She placed a hand on my arm, halting the spiral of self-doubt before it could fully take hold.
“Elira, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”She moved to stand beside me, our reflections side by side in the surface of the mirror.“If I didn’t know you were mortal, I would’ve believed you were one of them.And before you say I’m just saying that to make you feel better, know that I am not one for empty flattery.”
Her words comforted me in a way I never knew I needed.
Theo and Tavrik stepped inside, shattering the moment.They froze—gazes sweeping over me from head to toe.
Meanwhile, Mira was doing the same, only to Theo.
“What?”I asked, folding my arms defensively across my chest.
Theo cleared his throat.“Um… nothing.You just look—”
“Beautiful.”Tavrik finished for him.
Theo shot him a glare sharp enough to draw blood.“I was going to say that.”
“Told you so,” Mira whispered with a smile before she slipped away, leaving me alone with the two of them.
“Stop finishing my sentences.”Theo said, jabbing a finger dangerously close to Tavrik’s face.
“Then learn how to talk without stammering like an idiot,” Tavrik shot back, his voice a perfect mimicry of Theo’s.“I… uh… um”
I supressed a smile as they continued their ridiculous argument.They were dressed similarly to how the males dressed here.Dark, loose fabric draped over them, baring their muscular bodies.
Back home, colours dominated every aspect of life—vibrant reds and blues and yellows that turned the streets and markets into a whirlwind of light.Here, darkness seemed to cling to everything.
Jasila swept through the room minutes later, her presence as unwelcome as ever.
She gazed disapprovingly at Theo and Tavrik, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
“Come with me.Oh, and do try and learn from your mistake.Bow.”
I rolled my eyes the moment she turned her back.We all trailed behind her like children as she led us through the countless halls.My breaths grew harsher and shorter the closer we got to the throne room.I shot my arm out, capturing Theo’s hand in mine—gripping it tightly to help supress my nerves.
As we entered, they slowed, taking in the towering pillars and intricate details with awe.I at least maintained the illusion of indifference—my expression carefully schooled into a mask of boredom.
We took our places, standing in unison among the gathered.Our heads turned towards the large double doors, awaiting his arrival.
The pounding of the ceremonial drum thundered through the space.
He was coming.
As Dalkhan crossed the threshold, he lifted his palm toward the darkness.One by one, the torches awakened, their flames rippling in a wave of light.Every step he took was measured and crushing, his boots driving into the stone with such force that tremors travelled up my legs like a warning.My fingers tightened around Theo’s as the king moved toward his throne.Theo didn’t react but, the strain in his hold was unmistakable.
I bowed my head along with everyone else.
He halted directly in front of us, unnatural heat pulsing from his body.I didn’t dare look up, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor.My nails dug into Theo’s hand.
Dalkhan loomed over us, his power crackling in the air before a sudden, searing pain shot through my palm.I flinched, a small yelp escaping my lips.Theo hissed sharply, our fingers releasing each other’s at once.
The pain vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving nothing but the phantom sensation of burning.I kept my head bowed, not daring to so much as twitch.
Dalkhan continued past us, taking his seat on his throne.His gaze scorched into me, but I held my position, refusing him the satisfaction of seeing me falter.
“Good girl.”
I buckled as his voice slid into my mind like molten silk.The invasion sent shockwave of sensation through my body.A rush of heat coiled low in my stomach spreading outward in tendrils, flushing my skin.
