief but obvious, before he disappears through the door.

Callum leans in, his words quiet, meant just for me. “Yer guard looks like he’s about done in.”

“He’ll get over it,” I murmur, though the knot in my chest tightens. “He always does.” Even when I wish he wouldn’t, that he would let down his freaking guard like he did in that day. When he let me in.

Callum’s grin returns, softer now as he watches me. “Ye’ve got folk watchin’ out for ye.”

“Comes with the territory,” I grumble.

His leg bumps against mine under the table—intentional—and the knot eases just a little.

Without warning, Sylus leaps up from his seat, causing the bench to screech against the floor. The sudden noise makes everyone in the room turn to look at him, but he pays them no mind.

He stalks toward the exit, his steps measured, and I can’t help but feel like the tension in the room left with him.

“Looks like I’ve got competition.” Callum’s grin widens.

I snort, rolling my eyes as I shove the last bite of bread into my mouth. “Uh huh.” My roommate would sooner see me smothered with a pillow than spread me out on one.

An elitist asshole like Sylus fucking Creed would never sully himself with a half-breed, magic-less fae like me.

Callum leans forward, his elbows resting on the table, a teasing spark in his eyes. “Should I be worried about all the attention ye’re getting, or do I still stand a chance?”

A flush heats my cheeks, but I lean into it. I tilt my head, letting a slow smirk tug at my lips. “That depends—are you planning to try harder, or is this your best shot?”

He cants his head, the playful tease in his eyes softening. “Let me walk ye back to yer dorm.” Before I can protest—or even respond—he stands, reaching for my tray. “I’ll take care o’ this for ye.”

He moves with an easy confidence, his grin never quite leaving his face as he gathers my things. It’s annoyingly smooth, leaving me with nothing to do but follow his lead.

“ Mighty High Princess of the Fae Succumbs to Highlander’s Charms ,” the tabloids would scream.

Fang hops off my lap, but I don’t see where she wanders off to. Probably trying to pilfer more food off the tables.

She’ll find me by the time I’m in bed. Almost always does.

I thought Tai had left, but he keeps a measured pace behind us as we leave the commons.

Callum walks me back to my dorm room, his hand occasionally brushing against mine as we walk. The contact sends little sparks through my skin, and I find myself wishing he’d just take my hand properly. But we’re both hyper-aware of my guard’s presence far behind us.

As we reach my door, Callum leans casually against the wall, mischief flickering in his eyes. “Reckon I’d make it through the night if I kissed ye?”

I feel another rush of heat to my cheeks at his boldness, my heart skipping a beat. Part of me wants to say yes, to throw caution to the wind and see where this could lead. But I'm painfully conscious of Tai's watchful scrutiny boring into my back as he pauses at the end of the hall.

But then he slips around the corner, seemingly to give us some privacy. I don’t know whether I love it or hate it. I hesitate, my eyes darting to where Tai disappeared.

“One way to find out,” I whisper, turning back to face Callum.

A slow grin spreads across his face as his hand comes up to cup my cheek, his calloused palm warm against my skin, and my breath catches in my throat.

He leans in slowly, giving me time to pull away if I want to. But I don't. My eyes flutter closed as his lips brush against mine, soft and tentative at first. The kiss deepens, and I find myself melting into it, my hands coming up to rest on his chest, feeling his heart thundering under my fingers.

It’s just Callum and me, his lips moving against mine, and his delicious scent invading my nose. My fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer as I brace myself against the door.

Then it vanishes.

The door swings open behind me, sending us tumbling into the room in a flurry of limbs and startled gasps. My head knocks into Callum’s shoulder as we hit the floor, his weight pressing me into the rug. He groans, propping himself up on his elbows as I untangle my legs from his.

"Whit the actual shite—" Callum starts, but the sharp bite of another voice cuts him off.

“Are you fucking mad?”

I crane my neck, peering past Callum to find Sylus standing above us, his arms crossed and his glare hard. His hair is damp, he’s in a towel, and droplets of water still cling to his bare chest. So, he must’ve been at the gym earlier. The scowl on his face deepens as he takes in our compromising position.

Callum scrambles to his feet, offering me a hand to help me up, but I ignore it, pushing myself upright and brushing dust from my clothes. My face burns, and I’m not sure if it’s from the kiss or the interruption.

“You have a problem, asshole?” I snap, leveling my half-naked roommate with a glare.

“I live here,” he deadpans, his eyes narrowing as he glances between Callum and me. “Unlike some people. You fucking lost?”

Callum chuckles softly, the sound unbothered as he steps closer to me. "Aye? That right? Need a writin’ invitation now?"

Sylus’s nostrils flare, his scowl locking onto the human like a predator sizing up its prey. “What you need is a lesson in restraint.”

“Alright, boys,” I cut in, stepping between them before Sylus’s anger can escalate. “No need to mark your territory. Callum, thanks for walking me back. Puppy, thanks for ruining the moment.”

