Page 17 of Twisted Souls (Twisted Souls #1)

Zara

Hours had passed, each one dragging slower than the last as I wrestled with Xavier’s blasted barrier on his door. After countless failed attempts, I finally gave up and collapsed onto his bed. My mind whirled with all the satisfying ways I’d like to kill him, and I smiled at the thought of smothering him with a pillow while he slept.

A light popping sound broke the silence, and I sat up, startled, to find a plate of bread and cheese now sitting on the night table. Scowling, I grabbed the plate and hurled it at the door with more force than necessary.

The plate shattered against the barrier, its contents spilling toward the floor. But before it could hit the ground, it vanished into thin air. I stared, blinking at the spot where it had disappeared, then narrowed my gaze at the wall. Stupid magic castle.

A soft clinking sound caught my attention, and I turned to see a bowl of soup now sitting on the table in its place. With a sigh, I dropped back onto the bed, crossing my legs as I tried to ignore the growing hunger gnawing at my stomach.

I was still starving and as the minutes passed, I peered into the bowl reluctantly. It appeared to be some sort of vegetable soup, the smell making my mouth water. My stomach growled as if in agreement and I sighed heavily.

With a muttered grumble, I picked up the bowl and gave in. As I ate, I wondered if it was Xavier or the castle that was providing me with the food, but the door creaked open, interrupting my thoughts.

I tensed, expecting Xavier, but instead, a plump, older woman peeked in. Her eyes met mine briefly before she disappeared into the hallway again. A second later, the door widened, and she stepped into the room, wheeling in a rack full of clothes.

The woman had sharp, high cheekbones, and she wore her dark hair twisted tightly into intricate curls against her scalp. A strip of blue fabric wrapped around her head, blending seamlessly with her hair. Her sharp black eyes peered at me from behind tiny lenses that perched precariously on her crooked nose, giving her a stern, almost analytical expression—as if she were weighing my worth with every glance.

I squirmed under her scrutiny. She was shorter than me by at least a head, but the way she carried herself made it feel like she was taller. Her light blue sweater was tucked into a long black skirt, and the simplicity of her clothes contrasted with the ornate golden charms clinging to her hair. With each step, the charms gave a soft chime, almost musical.

“So, you are the girl, are you?” Her voice was sharp, carrying an air of authority that made me sit up straighter.

My muscles tensed, and instinctively, I lifted my chin in defiance. “I am not the girl,” I replied, setting the bowl of soup on the nightstand before swinging my legs off the bed and standing. “You may call me Zara.” The way her eyes narrowed, followed by a small, dismissive huff, made it clear she wasn’t impressed.

Silence hung between us, thick and uncomfortable.

“And who, may I ask, are you?” I said into the silence, my gaze steady.

Her lips twitched as though she found my question mildly amusing. “My name is Tia, but you can call me Ms. Tia,” she said, tugging at the clothing rack and dragging it further into the room. “His Majesty wanted me to gather some clothes for you, and as I had no idea what you looked like, I brought a bit of everything.” Her eyes raked over me, head to toe, before sighing and turning back to the rack of clothes behind her, rummaging through the hangers.

I shot her a reproachful look, sighing softly as she continued her task. Ms. Tia seemed to be evaluating each piece of clothing with careful scrutiny, her expression never betraying what she truly thought before either discarding it or yanking it into her arms.

I watched the rhythmic motions, tempted to offer help but knowing it would probably come off as an insult. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman who appreciated unnecessary assistance.

So, I waited, feeling slightly awkward just standing there, unsure of where this was going. After several minutes, she turned to me, her arms piled high with clothing. Without a word, she brushed past me, spread the clothes out on the bed, and turned to face me.

Now that she was closer, I couldn’t help but notice how stunning she was. In fact, everyone here seemed gorgeous.

Her sharp gaze lowered again through those tiny glasses. “You're skinny,” she said bluntly. I couldn’t tell if she had another tone or if this was simply how she spoke.

“Sorry?” I said, not knowing what else to say to that.

“Night clothes, day clothes, and a gown for tonight,” she said, her hands sweeping over the garments as she listed them off. Ms. Tia gave me another once-over. Her assessment apparently incomplete. She returned to the rack, grabbed a box from the bottom, and set it near my feet. “Shoes and accessories are in there. If there's any issue with anything, inform Xavier. I'll handle it from there.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Ms. Tia grabbed the rack and began backing it, and herself, toward the door.

