Dalkhan’s palace loomed even larger.
“Instead of leaving the creature to die, something about its defiance called to our king.The serpent had actually tried to strike at him even as it lay broken.So, he dismounted and knelt beside the creature.With bare hands, he pushed raw power into the serpent’s failing body, renewing its life with the eternal will of flames.”
As we finally reached the palace grounds, I couldn’t shake the image—an act of mercy, or possession?I wasn’t sure which was more frightening.
I was refreshed and ready for whatever the night had planned for me.Mira worked with single-minded focus, her fingers dancing across fabric and skin, tugging here and smoothing there.Her tongue was caught between her teeth, brows dipped in concentration so intense it bordered on worship.
I let myself sink into Mira’s presence, her kindness wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
Our connection had deepened into something rare and precious.When she laughed, the sound would vibrate into my chest and settle in my bones.Our conversations built walls against the harsh reality that awaited me.In these moments, the crushing weight of my purpose here evaporated completely, leaving nothing but stolen peace.
I forced thoughts of Dalkhan into the darkest corner of my mind and locked them away.
Not tonight.
Mira stepped behind me, pressing between my shoulder blades, urging me to face my reflection.
“I don’t know how you manage to make each look more scandalous than the last,” I muttered.
Mira’s lips curved upward, her shoulders rising in a carefree shrug.“It’s a gift.”
The fabric draped dangerously loose, dipping low on my breasts.The deep black silk was held in place only by delicate golden chains hanging from my neck.The skirt pooled around my hips in flowing layers, slits climbing so high they revealed the entire length of my legs.
One rough gust of wind and I was doomed.
Mira waved a dismissive hand.“You look beautiful, Elira.”She met my eyes in the mirror as she slid the serpent link over my arm.“Just this once, can you stop thinking and just try to have fun?”
A light knock sounded on the door before it creaked open.
Tavrik entered first, his frame filling the entryway for an instant before Theo slipped past him.They moved in tandem, dressed similarly, revealing the contours of muscle beneath their dark attire.
Like this, they looked powerful.
Theo’s piercing whistle cut through the air as his eyes devoured me.
For once, I didn’t imagine fifty ways to silence him permanently.Instead, I accepted it, smiling.
They both grinned at my improved mood, their expressions mirroring the joy I hadn’t realised I radiated.
As if the moment had been too good to last, Jasila swept into the room.
I braced myself, expecting a scathing remark at anything she could sink her claws into, but none came.She simply gestured for us to follow.
We stepped outside through the stone archway and the world exploded into sensation.
From our elevated position, the feasts stretched out like a living entity.Fire pits punctured the darkness, their golden tendrils reaching for the stars before collapsing back into themselves, spilling restless light across the trampled grass.
Hundreds of bodies filled the space, their voices a rising symphony of laughter and exhilaration.
My friends radiated excitement, the firelight reflecting in their eyes.
I silently prayed that the night would be as good as the day had been.
Once we reached the gathering, the night seized us with hungry hands.Heat flowed from every direction.From the fires.From the press of bodies.From my own skin that flushed hotter with each step.Exotic spices mingled with wood smoke hung heavy in the air.Somewhere nearby, meat sizzled over an open flame, fat dripping and hissing as it hit coals, while platters piled high with glistening fruits passed from hand to eager hand.
And above it all—the music.The rhythm pounded up through the earth, into the soles of my feet.
Firelight danced wildly against exposed flesh, illuminating the heaving sea of people caught in a delirious fever of motion.Bodies twisted and twined together, unrestrained laughter spilling like intoxicating honey.Bare limbs flashed hypnotically in the fire’s savage glow, each movement telling stories of barely contained desires.
