Page 123 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

There’s always something we can do, but one glance at the dark circles under my sister’s eyes makes me bite my tongue.

Maybe she needs this—a night to pretend our problems don’t exist. A night not sweating over the forge. A night not staring pointlessly at a Fae language she can’t understand to try and help me. A night to just be.

We reach the market square. Lights shine on buildings every four feet, casting the space into a bright glow reminiscent of daylight. Vibrant banners and streamers add to the celebratory atmosphere. If anyone dwells on the tragedy that occurred less than twenty-four hours ago, they don’t show it.

“There you two are.” Anton slides into view, appearing from between two young women who gaze at his backside with blatant admiration.

“Wow!” I take in his broad form, covered by a pristine white shirt opened at the neckline, exposing the column of his throat. “You look great, Anton.”

He pushes messy brown hair away from his eyes and grins, a dimple popping up on his cheek. “Thank you, Elara.”

Gods. Has Anton always been so sexy?

I glance at Ferria to gauge her reaction and immediately stifle a laugh.

My sister stares at her apprentice like she’s never seen him before. Which is fair. I’m pretty certain no one has seen Anton look like this before.

I clear my throat. “Ferria?”

She snaps her mouth closed and wipes at her chin. I choke back another laugh.

“Hello, Anton.” She averts her gaze, searching the crowd.

Her indifferent act doesn’t fool anyone.

“You look beautiful.” His eyes focus on my sister before they dart to me. “You both do.”

“Thank you,” we reply simultaneously, but only Ferria has a light blush rising on her cheeks as she runs her hands down her emerald dress.

The fitted bodice highlights her slender waist before flowing to her slippered feet, and the rich color accentuates her vibrant hair color beautifully.

“Would you like to dance?” He holds out a hand.

She freezes. Wide eyes stare at his strong, calloused palm. Her blush deepens.

“She’d love to.” I nudge the small of my sister’s back, and she steps forward.

Anton’s hand closes over hers, and his bright, charming smile makes my chest squeeze in delight.

He draws Ferria close, then leads her into the swirl of gliding couples. Her wild curls fan out as she whips her head to look back at me.

I shoot her a wink, mouthing, “Have fun!”

She scowls mockingly, but the expression melts into an uncharacteristically shy smile when Anton whispers something in her ear.

A surge of giddy warmth ripples through me.

“Why are you smiling?”

My head snaps to my right. My smile falters.

“Lev.”

“Ouch.” He closes the distance between us. “That’s not the greeting I was hoping for.”

“Sorry.” I pinch my lips together, then sigh. “I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m just…tired.”

And scared. And worried. And nervous. And every other undesirable emotion I can think of.