The three beasts plummeted heavily to the forest floor as Theo released another surge of magic, their enormous weightshaking the earth. Theo collapsed to his knees, the strain of wielding so much power so quickly visibly draining him.
I took in the destruction around us and balled my hands into fists. They had attacked myhome. The witches were getting more daring, making them more dangerous than we previously thought.
I started toward Theo, but a faint whimper, piercing the stillness, stopped me. I turned and saw a dark-haired woman trapped beneath the massive trunk of a fallen oak. Blood soaked her black cloak, and numerous scars marred her olive skin, visible through the torn fabric.
I crossed the clearing and looked down at her, my expression hardening. Though barely conscious, she met my gaze with defiant eyes that flickered with a stubborn light.
A wicked smile curled on my lips as I shadowed her away to the dungeons.
Chapter 18
Zara
The band began to play, and I swung my gaze away from Xavier, who had just been in a strange conversation with Aria and was now in another intent conversation with Gunnar. When Aria stepped into his path, I thought he might have been walking this way and my body had flushed at the thought.
I blamed the wine.
The dance floor filled with guests, and I smiled broadly, but when I looked back for Xavier, he was gone. Cursing my distraction, I scanned the room in search of him.
“Looking for someone?” Julian's voice was light and teasing as he approached. I turned to him, a sheepish smile on my lips.
“No, just admiring the party and your guests,” I replied, half-lying.
I had been marveling at the diversity and unique styles of the Fae. Earlier, a couple with horns protruding from their heads had passed by, and I struggled to mask my surprise as they flashed friendly smiles in my direction.
Julian had noticed and spent most of the dinner enlightening me about the various Fae species in their realm, and I found myself fascinated by their world.
He explained that there were four main types of Fae: Faeries, like himself and Xavier; Pixies, tiny, winged tricksters who roamed the forest; Elven Fae, who had a more animalistic appearance; and finally, Witches, known for their insatiable thirst for blood.
Julian filled me in on the witches present at the party, saying that they had only invited those they trusted. He pointed out that not all witches were bad, despite the war and the current rebellion painting them all in a negative light. Julian said that, as long as he could remember, witches were often seen as weaker Fae and had faced discrimination. Morgana and her war had only intensified the discrimination further, pushing more witches to join her cause out of necessity, even today.
The idea of treating an entire group of people poorly just because they were different was troubling. Even I could see the injustice in that.
Julian’s sudden movement jolted me from my thoughts. His hand gripped mine with surprising firmness as he tugged me out of my chair. My eyes widened in surprise as I stumbled after him. I quickly downed the rest of my wine and placed the goblet on a passing tray.
Julian guided me to the dance floor, his smile widening as he spun me into the heart of the room. I found myself laughing as he clasped my hand and spun me around again, the lively music guiding us into another step.
For a prisoner, I was being treated exceptionally well.
Theo appeared, and Julian reached out to draw him into our spinning orbit. Theo’s surprised expression made me laugh, and I closed my eyes, letting the music wrap around me as I danced freely with the other guests.
When I opened my eyes, Julian and Theo had drifted a few paces away, huddled in a low, earnest conversation. Their eyes flicked toward me, and I grinned at them, but my smile faltered as I noticed the change in their expressions. Julian’s gaze was tight, his smile more of a mask than genuine warmth.
I stopped dancing as Julian approached, his smile faltering at the edges.
“What is it?” I asked, feeling uneasy.
“We need to leave,” he said, his tone rigid. “Xavier needs us elsewhere.”
“Why?” I retorted, my words coming out with a slight slur as the effects of the wine took hold. “I’m enjoying myself. Why doesn’t His Majesty join us here instead?” I raised an eyebrow and attempted a playful, somewhat drunken smile.
Julian’s smile was genuine for a brief moment before it dimmed again. “We really must go elsewhere, my lady,” he said, extending his elbow with a polite but insistent gesture.
I sighed heavily, but accepted his arm. As he guided me towards a door, I grabbed another glass from a passing tray, determined to take a piece of the party with me. I took a deep sip, the purple liquid spilling over the rim and dribbling down my chin.
“You should slow down,” Julian remarked, his tone light yet laced with concern. “Pulp wine is a lot stronger than normal wine.” He offered a handkerchief, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I accepted the cloth, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I dabbed at the mess. Julian only chuckled at me as he led me out of the ballroom and into the hall.