“Ms. Tia?” I called after her, making her stop mid-step. Her hand rested on the door, and she turned just enough to meet my gaze.

“Thank you,” I said, and her stern expression seemed to soften. She gave the slightest nod before turning away and slipping out the door.

I took in the clothes on the bed and smiled, a sense of relief washing over me. I stripped out of my ill-fitting clothes, ready to be rid of them.

I stood there for a moment, admiring the assortment Ms. Tia had left for me. Lacy undergarments, each piece seemingly crafted by Mother Nature herself, were paired with the outfits, a perfect match for every color and fabric. I was mesmerized by the attention to detail, the delicate lace appearing as though it had been spun from silk and starlight.

I was unsure when these so-called festivities would begin, and my hand instinctively reached for a simple blue gown. The undergarments that came with it swirled like ocean waves, so light and intricately woven that I found myself wishing Ms. Tia was still here so that I could ask how something so delicate was made.

As I picked up the lace, still marveling at its detail, the door behind me swung open suddenly. My heart leapt into my throat as I whirled around, clutching the lace to my chest.

Xavier had stormed in, his eyes widening as they swept over my naked body.

“Fuck,” he gritted out, his voice a strained mix between a curse and something dangerously close to a moan. Xavier spun around abruptly, facing the open door. He hurriedly slammed it shut, his palm pressing firmly against the frame, the muscles in his back tensing visibly.

I couldn’t resist. “Never seen a naked woman before, Your Majesty?” I asked, my tone smug as I tossed his words back at him, grinning at how he stiffened in response. He didn’t reply, but stayed glued to his spot at the door.

I quickly slipped into the blue undergarments and grabbed a robe from the pile Ms. Tia had provided. The fabric was soft in my hands, a deep emerald silk embroidered with intricate black swirls. I ran my fingers over the delicate stitching, unable to suppress a small smile. “This is beautiful,” I murmured, walking over to a mirror on the wall and admiring the robe.

“Beautiful indeed,” Xavier said, and I turned to find him watching me, his eyes lingering as his gaze swept over me again. There was a flush creeping up his cheeks that caught me off guard. Was he blushing?

“My guests will be arriving soon,” Xavier began, “and as much as I would enjoy you in your current clothing, you should put on the gown.” His lips curled into a smirk, the kind that always made me want to punch him.

I scowled at him. “Pig.”

That only fueled his wicked grin, and, to my utter frustration, he winked at me. My cheeks heated in response, something twisting uncomfortably in my stomach. A sharp sting of pain shot down my right arm, and I flinched at the sudden sensation.

Xavier’s grin vanished instantly, his eyes narrowing as he noticed my discomfort. His brow furrowed in genuine concern. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone unexpectedly soft.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” I bit out, the words sharper than I intended. His gaze lingered warily as if he didn’t quite believe me. Why did he even care? I was his prisoner, after all. I forced a tight smile. “Is that all, Your Majesty? If so, I'd like to start getting ready.”

His face hardened, the fleeting moment of concern gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Without another word, Xavier turned but paused at the door, his hand resting on the frame. “I'll be back in an hour.” His voice was clipped, and the door clicked shut behind him.

Why did my body keep reacting to him like that? I hated how easily he got under my skin.

I wished Jaxon were here. Just the thought of him twisted something deep inside me, and a wave of nausea rolled over me. How had I become so defenseless, stuck here in this cursed place? I was barely beginning to grasp what was happening to me, and now, I was trapped in the very place I feared being trapped.

I thought about my parents and how they would handle this situationandlaughed darkly. They wouldn’t show fear or emotions and would do whatever it took to survive, and I needed to do the same.

An hour later, Xavier knocked on the door.

I had put on the delicate gown Ms. Tia had given me, and it put our seamstress to shame. The dress was made of iridescent black silk, with delicate strands of silver and dark green woven throughout. They branched off like leafy vines throughout the dress, creating a striking contrast of light and shadow. The sleek silhouette draped over my figure and hugged my every curve.

The neckline plunged subtly between my breasts while the back dipped into a daring V-shape, exposing the majority of my back. Sheer panels were sown throughout the gown, revealing skin in all the right places.

It was breathtaking.

My hair hung loose over my shoulders, pinned on both sides with hair combs Ms. Tia had provided. Made of opulent white stone, they stood out against my chestnut brown hair.

