Page 21 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

Swallowing, I let his words sink deep. I know this court is not to be trusted, and I know me being here is perilous. But what does the heir know, that I do not?

Kaden moves closer, smirking at my furrowed brow. “It’s dangerous to be alone. Especially in these halls,” he clarifies, talking to me as if I’m an infant. “You should not be here.”

A lick of irritation flares inside my chest, replacing the fear and anxiety.How dare he?

“Are you saying I should not be here, because I am a woman?” I stand, crossing my arms, resolve to stay mute forgotten. “Or because there is unseen danger? Because, at present, there is onlyonedanger that I see and it isyou, heir.”

The rumors swirling around Dark Fae and the heir might be intense, frightening and keep small children awake at night, but Kaden Moorgate is nothing but an arrogant ass. I’ve dealt with enough of them to last me a lifetime.

Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t know he’s speaking to a woman who has magic that could claim his life. I am not helpless—peoplefearme.

That smirk grows. “Ah, so youdospeak. Good. A pretty face can only get you so far in life. A quick wit is more valuable.” His burning eyes bleed out, the whites being swallowed by ink.

Behind him, a wall of darkness curls around hisshoulders, growing high like a wave as they mold to his muscles. They’re a second skin of shadows and sin.

Shadow magic.My heart pounds in my chest, the only drum in my ears that fuels my fear.

The heir has magic—just like me.

Those black eyes, crinkle at the corners, amused. “Afraid, advisor?”

Gulping, I shove down my blooming fear and mask my face into practiced boredom. The one I show the Coven so they don’t know when their taunts, their disgust, hurts me.

“No. Cute trick.”

He chuckles, shadow magic pulling from his eyes, the amber returning, a blinding light.

“It’s more than a simple party trick.” A fang slips over his lip as he moves closer, his signature scent wrapping around my heart. His aura is a blistering flame that wants to consume me. “Want me to show you more?”

Leaning one arm over my head, he peers down at me, smirk irritating me. I push further into the stone, to keep from us from touching.

“No. I’ve seen better tricks from traveling bards.”

Kaden licks his bottom lip. “You’re a feisty little thing, aren’t you?” Twirling a piece of my fallen hair, he tugs once. “As cute as a kitten, but no claws to speak of. Practicallyharmless”

Yanking my head, he drops my hair, smile growing. This Dark Fae is insulting to say the least.

“Careful, heir. This kitten isn’t completely harmless.” I hold up my hands, thankfully not red to blow my secret. “I have claws and they’re sharp. I could take out your eyes. I hear those are sensitive, Fae or not.”

There’s a flash of an amused smile before he pushes close, noses brushing. His heat sears me, and my body, the traitorous thing, trembles, core dampening at the welcomed weight.

I amnotattracted to this Fae. I can’t be.

It’s almost uncontrollable how easily my body sways toward him, ready to submit. Unlike me.

Twin fangs drop over his bottom lip, obscuring his beautiful faceand my pulse jumps. They’re wicked, deadly points and far too close to my throat.

Nessa’s warnings of the Dark Fae hum in my head. Beasts, they drink blood to survive and I’m in the perfect spot to be dinner.

“Clawing my eyes out?” He asks. “In my land, that would be considered flirting.” He pulls back, glancing to my lips. “Considering how weak you seem, I’d love to see you try, advisor.”

The condescending tone rubs me the wrong way. I want to prove to him—show him, how truly powerful I am. How I could let my magic past my shields, grab his heart and crush it, just for him to understand who I am.

Who the Coven hates. Who the Coven tries to ignore.

But that’s only my pride talking. I won’t break my control, not for this Fae.

“Regardless, heed my warning,” he shoves off the wall, as if he can’t wait to be rid of me. “I may be dangerous, but there are worst things in these halls for someone like you. Do not go anywhere unintended again.”