Page 16 of Third Offense

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Queen Gaia said, gliding to my side as she clasped her hands in front of her and surveyed the horizon. The sun played with her vibrant hair and reflected the natural sparkle in her eyes. “The grounds are well-guarded and away from human eyes, so the elixir isn’t necessarily needed inside the compound gates.”

“And outside?” I asked.

She glanced at me, her smile seeming to slip a little. “Outside our border patrol, it’s absolutely required, so you must learn how the elixir works.”

“Border patrol?” I repeated, shivering with the reminder of the Reformatory and theguardswho had been stationed there.

She blinked at me a few times, then seemed to follow my concern. “Oh, the guards and border patrol here are for our protection and no other purpose.”

I swallowed, nodding. “Okay.” On the surface, that made sense. But something about it felt off.I’ll have to mention it to Novak and Auric.

Thinking of them reaffirmed my need to break through this elixir. They would want to know how to free their wings, and something told me that wasn’t the topic they were currently discussing with King Vasilios.

My father, I corrected myself, shivering again.Yeah, I definitely need a good flight.That would help clear my mind.

“If you prefer more time,” my mother began.

“I don’t,” I interjected, refocusing on the cliffs below. “I want to…” I trailed off as a glint of gold caught my eye. I blinked, then narrowed my gaze at the familiar black and gold wings.

Prince Ketos.

My compatible mate.

The sun glimmered against his incredible feathers, causing my nostrils to flare in search of his delectable scent. But he was too far away for me to possibly pick up his floral decadence.

And it was a craving I shouldn’t entertain.

I lowered my gaze away from him, slightly ashamed at my body’s reaction, only to realize he wasn’t alone.

Novak and Auric were kneeling at his feet.

What…?

Ketos stood over them, his arms crossed, and his wings tucked at his back.

Oh, shit.My heart fluttered.

I didn’t think.

I acted.

“The lesson starts now,” I informed Queen Gaia as I dove off the platform.

And prayed my wings broke through the spell.

CHAPTERFIVE

KETOS

A FEW MINUTES EARLIER

Here we go,I thought, sighing to myself.

The moment Vasilios’s wings had appeared, I’d felt a subtle change in the air around Novak and Auric. They were very aware that we were alone out here.

And they clearly had some things they wanted to say.

But not with words.