Page 238 of Blade of the Nightking

Outwardly, he gave no hint of the immense power he wielded. His posture was loose and easy, his long, unhurried stride a perfect imitation of Aedric's unmistakable arrogance. Even the lazy smile playing at his lips wasn't his own. It was Aedric's through and through, and seeing it on his face left ice coating my stomach.

He greeted people by name, clasped forearms, patted shoulders, and exchanged light pleasantries as though he'd known every person in the room for decades. When he paused beside a lord wearing heavy gold rings through both nostrils, I took the opportunity to look around.

The hall was unlike any I'd ever seen. The sweeping vault stretched overhead in smooth, rippling curves, like the inside of a great shell. Enormous jellyfish drifted high overhead, their translucent bells pulsing with sapphire, emerald, and violet light, while bioluminescent algae clung to the walls, bathing the hall in ever-shifting ribbons of color.

A quartet of musicians occupied a low dais near the centre of the hall, their flutes and hand drums weaving together melodies that rose and fell like the sea itself, almost as though the ocean had learned to sing.

Despite myself, my foot tapped to the rhythm beneath the folds of my gown.

"Perhaps you'll save me a dance before the night is through," a deep voice murmured beside my ear.

I started and turned to find Thalassis at my side, grinning broadly.

He was devastatingly handsome. A high-collared tunic of deep navy and teal clung to his frame, the fabric at the shoulders folded into the likeness of cresting waves. The neckline plunged in a sweeping curve, revealing the muscled expanse of his chest, where silver rings pierced both nipples. On anyone else, such an outfit would have looked absurd. On Thalassis, it looked regal—powerful—a god of the sea.

His ocean-blue eyes crinkled warmly as they settled on me, entirely at odds with the imposing figure he cut. A golden liqueur swirled in the delicate glass balanced between his fingers, as though he hadn't a care in the world.

“Or perhaps a few,” he winked. “I have excellent endurance. I can keep a partner occupied until sunrise.”

My cheeks flushed at the innuendo and Thalassis’s grin stretched wider.

“Careful, Thalassis, you know I'm a jealous type.” Rìan's normally dark voice held a teasing lilt that was unmistakably Aedric's, though the muscles beneath my hand bunched. “I'd hate to see our friendship go up in flames.”

Thalassis laughed. “Fire can’t catch in the Court of Tides.” With a lazy sweep of his fingers, the liquid climbed from his glass and hung suspended in the air, molding itself into fluid, swirling forms before falling back into the goblet with a soft splash.

“Show off,” Rìan muttered.

Thalassis laughed and took a long drink. A servant swept past with a silver tray, and Rìan plucked two glasses from it, handing one to me before taking a measured sip from the other.

“I assume it must be difficult to impress an Eidra,” Thalassis said. “I may be powerful, but my magic is nothing compared to what courses through your veins.”

I offered him a modest smile. “I lack the control my predecessors possessed. I'm still learning how to touch it, but it seems to have a mind of its own.”

“Oh?”

I sighed softly. “It spends more time slipping through my fingers than anything else. It may take years before I can truly master it, if I ever do.” I looked up at Rìan, arranging my features into something warm and adoring while my insides shrivelled at the effort. Resting a hand lightly on his arm, I smiled. “I'm fortunate to have such a patient teacher helping me learn to touch it.”

“And how does one teach an Eidra to touch her magic?” Thalassis asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Aedric tells me the Eidrae had no emotions—that they were cold, unfeeling creatures.” I smiled at Thalassis. “Thankfully, I have human blood. My emotions are... considerably more abundant.”

“That is the way with humans,” he said, nudging me lightly with his elbow.

“That being said, my magic does enjoy feeding on them. I find it much easier to reach when it's had its fill.”

Thalassis tilted his head. “Does it favor any emotion in particular?”

“Oh, yes.” I nodded, my curls brushing my shoulders, the tiny chimes woven through them ringing softly. His gaze wandered to them before returning to my face.

“It has quite the appetite for the intensity of my pain...” I paused just long enough to watch his interest sharpen before finishing with an innocent smile. “... and my pleasure.”

Beside me, Rìan choked on his wine, dissolving into a fit of coughing.

I smiled sweetly. Thalassis's brows lifted in unmistakable intrigue.

“I didn't think it possible,” he said with a low laugh, “but I believe I'm beginning to understand your jealous streak, Aedric.”

Rìan gave an exaggerated sigh and flicked a dismissive hand through the air.