Callum grins, unfazed. “Anytime, lass.” After pressing a kiss to my temple, he gently checks my chin. “Goodnight.”

He brushes past my roommate on his way to the door, pausing just long enough to murmur something I can’t quite catch.

Sylus’s glare follows him out, his fists clenching at his sides. The tension in the room could ignite at any moment, but I refuse to let whatever the fuck this was go.

“You done?” I cross my arms.

He turns his glare on me, his mouth pressing into a thin line. “You have no idea what you’re playing at.”

“And you’re not my keeper,” I shoot back, stepping around him to grab my bag from the desk. “So, maybe stay the fuck out of it.”

He mutters something under his breath, too low for me to catch, but the tone alone makes my temper flare. I slam the bag onto the bed, unsatisfied that it doesn’t make a noise at all.

“If you’ve got something to say, asshole, then say it.”

He doesn’t. Instead, he storms toward the window, his shoulders rigid as he stares out into the snow-covered campus. For a moment, I almost think he’s going to leave it at that, but then his voice rumbles through the quiet.

“You don’t belong with someone like him.”

My breath catches, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, I turn my back to him, focusing on the mundane task of unpacking my bag. Let him stew.

One minute he’s acting like he wants to fuck me—no, possess me—and the next? Like he wishes I were dead. Make up your mind, asshole.

Tai will be back any second now, and the last thing I need is for him to walk in on whatever this is.

My phone buzzes from my bag, and I unzip the front pocket, grateful for the distraction. It’s a text from Callum.

Callum

Sorry if that caused any issues with your roommates. I had fun tonight. Let’s do it again soon.

I’m grinning down at my screen when Tai opens the door. I quickly pocket my phone, trying to wipe the smile off my face before he notices.

He says nothing, but seems to sense the tension between Sylus and me.

“Did something happen?” He stalks over to me, crouching down, so he’s at eye level. “Callum just passed by me, and he had a shit-eating grin on his face.”

“All good.” It’s not like I’m going to rehash my kiss with my personal guard, no matter how I feel about Tai.

I can feel Sylus's eyes boring into the back of my head, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking his way. My guard’s attention swings between us, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing second.

"Right." He draws the word out slowly, clearly not buying it.

Sylus huffs. “Caught them practically grinding each other against the door.”

“What?” I whip my head towards him. “That’s a fucking lie.” There was definitely zero grinding, though there might have been, had we not been interrupted.

Sylus doesn’t look smug. He looks pissed. Why, I don’t fucking know, but it’s none of his business.

“That true, Princess?” Tai’s words are quiet, way calmer than I feel.

“What if it was?” I yell. “If I want to kiss someone, I’m going to kiss someone. If I want to feel their cock, I’m going to feel their cock.” Tai’s nostrils flare, and it’s about the only sign he gives that he’s more than pissed. “And if I want to fuck someone, I’m going to fuck someone, whether either of you like it or not!”

The room falls into tense silence after my outburst. I might’ve overreacted, but I’m allowed a little tantrum every now and then. At least thrice weekly.

Tai’s jaw clenches, eyes darkening with an emotion I can’t quite place. Anger? Jealousy? Disappointment? Whatever it is, it turns my stomach.

“Give us a moment, would you—please?” Tai glances at Sylus.

The wolf fae rolls his eyes, but crosses to his dresser, grabbing some pajama pants and heading to the bathroom. As soon as the door shuts, Tai speaks.

“Is that what you think, Princess?” he whispers. “That you can kiss, grind, and fuck who you please, without repercussions?”

I swallow hard, suddenly unsure. The intensity in his eyes makes me want to look away, but I can’t, because I’m caught in him. Like I’m drowning and I don’t want to be saved. “Haven’t you heard?” I rise to my feet so I’m the one looking down my nose at him, despite him being much taller than me. “The women in my family collect their men like we were born for it. Why should I be any different? Callum is hot. And he’s kind. He lets me know that he wants me. Desires me for more than a quick kiss in a fucking closet , that’s for sure.”

His eyes flash dangerously as he stands, towering over me. “And you think I don’t want you?” His words are quiet, just on this edge of a growl.

“You …” I throw up my hands. “You’ve made it pretty clear that you don’t.”

“If you weren’t a princess and me your guard, I would’ve thrown you over my shoulder and carried you away from this place, Novaleigh Drake.”

My breath catches in my throat at his words, my heart pounding so hard I'm sure he can hear it. Tai takes a step closer, his body heat radiating against me. His scent invades my nostrils, and it does something to me, stirring a slow kind of heat between my thighs.

Fucking incubus.

"You have no idea how much I want you," he continues, his voice husky. His words wash over me, igniting a fire in my veins.

Warm fingertips trail down my neck, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I shiver, leaning into his touch despite myself.