I rolled my eyes at the sound of another knock at the door and shouted for Xavier to enter.

I didn’t think he could look even more handsome than before, but he did, and I cursed myself for thinking it.

My breath caught as he swaggered his way into the room. The jacket he wore was a deep obsidian hue, adorned with emerald specks that looked like constellations spread across the fabric.

Underneath a black silken shirt, hugged his frame. The top few buttons undone, revealing a sliver of his chest. The buttons seemed to glint with a silvery glow and appeared to be in the shape of an owl.

His pants matched his jacket and clung to his powerful thighs, each movement causing a ripple of muscle beneath the material.

Xavier stopped walking the moment his gaze landed on me. He seemed frozen, his eyes widening slightly, their emerald depths darkening as they slowly drifted down my body, taking in every detail of the sheer material. His throat bobbed as he swallowed thickly, his expression softening as his emerald gaze met mine again.

It looked like he was about to say something, but then a cough rang out behind him.

Julian strolled into the room, his eyes landing on me and smiling broadly. “Oh my, Zara, you look stunning!” Julian hit Xavier in the arm as he walked past, not noticing Xavier's irritation at the interruption. “Doesn’t she look stunning, Xavier?” Julian said, still beaming at me.

I smiled softly at Julian and cleared my throat, greeting him. “You look quite handsome yourself.”

He did. He wore a striking crimson jacket over matching crimson pants. A white shirt was buttoned underneath and ruffled slightly in the middle. Small silver stars were stitched throughout the jacket, shimmering in the light as he walked, coming to my side.

“Shall we?” He stuck out his arm for me, and I took it as he led us out of the room and into a hallway. Xavier made some sort of irritated noise behind us before following us out the door and striding ahead of us.

“Is he always in a mood?” I asked Julian quietly, trying to keep my tone light. Julian shot me a stern look.

“Yes, unfortunately. We’ve tried to get that stick out of his—” Julian’s words were abruptly cut off as Xavier spun around. With a swift, forceful shove, Xavier sent Julian stumbling backward.

A large, mischievous grin flashed across Julian’s face, and his snickering laugh echoed from behind us as Xavier’s arm took Julian’s place, firmly guiding me back down the hall.

I hid a smile behind my hand, laughing softly at the interaction, and Xavier’s jaw ticked with barely concealed irritation.

I followed his lead as we descended a stairwell, the soft patter of our footsteps mingling with Julian’s continued quiet chuckles.

As we reached the bottom, we emerged to the left of a grand entryway. It was similar to the ballroom where Jaxon and I had appeared the other night. Obsidian marble floors and pillars shined under a large chandelier, and an enormous staircase sat in front of floor-to-ceiling iron doors I could only presume led to the front of the castle.

Theo stood by the grand staircase, now dressed in a buttoned-up white shirt and navy pants. A matching navy jacket was thrown over one shoulder, and at the sight of us, he quickly started to put it on. At first glance, the pants seemed ill-fitting, but I quickly realized they were tailored to conceal the weapons he probably had strapped underneath.

Next to him, Dedra wore a matching navy gown. Her neckline came down in a sharp v to her navel, and the dress split at the left leg, revealing a dagger that was strapped to her thigh. Her hair was still braided, but no longer pinned in a bun; instead, it hung over her shoulder to her nearly exposed chest.

Gods, she was beautiful and fierce. Why hadn’t she and Xavier gotten together? They would make a formidable couple. The thought angered me, but I didn’t know why. If they were together, it shouldn’t bother me. I was with Jaxon, and Xavier's lovers shouldn’t be any concern of mine.

The thought of Jaxon cooled the fire that had ignited within me, and I shifted uneasily, drawing Xavier's gaze down to mine. “You have nothing to be nervous about,” he said, and his eyes held a swirl of promise that made my heart clench. I nodded, trying to steady my fluttering pulse as we neared the others. Trust was my only option right now.

Xavier released my arm and strode to the doors, pushing them open with a determined shove. Julian slid beside me, nudging me lightly with his shoulder in a playful gesture. I met his grin with a shy smile, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly.

My eyes flickered over to Dedra, who avoided my gaze, and I watched as she wandered to Xavier’s side. Her fingers brushed against his arm, and a jolt of unease surged through me. Had I been right to think they were together? It would explain her hostility towards me.

