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C laire hadn’t returned when I was done with the cleaning. I was still thinking of her after I had washed up and changed into my sleeping gown. Pacing back and forth, I couldn’t stand to stay in my room, knowing she was in the dungeon.

Devrix had said that he was going to help me get out of here, and while I’d refrained from hanging all my hopes on his words, I didn’t see the harm in seeking him out to help Claire.

I pulled a spare blanket over my sleeping gown. The hallway was silent as I snuck from my room.

I moved to pass the dungeon door, resisting the urge to rush down the spiraling stairwell and save Claire myself.

It would be a fool’s errand. I had no torch and no way to enter a cell if I were to find her.

The list of reasons grew from there. Instead, I climbed the stairs.

I listened carefully for footsteps and voices, then proceeded through the curving hallways and past the familiar markers that let me know I was on the right path.

When I arrived in front of the door carved with dancing figures, I waited, listening for the hum of voices or shuffling of papers from within. Moments passed, I started thinking not even Devrix was inside. I knocked softly.

A long silence, then the door opened a crack before it widened, revealing Devrix with his hair disheveled, a confused expression upon his face.

“I needed to see you,” I confessed.

He smiled as I entered. “Have you come of your own accord, or is this another of Lady Jesmine’s secret missions?”

“No.” I let out a sigh. “I couldn’t stand to be alone in that room another night. I hope it’s ok that I came here.”

“Of course. This may surprise you, but I prefer your company when there aren’t knives or poisons hiding in the fold.” He winked.

“Also, I need your help. Do you know what happened to Claire?”

His playful smile dampened. “I’m aware of the situation.”

“Can you help her?” I asked.

“I am trying my best with what I can afford to reveal, but the situation is difficult.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that there are a lot of facets at play, and I, we, need to be careful.” He moved closer, placing a solid hand on my shoulder. “Trust me Nova, I am doing what I can for her. It will do no one any good if I rush down there and pull her from that cell.”

I nodded. Trust—something I seemed to still be struggling with, after all.

I moved closer, pleading as I stared into his eyes, “You promise you are trying to help her?”

“I promise,” he said, keeping his gaze locked with mine.

“I know we can’t rush down there and get her, but what can I do to help?” Needing to feel something real, some comfort, I reached out and placed my hand on his chest, sensing his warmth.

He placed a hand over mine, holding it there.

“Keep yourself safe. That is what is important now. Try not to draw attention to yourself—doing things like sneaking around in the night, wrapped in a blanket.” He arched a brow at me, then continued, “Although I will admit, I am happy to have your company, no matter your state of dress.” A shadow crossed Devrix’s expression as his eyes flicked down to my gown.

I looked down at myself, slightly embarrassed by the dingy fabric draped over my shoulders, the sleeping gown beneath, falling just above my knees.

“You are a good friend, Nova. Claire is lucky to have you looking out for her.”

“I’m afraid she might be in trouble because of me. She was watching the doors. We were working on a plan.” I blinked, realizing I revealed my secret. But I didn’t regret it, I trusted him enough, and he had confessed he wanted to see me free as well.

His brow lifted. “You won’t be getting beyond those doors without Jesmine’s approval,” he replied. “She has them warded. Only her, or one of her doormen, can open them. And their loyalty is bound by their lives.”

The little hope I had evaporated. What good is having the elixir if we never make it to the Shadow Wilds to use it?

With his other hand, Devrix tilted my chin, guiding my attention back up to him.

“The fact you, yourself, are in a vulnerable situation, yet you still seek a way to help her, is incredibly brave.” The distance had closed between us, his hand still held mine as it pressed against his chest. “I wish I had the power to remove you both, but under Jesmine’s roof, that is not the case. ”

“I know.” I sighed.

“Even more, you said you signed a blood contract.”

“Yes … but I have been thinking. I only offered my blood until the human ward is restored. At least, I never spoke any words about being Jesmine’s servant afterward. Do you think that matters?”

“Hmm.” He nodded. “I think it does. Yes, I can work with that.” The corners of his mouth relaxed. He studied my face, his knuckles traced my jaw. His focus redirected, following his thumb as it slowly traced over the curve of my mouth. “I don’t see it anymore,” he said.

“Don’t see what?”

“The fear.” A delicate smirk skipped across his lips. “Am I right to assume that you are no longer afraid of me?”

Oh, I was afraid. My mind was acutely aware of where his hands were, but it had nothing to do with his Ashlora abilities—and everything to do with how my body stirred under his touch.

“I am afraid,” I began. Glints of silver danced against the deep gray that swept through his eyes.

“But not of your powers. … I am afraid of the feelings I have for you.” My heart pounded with the confession.

All of his features lifted with his smile. “That makes two of us.” He studied me for a moment, then pulled in a long breath and released it. “You may be the death of me yet.”

I said nothing, instead I continued to stare deep into his eyes, as if I could see the true nature of the man before me. For a moment we were both lost, connecting without words, through something deeper.

His hand moved to sweep away a stray strand of hair that had fallen against my cheek. He captured it, fingers twisting, eyes held on it as if it would hurt him to let it go. “I should send you back to your room, but I can’t seem to find the words to do so.”

A reflection of my own emotions was unmistakable in his gaze. Want. Desire. I could melt from his stare.

How could I have ever been fearful of this man?

After the near poisoning, in the darkness of my room, when I thought there was no prospect of his return, I regretted that I had held back, masking my feelings—untrusting of my own judgement.

I hadn’t been able to admit to myself how much I yearned to be near him.

Now that the moment was here, I would not shy away.

Nothing was certain, and that thought made me bold. I felt safe to express my desires.

My hand traced up the expanse of his chest and around his neck. My time as the Offering was limited, and I wasn’t about to waste this moment.

I spread my fingers up into his thick, dark hair and kissed him.