"How many nights I've lain awake, imagining your body pressed against mine. How I've had to restrain myself from pulling you into my arms every time you're near." His other hand reaches up, fingers ghosting along my cheek. His eyes drop to my lips, and I unconsciously lick them. "But I can't. I'm sworn to protect you, to keep you safe. Getting involved with you would compromise everything.”

My brain short-circuits.

I blink up at him, the weight of his words crashing into me like a Caspari devouring a meal, knocking the air from my lungs. Want? He wants me? After all these months of distance, of careful restraint, of acting like I was nothing more than his charge? My pulse pounds in my ears, drowning out everything but the heat in his gaze, the ghost of his fingers on my skin.

It doesn’t add up.

“That doesn’t even make any sense.”

“After Espero, your brother forced me to make a fae deal to never kiss you again."

I can't breathe. Can't think. “Bennett did what?” Betrayal scalds my insides as my lungs constrict.

“He saw how I felt about you.” Tai’s fingers curl against my cheek. “And he wanted to make sure I wouldn’t act on it. Said it was for your own protection, that I was a distraction you couldn’t afford.”

Horror and understanding war for top place in my mind. If you break a fae deal, it kills you.

“But …” I struggle to find words, my mind reeling. “He had no right to do that.” Anger and hurt battle within me, threatening to spill over. “He can’t control my life like that. Or yours.”

His eyes soften, but his jaw remains tight as his thumb brushes across my lips. “He’s heir to the throne, Nova. He can do whatever he wants. And if I objected, he would’ve ensured I got reassigned. He’s doing it to protect you, and I can’t say I blame him, because I would’ve folded that very night. Would’ve made you mine.”

I lean into Tai's touch, my eyes fluttering closed for a moment as I savor the warmth of his hand against my cheek, willing away the tears that want to spill. When I open them again, his gaze is intense, filled with longing and conflict.

“So, what do we do?” I whisper.

Tai’s hand trembles against my cheek. “I don’t know,” he breathes, his forehead coming to rest against mine. "I can't lose you," he murmurs, his breath warm against my lips. "But I can't betray my oath, either."

I slide my hands up his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palms. "There has to be a way," I insist. “I’ll talk to my brother.”

He purses his lips. “So, he can have me reassigned?”

I pull back, frustration bubbling up inside me. "So, we just do nothing? Accept that my brother has stolen our chance at being together?”

His eyes soften as his thumb snags on my bottom lip. “Maybe, over time, we can convince him to renege on the fae deal.”

“And until then?” I whisper.

He sighs. “Until then, you live your life. You do well in school, you date, you have fun.”

“And you?” Tears sting my eyes.

“I’ll be here, watching over you. Protecting you. It’s my duty, after all.”

Tai's words cut deep, and I feel my heart fracture. The idea of him watching me live my life, date other people, while he remains bound by duty and an impossible oath ... it's unbearable.

“What if you resigned?” I grip his shirt.

He huffs. “And then what?” He gives me a sad smile. “Be kicked off campus because I’ve already graduated and have no reason to be here? I’ve been out of school for six years now.” Tai shakes his head, his eyes pained. “I’d never seen you again. At least this way …”

His voice trails off, but I understand. At least this way, we can still be near each other, even if we can’t be together. And in the meantime, I’m going to stab my brother.

Tai and I spring apart when Sylus emerges from the bathroom, a towel slung over his shoulder, his hair damp but no longer dripping. He’s shirtless, the lines of his chest and abs sharply defined, every movement a strong, fluid kind of grace befitting a fae born alpha. His sweatpants ride low on his hips, revealing just enough to make my stomach tighten in ways I don’t care to admit.

My stare flicks up, but not fast enough to miss the faint smirk tugging at his mouth—like he caught me looking and is already filing it away for ammunition later. Heat rises in my face, and I hope the shitty lighting hides it.

Nope, nope. He didn’t miss it. He raises a brow at us, but trudges over to his bed before pulling back his covers and climbing in.

Sylus extinguishes his fae light, plunging us into darkness.

I lean in, placing my lips against Tai’s cheek, letting them linger there for a moment longer than necessary. His breath catches, and I feel his hand twitch at his side, as if fighting the urge to pull me closer.

“Goodnight,” I whisper.

“Goodnight, Nova.”

His heat leaves me as he steps away, my heart heavier than ever at our impossible situation. I should shower, but can’t drag myself to the bathroom when all I want to do is scream and rage.

So instead, I settle for the only thing I have the energy to do. I grab my phone, thumbs flying across the keyboard as I shoot off a text to my sister, Rose, before plugging it back into its charger on my nightstand. She’s likely already asleep, but she’ll see it in the morning.

Do you know how to undo a fae deal?

I peel out of all my clothes before grabbing something from my top drawer and yanking it over my head, letting the fabric settle over my bare skin. Crawling into bed, I pull the covers up to my chin, trying to ignore the ache in my chest.