Frowning, I struggled on my tiptoes to see around the wall of black wings. Then I caught a glimpse of white feathers flecked with gold, and Auric’s trademark scowl.
My eyebrows lifted as he approached, the two Noir in front of me stepping out of his way with matching smirks of amusement.
“Lose a fight with a star?” Zian drawled.
“Fuck you,” Auric snapped.
“Beast,” Novak said, appearing behind Auric in a similar fashion, his torso painted in golden gore.
“A night creature?” Sorin asked, glancing between him and Novak.
What’s a night creature?I wondered, but my lips were sealed shut from the murderous rage radiating off of Auric. He glared at me, his violent stare making me shrink back to the edge of the cliff with nowhere to go.
“Good. You’re still alive.” Satisfied, he nodded. “Try to stay that way for a little while longer. I need a fucking shower.” He shifted on his heel, heading back toward the prison with a subtle limp.
I frowned at the sight of his blood, taking a step after him. “You’re hurt.”
He ignored me and kept walking, but Novak stepped into my path before I could follow. His irises sparkled with warning. I blinked at him, then checked his torso and legs for injury. He appeared fine. He also appeared to have acquired a blade, the hilt of which stuck out of his pocket.
I swallowed at the dark energy rolling off him and the way it clenched his muscles beneath the sunlight. He stared me down for a minute longer, then took a step back before glancing at Zian.
The two shared a silent exchange of words that left the latter nodding as Novak turned to follow Auric.
My eyebrows lifted. “Seriously?” I started after him, only to have Zian now blocking my way. I narrowed my gaze. “Move.”
“I don’t recommend joining them, Princess,” he said with a cruel grin. He glanced at the golden footprints as the inmates murmured with curiosity. “They need a few minutes to calm down.”
I frowned at him. “Why did they bother coming up here if they didn’t intend to stay?”
“To check on you,” he drawled.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine.”
“And to stay that way, I’d remain right here,” he suggested.
Sorin chuckled at the comment, causing me to glance at him. “Why?” I demanded.
“It’s safer,” Zian said.
My jaw clenched in irritation. I was really starting to dislike everyone making decisions on my behalf, telling me what was safe and what wasn’t, leading me to yards just to leave me alone with strangers, telling me where to stand, how to move, and where to go.
I had a mind of my own.
Something I proved by deliberately stepping around Zian. “I’m going back to my cell.”
He caught my arm. “I seriously suggest you reconsider.”
“And I seriously suggest you remove your hand from my arm before I remove it for you,” I snapped, tired of being manhandled.
He considered me for a moment, then lifted his hands. “All right. Then enjoy your educational tutorial, Princess.”
“My what?” I asked, confused by his odd commentary.
But he was already turning to face a smirking Sorin. Even Raven was grinning.
I narrowed my gaze, then started toward the prison entrance, done being the subject of their amusement.
My life, my rules, I decided, stomping toward the building. No more playing by the standards of others. I was a future queen, and it was about time the others learned how to bow. Including Auric.
