Page 72 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

Jaxon frowns. “Of course not, but nor should a male stand by while his woman is disrespected.”

Still a little sexist…but my irritation fades. Just a tad.

Lev clears his throat. “That law is outdated, Captain. No one enforces it. Especially not with the Elders lifting the curfew for the festival.”

“Tonight we do,” Steelvice snaps. “By General Ironheart’s orders.”

At the mention of the military leader, every soldier in the bar stiffens.

I wish I could say I’m surprised, but this sort of unjust power display is so up the general’s alley, part of me is ashamed that I didn’t see it coming.

It isn’t the first time General Ironheart has used his rank or influence to keep his son away from me. But this is the first time his actions have affected other innocent women.

Steelvice finally lowers his sword. His hard glare pierces every soldier in the tavern as he orders, “Escort Healer Stonebloom and any unwed woman home immediately, then report to the barracks for your punishment for allowing this lawlessness to occur in your presence.”

I gape in disbelief as the soldiers who just minutes ago were joking and laughing with their female companions turn on them with apologetic but unrelenting frowns.

Lev glares at the captain, unmoving. But then his regretful eyes slide to meet mine.

Shadows whip out from Rian, radiating fury. His dark power spreads the suffocating emotion throughout the room.

Soldiers fumble for their weapons. Unarmed men and women cower under tables as the shadows shroud the tavern lights. Their cries echo in my ears.

Rian takes a menacing step toward Lev, who takes an instinctive step back.

“No.” My hand flies out, grasping blindly for him beneath the heavy cloak of darkness shrouding his body.

My fingers catch on smooth fabric stretched taut over a strong forearm.

Rian’s head snaps to me with predatorial sharpness, his strong chin pointed down as swirling silver eyes lock onto me.

My heart races, and I swallow to clear my throat, then croak, “Don’t... It’s fine.”

His eyes flash.

My grip tightens. “Please.”

A snarl warps his lips before he rips his arm free of my grasp.

Shadows explode outward, writhing around him like a living cloak as he storms through the tavern. Tables screech across the floor, chairs topple, and patrons stumble back, shoved aside by the sheer force of his power, though he never lifts a finger.

Jaxon follows, but not before leveling a disapproving scowl on me.

I frown. What in the hells did I do?

The flickering lights stabilize the moment the Fae cross the threshold and disappear into the night.

The room remains silent. A tight coil forms in my gut when I realize every pair of eyes is fixed on me.

“Lara.” Lev steps to my side, extending his arm. “Allow me to escort you home.”

I glare and brush past him, ignoring Captain Steelvice’s triumphant smirk.

Murmurs and whispers float into the air. I hold my head high even as my stomach sinks.

What in the Gods’ names was I thinking?

I never should have grabbed Rian like that.