I turned to Theo, whose wide, enthusiastic smile was like a beacon of warmth as he waved at me in greeting.

Thunder boomed in the distance, and we all followed Xavier outside to greet his guests.

A storm loomed on the horizon, and the air was heavy with the promise of rain. The sky crackled with lightning as a massive carriage rumbled through the large iron gate, descending the steep hill ahead of us. I walked to Julian's side, seeking comfort near him as we waited.

The carriage was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was sculpted to look like a monstrous winged creature, its wings curving upward to form the carriage's body. It was pulled as if by an invisible force and was crafted from smooth, polished wood. The creature's head jutted out in front, leading the way, its mouth open in an angry roar.

Xavier appeared at my side, his hand resting on the small of my back. The touch of his palm was warm against my bare skin, and I took a sharp breath from the sudden sensation. He guided me with a subtle pressure, nudging me a few feet away from the others, and stopped with me at his side.

What was he doing? I couldn’t greet his guests with him; that was insane. I should go back to Julian. I started to back away, but the pressure of his hand against my back was firm.

Xavier leaned down toward me. “Stop trying to back away,” Xavier murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

“I should stand with the others. I’m your prisoner,” I huffed, my voice edged with frustration as I made another attempt to retreat.

His hand, however, remained firm, anchoring me to his side. “You are where you should be,” Xavier replied, his gaze fixed ahead as the grand wooden carriage came to a halt before us.

“It’s a sea dragon,” Xavier whispered again into my ear. The intimate proximity made my skin prickle. “They are presumed extinct.” So, it wasn’t wings but fins.

A sadness washed over me at knowing they were extinct, but before I could ask why, Xavier continued.

“Lord Gunnar hails from my southernmost territory, Niverrian. It’s a land of pirates and weavers.” He paused, noting the confusion on my face. “Weavers are spell crafters and what you’d call healers in your land. Their villages are carved into the sea cliffs, overlooking the Nexian Sea.”

I turned my head slightly, looking up into his emerald eyes, wanting him to tell me more.

“Gunnar is the oldest of our kind, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him,” Xavier said, his mouth lifting at its edges before leaning away.

We both straightened as the creature’s fin started to lower, creating a ramp to the ground.

A plump older man beamed down at us from his seat. He stood and walked down the ramp, four others trailing behind him. His cerulean travel cloak fluttered as he moved, and I spotted gold and blue trinkets that clinked together hidden beneath.

His dark complexion was flawless, a rich mahogany, and his ocean-blue eyes sparkled as he looked at us all with a bright smile. Thick, long, graying hair fell to his mid-chest wrapped in golden metal, that seemed to chime as he walked.

Lord Gunnar bowed deeply, then threw his arms open wide as he approached Xavier. They shared a hug so intense it looked like it could crush bones. Xavier’s face lit up with a grin, and it was the first time I had seen genuine joy enter his features.

“Xavier, my boy! How are you? Good to see you, good to see you!” Gunnar’s deep, velvety voice rumbled.

I offered a soft smile when his gaze shifted to mine, and his gaze lingered briefly before returning it to Xavier. “Where’s that brother of yours? I’ve got a debt to settle from an old card game.” Gunnar chuckled, his eyes scanning the area. “Think I could trick him into another game?” His smile widened, but his grin faltered slightly as he studied Xavier’s face more closely.

“My brother won’t be joining us this visit,” Xavier said, his face shifting to a neutral mask. Gunnar’s brow lifted in curiosity, but he let it go without pressing further.

“Right, well, maybe you and I can squeeze in a game, then.” Gunnar’s grin returned as he gave Xavier a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“And who is this ravishing creature?” Gunnar boomed, his eyes landing on me again with a curious glint in his eye.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Xavier beat me to it. “This is Zara. She is my guest.” Xavier introduced me with a touch of formality, though it took every ounce of restraint not to roll my eyes at the label. “We can all get properly acquainted later when you’re settled. You must be tired from your journey.”

Gunnar’s ocean-blue eyes sparkled with interest, but he nodded in agreement. “I’ll go wash up and find you later, then. Nice to meet you, Lady Zara.” He winked and flashed a broad grin towards Julian, who immediately embraced him in a hearty greeting. Lord Gunnar's eyes darted to me again, but Julian dragged him away and through the doors before he could say anything else.

