The world was awakening around me.Birds cut through the sky like dark arrows against the bleeding horizon, their wings catching the early light.Trees swayed in the distance, their leaves rustling with secrets.
Standing there, the nightmare still gripping at the edges of my consciousness, I thought of Dalkhan.Of the impossible burden that waited for me, growing more pressing with each passing day.
According to Jasila, we no longer needed an escort to go outside, but that didn’t stop me from inviting Mira to come along with us.As I made my request, her eyes brightened in the reflection of the mirror.
She finished styling my hair, biting her lip as she studied her work like an artist surveying their masterpiece.
“Tonight we’ll be feasting outdoors, so I’m needed to help set up.”She grabbed my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.“I’m sure I’ll run into you out there.”
She gathered her things and made her way toward the door just as Theo stepped inside.Her gaze dropped, cheeks flushing to a deep shade of pink.
It never ceased to amaze me how easily women fell under Theo’s spell.
He shot Mira a smirk and winked as she passed.I could’ve sworn she forgot how to breathe, how to walk, and possibly even her own name.
I chuckled.“Do you ever grow tired of women falling at your feet?”
His grin stretched wide enough to split his face in half.“Do you ever grow tired of existing?”
I picked up the nearest apple and hurled it at his arrogant head.
He stepped aside, snatching a grape from the bowl in the same fluid motion.The fruit disappeared between his teeth with an audible pop.
We spoke for a few minutes, but as our conversation dwindled, an unsettling realisation struck me.
“Where’s Tavrik?”I asked, frowning.
My stomach twisted.Tavrik was never late.Not once.
Theo’s brows furrowed, mirroring my concern.We immediately headed for his room.
My heart pounded as we approached his door.I threw it open, instantly regretting it.
I screamed, slapping my hands over my eyes and whirling away so fast I nearly tripped over my own feet.
Tavrik and Jasila were… occupied.Very occupied.
I pressed harder against my face, desperate to erase the image from my mind, but it was too late.It was burned in there forever.
Theo on the other hand, didn’t even flinch.
He stood with one hand casually resting on his hip, the other stroking his chin, studying the scene like he was admiring a work of art.
“Theo!”I hissed, grabbing for his arm.
“Fascinating,” he murmured, not budging.Solid as a damn statue.
I dug my heels into the floor and hauled him back with every ounce of strength I possessed.The door slammed shut behind us with a resounding bang.
I groaned, raking my hands down my face—my cheeks burning hot enough to start a fire.
Theo, meanwhile, looked like he’d just witnessed the most entertaining spectacle of his lifetime.
I shook my head at him.“Why are you smiling so much?”
“I’m impressed,” he admitted, crossing his arms.“Mainly at Tavrik forfinallyunleashing the beast, but did you see the way she was riding him like—”
I punched him.Hard.
