Page 216 of Blade of the Nightking

“When the Firstborn Wars began, she begged me to keep it hidden.”

“Why?”

“So she wouldn't be hunted.”

“Hunted?”

“The Fae possess magic, but compared to the Firstborn it’s insignificant. The Firstborn were said to have been created directly in the gods' image, gifted powers beyond anything the Fae could wield. For a long time, the balance held. Then the Fae learned how to harness the Veins.”

I remained silent. This wasn't the version of history I knew.

“They used High Lords and Ladies powerful enough to intercept the currents and channel that power through their lands. And once they had the strength to do it, they came for the Firstborn.”

“The Firstborn turned on the Fae.” I argued.

He shook his head. “No. They lived peacefully, in harmony with the natural world.”

I rolled my eyes. “You're telling me Tharnyx and all the Bone-Wrought were peaceful creatures?”

“I'm telling you that danger and malice are not the same thing.” He drew up one knee. “A hurricane isn't evil because it destroys a village. A wolf isn't evil because it kills a deer. Nature doesn't concern itself with morality.”

“And what about you?” I levelled an accusing glare at him.

A dark energy gathered in the room. It only seemed to feed the magic writhing inside me.

“When you possessed their minds and climbed onto a throne to rule Elantis, did you comfort yourself with the same logic?” I asked. “That you weren't responsible for the lives you destroyed because you were simply acting according to your nature?”

He gritted his teeth. “I did what had to be done to keep the balance.”

“How convenient that it was in your favor.”

He growled like a rabid dog. Every muscle in his body went taut at once, as though the effort of remaining still required every ounce of his restraint.

I should have been terrified. But my emotions had been drained away, and in their absence came a reckless sort of daring.

“And let me guess,” I continued. “Your Elly saw what was happening and her allegiance changed. She betrayed you, and before long the predator became the prey.”

He pressed his lips together. “She's helping us now.”

I laughed, but it came out thin. “Elyndra certainly has an effective way of convincing you she's changed.”

His eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong with you.”

It wasn't a question. There was a command in his voice that sent a thrill through me, a reminder that even drained by the salt flats, he was still the Dark Prince. His presence was a power all its own.

“Nothing.” I held his gaze in the mirror. “I’m exactly as I was made to be. And it feels… good.”

His expression shifted, understanding settling over his features.

“Your magic has taken over.”

Slowly, I nodded.

His tongue swept across his lower lip, and my gaze followed the motion before I could stop it.

“What caused this?”

I shrugged. My magic roiled beneath my skin, restless and demanding. Heat coursed through me in waves, leaving me flushed and uncomfortable, every inch of me feeling far too warm beneath the blankets. With a frustrated sound, I kicked them aside.