His voice was a teasing murmur, and I knew the question was meant only for my ears. He ran a finger along the seam of my gear, over each clasp, and my breath hitched.
“I have a cloak,” I said defensively, unsure why it mattered to him what I wore. “What are you even doing here?” I snapped, keeping my hands firmly at my sides. “You’re supposed to be in Greyhaven.”
“Yes, Iwasin Greyhaven.” His voice returned to that commanding tone. “But Septimus informed me that you and Lana had been missing since the morning. I came back to find you.”
I folded my arms across my chest. “You mean, you came to hunt down your candidate to ensure she didn’t desert before the second challenge.”
Confusion flashed briefly in his eyes before being replaced with stony anger. “You don’t know what you’re saying. You need to sleep the tainsberry off. Come on, we’re leaving.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. I’m having a nice time out with my friend. You’ve found me. You can go back to Greyhaven now. Oh, but before you go, would you let Ayden know he can come back? We have unfinished business.”
Rage slammed into my chest with so much force I couldn’t breathe. Kilian’s eyes shone with pure menace. “Not a chance. You’re coming back. Now.”
I brought my tainsberry-infused drink toward me and slowly raised it to my lips, draining the remaining liquid in the only act of defiance I could think of. Then I slid along the booth, rising to my feet. “Fine, Lord Kilian. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”
He rose to his full height, towering above me. He grabbed my cloak from the booth and threw it over my shoulders. “Cover yourself up. I’d rather not hurt anyone else tonight.”
I wasn’t sure if it was the result of the drinks I’d had or Kilian’s presence that was messing with my head, but I was very confused. He shouldered open the door, holding it out for Lana and I to exit. The golden glow of the afternoon greeted us, and I was surprised to find that it was still daytime. With the lack of windows and lighting inside the tavern, time had ceased to exist.
I felt groggy and irritable. The sunlight seemed too bright, the colors a haze of brown and yellow, spinning and coalescing into an ugly shade of khaki. I raised my hand to shield against the glare as I stalked ahead of Lana and Septimus.
“I’m taking you straight to bed,” Kilian said, falling into step beside me. “I don’t know what this little stunt of yours was about today, but if you wanted my attention, you’ve got it.”
“How delusional it must be living inside your head. Nothing about today concerned you,” I lied smoothly.
He raised his brows, dark curls spilling across his eyes. “I’m supposed to believe that you kissing another elvenwasn’tto get my attention?”
“Like I said, it wasn’t about you. Ayden’s hot. I’ll do it again if I want to.”
Fury blanketed me and was instantly smothered by a layer of ice. He gripped my wrist, pulling me against him. “Why are you acting like this? I can feel your anger. What did I do?”
His thumb caressed the inside of my arm, drawing slow circles. Gods, I hated how that tiny action pleased me more than the entire kiss with Ayden. His fingers paused their gentle assault, and his gaze flickered to my wrist.
“You took the bracelet off.” Cold realization dawned in his eyes. “Who told you? Calendula?”
I yanked myself from his grip, breaking easily from his hold as I continued along the winding route I, astoundingly, remembered Lana showing me earlier. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on, Lirah. It’s so obvious.”
“Could you leave me alone? I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Then when will you want to talk about it? Because Elena… That was areallylong time ago. And I’m happy to tell you whatever you want to know. You just have to ask.”
Gods, her name felt like a cheese grater against my skin. I was so irrationally, uncontrollably jealous of a human girl who had died decades ago.
Valhan House appeared and I nearly sagged in relief. I was stupid for allowing myself to be hurt, to be distracted by Kilian when the second Trial was swiftly approaching. I needed to get my head back in the game. But not today. Today, my limbs felt heavy. The aftereffects of the drink hazing my vision and jumbling my thoughts.
“I’m not interested in hearing about all the mortal women you’ve fucked,” I shot over my shoulder. “And I’mreallynot interested in being added to the list. So, if that’s your intention, you might as well give up. It’s not going to happen.”
“That is not my intention.” His deep voice rumbled behind me.
“Oh, right, I forgot. What was it Ayden said?” I whirled around. “You don’t want me.”
“Aydenis not a reliable source.” His lip curled in distaste.
