Page 1 of Third Offense

CHAPTERONE

LAYLA

“Auric!”I shouted.

But it was too late.

All hell broke loose in the next second with guards rushing forward to restrain my Nora mate.

Which of course made my Noir mate react.

They didn’t have weapons, and the elixir the Noir had given us on the way here—the one meant to help us blend into the human population—kept Novak’s lethal wings from appearing. However, both males were just as skilled with their hands, going into hyper-defensive mode as the guards drew weapons meant to subdueand kill.

“Stop!” I demanded, grabbing both my mates by their shoulders as a wave of power blasted outward from behind me.

I shuddered, my knees buckling as the energy forced me and everyone else around us to kneel.

It reminded me of when my father—er, King Sefid… who is apparently not my father?—used to take command of the royal court.

A shiver traversed my spine at the thought, confusion playing ping-pong with my nerves.

Vasilios and Gaia were my true parents, yet not the parents I knew. I’d grown up a Nora Princess with white wings, preparing to lead a kingdom of genial angels.

Then I Fell.

My wings turned black.

I went to prison to reform.

And now I was kneeling on the ground before my true parents—the King and Queen of the Noir.

My head spun with the realization, my vision blinking in and out as my father took command and called for silence among his people.

How is this happening? Is this real? A dream? A false reality?My thoughts rioted, leaving me cold and subservient on the ground.What is my correct path? Who am I? Who am I meant to be?

“This is my land,” Vasilios—my real father—said, his voice reminding me of thunder as it reverberated through every bone of my body. “And Prince Ketos is an esteemed and honored guest of my home. You dare lay a hand on him? As though you’re a superior being with enough prestige to touch a Noir, let alone look upon one?”

The distaste in his tone sent a chill down my spine. It reminded me of another man, one who often spoke similarly about the Noir.

King Sefid.

“You’re lucky I’ve even allowed you on my property,Nora,” my father continued, his degrading tone a whiplash to my senses. “You’re not worthy of the air you breathe, let alone the life you’ve claimed through matingmy daughter.”

So callous.

So cold.

Sohateful.

Just like the Royal Nora Court when they spoke about Noir.

Just like my…King Sefid… when he addressed the need for reforming those who had sinned.

The parallels made me dizzy, but I instinctively reached out to rest my hand on Auric’s shoulder. He’d spoken to me in this manner right after my Fall, making me feel so small and alone and unworthy.

I wouldn’t do that to him now.

I would be the stronger one between us. I would show solidarity. I wouldprotectmy mate from the injustice of that tone.