“Why didn’t you tell him who I was?”

“Would you have preferred I introduce you as my prisoner?” Xavier quirked an eyebrow as he let out a light chuckle.

“I am a princess, you know?” I said, trying to emphasize my point.

“You are? Huh, never would have guessed.” He smirked.

I let out a string of curses under my breath, and Xavier’s eyes sparkled at my reaction.

Just then, a piercing screech tore through the air, sharp and unnerving. My head snapped upward just in time to see three massive, winged creatures plummeting from the clouds, their descent swift and terrifying. Without thinking, I grabbed onto Xavier’s arm, my pulse quickening.

Xavier chuckled softly, the sound calm and amused. “Those are griffins,” Xavier explained. “Aria’s pets. Aria is the steward of my western territory Territan.” He paused, still watching me. “They may look vicious, and they can be, but they’re harmless unless provoked. Very loyal creatures.”

The griffins descended with precision, their massive forms touching down with a resounding thud that vibrated through the ground beneath us. Dust swirled around their muscular legs, their massive claws gleaming in the light. A shimmering coat of golden-brown feathers covered their sleek, broad chests and faces while a lion-like mane cascaded around their large, regal heads. Their bodies were a blend of golden fur and feathers, with large wings that folded neatly against their sides. Their piercing amber eyes scanned the surroundings with unsettling intelligence.

At the head of the formation, the largest griffin stood proudly, its rider—a red-haired woman—perched confidently on its back. With a fluid, practiced motion, she dismounted, swinging down effortlessly to land in front of us. Her boots hit the ground in a soft thud as she straightened, her eyes sharp and confident.

The griffin Aria had just dismounted snapped its beak sharply, the sound ricocheting off the stone walls. Its piercing gaze tracked her every step as she approached.

Aria strode forward in a bold, red leather jumpsuit. Golden armbands ran along her bare, toned arms, linking together like intricate pieces of armor, flaring out at her shoulders like delicate wings. Strapped to her thighs and back were various weapons, and her boots were the same deep red as her outfit.

Two men hurried to her side, their arms weighed down with luggage. They bowed quickly before disappearing toward the doors, followed by three others in the same fashion.

“It’s good to see you again so soon, Aria. Dedra will show you to your room,” Xavier said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Aria’s gaze locked onto mine, and I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet her stare.

“Xavier,” Aria replied simply, her voice smooth as she bowed slightly, her eyes never leaving mine.

I gave a slight nod in her direction, and she took a sudden step closer to me.

“This is Zara. We'll all get acquainted after everyone is settled in,” Xavier interrupted, stepping in front of me to block Aria's approach.

Aria seemed to huff and shot Xavier a sharp look before turning her gaze back to me. She gave me a once-over before turning, lifting her chin, and going to Dedra’s side. Dedra smiled wickedly at her and embraced her before linking arms and striding away into the castle.

“Oh, and tell your men that Agatha tends to bite,” Aria said, winking in our direction. Aria’s griffin, Agatha, snapped its beak at the air as if echoing its rider’s warning before Xavier waved his hand, shadowing them all away.

“She was intense,” I whispered, not knowing what to think about that interaction.

“Yes, well, she and my brother used to date,” Xavier said, his voice tinged with frustration. “She can be very jealous of those who are close to him. I’m sure she can still smell his lingering scent on you and isn’t pleased about it.”

My stomach twisted, and I instinctively hunched my shoulders at that knowledge. Jaxon and her? I suddenly felt infinitely insignificant as heavy rain began to pour around us.

We hurried back into the entryway to escape the downpour.

Julian descended the staircase and walked over to Xavier’s side. “The maids just informed me that Soren snuck in this morning. He’s already in his room.” Julian scowled, glancing at the stack of papers in his hand and scratching at some notes I couldn’t see.

“Of course he did.” Xavier sighed, turning to me. “That’s everyone for now, then.”

“Who is Lord Soren?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Soren is the steward of our villages in Mirronian,” Xavier said, searching for the right words. “He’s… well, you’ll see when you meet him.”

“You don’t get along with Lord Soren?” I asked, catching the subtle strain in his tone.

“He has a habit of taking things into his own hands,” Xavier said, with a hint of exasperation. “We don’t see eye to eye, but he does his job.” He paused before adding, “I would exercise caution around him and keep anything you wish to remain private to yourself.”

With that, Xavier turned his attention back to Julian. “How much time do we have until our other guests arrive?”

“You have some time if you want to show Zara around, but don’t wander too far. They won’t be too long getting settled,” Julian called after us as Xavier took my hand and guided me down a hallway.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked, flustered as I looked at his hand holding mine.

“I want to show you something,” he replied, leading me around a corner and up a flight of stairs. We came to an oval door at the end of a hallway, and he led us into it without hesitation.

“And what room is this?” I asked, my eyes scanning the space. It felt like stepping into a cozy library. Shelves lined with books covered every inch of the walls, and a sturdy wooden desk dominated the center of the room. Two chairs sat before it, and a large white oval rug lay beneath.

“This is my study,” Xavier replied, dropping my hand and moving around the desk. He pulled out a sizable rolled- up parchment and unrolled it, smoothing it on the desk and weighingthe corners with random objects. I followed him around the desk and peered down at the piece of parchment.

“This is Nexia,” Xavier said, his gaze fixed on me as he gestured to the map.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, my eyes roaming the map’s intricate details. The land stretched out in a pattern that mirrored Velra, but instead of one vast territory, it was divided into three distinct regions—Mirronian, Territan, and Niverrian. A barren area hinted at a possible fourth territory. The map seemed unnervingly sparse, and a nagging feeling told me that was no accident.

“Why are you showing me this?” I asked, my gaze lingering on the map’s various mountains, lakes, and borders.

Xavier leaned closer, his finger tracing a large lake marked Mirror Lake along the Mirronian northwestern border. “See this lake here?” he said, his voice low and steady. The lake was isolated, its edges hemmed in by rugged mountains on one side and a dense, encroaching forest on the other.

“Yes,” I replied, my voice tinged with curiosity.

“That’s the way into your realm,” Xavier said, finally lifting his gaze to meet mine.

“A lake?” I breathed, my eyes widening as I stared at the map. “I thought it was a door?”

“It is a door,” he explained. “It functions like a portal, leading to a place in your realm that mirrors this one.”

I absorbed his words, my gaze lingering on the map. I glanced at him. “Why are you showing me this?”

“So that if anything happens, you’ll know how to get home,” Xavier said, his white strand of hair falling over his eyes as he spoke. “You mentioned your magic is unpredictable. If something goes wrong, you need to be familiar with your surroundings.” He shrugged, brushing the strand back with a casual sweep of his hand before refocusing on the map.

“Do you think something is going to happen?” I asked, folding my arms across my chest and leaning against the desk with my hip. The white strand of hair fell over his eyes again, and I resisted the urge to reach out and brush it away.

“I don’t know what is going to happen next,” he admitted, and his eyes dimmed, but his usual stony expression returned before I could decipher it.

I studied the map, my gaze tracing the borders and locations of each territory. The expanse of their kingdom seemed almost overwhelming compared to my own.

“We should get back,” Xavier said, reaching for the parchment, but I stopped him with a question.

“What territory is this?” I asked, pointing to the blank spot on the map.

Xavier paused, his hand hovering over the parchment. “The witches once inhabited their own territory, called Eionian,” he said, indicating the barren land separated by mountains and sea.

“What is the land used for now?” I asked, and he shot his gaze to mine, making me flinch. “I was just curious; if you can't tell me, it's fine,” I said with a grumble, looking back down at the map.

“It's mostly deserted now,” Xavier seemed to say reluctantly. “After the war, it became a sort of prison for dangerous creatures and other Fae who posed a threat.”

My face paled. “A prison?”

He nodded, rolling up the parchment and returning it to his desk. “It’s where she summoned the Daka. They came through a portal in their old village. When we built the prison, we intended to trap them within the wards we created,” he said, his voice tinged with bitterness. “But it ended up containing everything but them. Only the darkest and oldest creatures dwell there now, and it has become a breeding ground for the Daka.”

A shiver ran down my spine. “So, what happens if someone accidentally crosses the border?” I asked, trying to mask my unease.

“It wouldn’t let anyone through. There are safeguards to prevent that,” Xavier explained, “It knows when someone doesn’t belong. But if someone really wanted to cross and chose to ignore those warnings, the barrier would trap them indefinitely.

I stared at him, feeling a chill at the thought of such a grim fate—either left to isolation or at the mercy of some ancient beast.

My eyes scanned his neatly organized desk, my mind whirling with more questions.

“The map showed your kingdom surrounded by water. Is your kingdom an island?” I asked, my eyes darting to Xavier's face.

He grunted in confirmation, looking away from me. He didn’t offer any additional information.

“Are there other kingdoms? Other lands, like yours?”

“Yes.” He said sharply, but before I could ask more, Xavier took my hand again and guided me into the hallway. My brows furrowed at the feeling of his hand in mine. Why did I keep allowing this? I knew I should pull away, but I couldn’t bring myself to let go.

“Are these other kingdoms your allies?” I pressed, attempting to continue the conversation.

His grip on my hand tightened slightly as he glanced over his shoulder. “That’s enough questions,” Xavier retorted sharply, guiding me down a spiral staircase. The corridor we entered stretched endlessly ahead, its walls made of the same black obsidian as the rest of the castle. Sconces with orbs of swirling light illuminated our way, reflecting against the smooth polished stone.

“How do those lights work? It isn’t a flame I recognize; your room had something similar,” I asked, staring at the floating balls of light behind the sconces.

“It's energy from our magic,” Xavier said, glancing in my direction. “We are able to contain it and use it for many purposes,” Xavier said.

My lips parted slightly at the information as his words trailed off, his grip still firm on my hand.

Xavier led me through another twisting hallway, stopping before a large, ornate door. Intricate carvings adorned the dark wood—interwoven patterns that twisted and flowed like frozen waves across its surface.

Xavier let go of my hand as a guard in an emerald and black uniform stepped forward. The guard appeared young and his bright hazel eyes met mine briefly, a curious glint flashing behind their green haze before nodding to Xavier and pushing open the large wooden doors.

They opened to the ballroom, behind the large boney thrones. I followed Xavier as he stepped onto the dais, the ballroom now teeming with guests. Their conversations dwindled to murmurs as all eyes shifted toward us. My breath hitched, and I forced myself to stand taller under the weight of so many stares. The room was a kaleidoscope of movement and murmurs, whispers rippling like distant thunder. Beside me, Xavier released a sigh so soft I almost missed it.

His guests wore vibrant, intricately embroidered gowns and tailored jackets, their attire forming a dazzling sea of color. The golden glow of the chandelier overhead reflected softly against the polished obsidian stone, and emerald and black drapes hung in precise folds from the stone arches.

It was reminiscent of the decorations back home, and I could almost hear my mother’s approving murmur.

Tables scattered throughout the room groaned under the weight of decadent food, roast meats, and steaming sides. Servers moved gracefully through the crowd, balancing trays laden with glasses of purple liquid.

A server appeared at Xavier’s side, offering a drink. He handed me a glass without a word and downed his in a single, fluid motion, the sharp lines of his jaw tightening as he set the empty glass back on the tray. He snatched another, his movements quick, calculated.

His gaze stayed fixed ahead, his voice low as he muttered, “Let’s get this over with.”

Julian appeared at my side, his arm extended in a silent offer. I hesitated only for a moment before slipping my hand through, letting him guide me down the dais. The weight of the crowd’s gaze still pressed heavily on me, their lingering stares burning against my skin.

At the base of the dais, Julian released me with a reassuring smile. He stepped aside and turned back toward Xavier.

Xavier moved with a deliberate grace, his steps carefully measured as he approached the towering, jagged bone thrones that loomed ominously at the center of the dais. The thrones under the chandelier’s light had created eerie shadows across the dais, twisting and contorting like dark, serpentine vines.

Xavier stopped in front of the throne to the right, and a hush fell over the room. The murmurs dwindled into silence as his commanding presence filled the space.

Everyone in the room dropped to one knee simultaneously, and I was left standing, looking over a sea of bowed heads. Xavier's eye met mine and his lips twitched as Julian tugged at my sleeve. Whispers and murmuring started to sound as heads started to tilt my way, but I refused to kneel.

Before I could cause a scene, Xaviers voice boomed through the room. “Rise.”

Everyone around me straightened, some glancing my way with narrowed gazes.

The moment Xavier’s weight settled upon the throne, the room sprang back to life. His guests resumed their chatter, and the clinking of glasses and music sounded, filling the void of silence.

Julian started to lead me through the bustling room toward a table, shaking his head, his cheeks red. As we walked, I could have sworn I felt a heavy gaze on my back as we crossed the room.