Page 197 of House Ignis

I couldn't help the laugh that burst out of me.

My pulse was still racing, gold glitter sticking to my sweaty cheeks, and the weight of the journal felt light-years away.

"Let's celebrate," I said, matching his wicked grin with one of my own.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

We drank. And then we drank some more.

Gods, it felt good to be alive.

The music tent pulsed with a raw, kinetic magic, the bass thundering through the ground like a collective heartbeat.

A DJ spun shadows and starlight into sound, weaving a melody that made the whole arena writhe in a sea of sweat and glitter.

Asher's hands were all over me. His teeth grazed the sensitive cord of my neck, shadows sliding like silk against my thighs as his body pressed flush against mine. I ground back into him, drunk on victory and alcohol, his palms sliding beneath the hem of my skirt.

"Gods, darling," he murmured into my skin, his voice sounding utterly wrecked.

I spun in his arms and kissed him, tasting the danger on his tongue. He kissed me back just as hard, leaving me breathless.

"Get me a drink, Dark One."

His grin was wicked, that single dimple cutting deep into his cheek. "Anything for you, my queen."

I watched him saunter toward the bar, that perfect stride making me bite my lip.

Shadows ghosted around him as the crowd parted in his wake.

Shaking myself free of the spell he cast, I staggered toward the lounge where the girls were draped across velvet cushions, drinks already in hand.

"Ava, come play! We're playing spin the bottle," Maddy called out. Her hair was a beautiful mess, and there was a wicked gleam in her eye that usually spelled trouble.

I glanced back toward the bar. Asher was still in line, deep in conversation with Mavrik. Perfect.

"Sure, why not," I grinned, the alcohol swirling hot and heavy in my blood.

I collapsed into the seat beside Ember. Her eyes were locked on Ezra across the table, tension humming between them like a challenge neither was willing to back down from.

Maddy, on the other hand, was already perched on Ryven's lap.

His ocean-blue eyes were darker than usual, maybe from the drink or maybe from the way he held Maddy like he never intended to let go.

"So, who's next?" I asked, waving my glass lazily toward the dance floor.

Ember smirked and pointed. There was Zaria, tongue-deep with some third-year Riftball player who was clutching her like he'd just won the sun.

"Gods," I laughed, shaking my head.

And then I felt it. That scent—smoke, rain, and unrelenting shadow.

Asher.

He appeared behind me, sliding a cold glass into my hand. His lips brushed the side of my throat, sending a fresh jolt of electricity through me.

"Thank you, my love," I murmured. He let out a low groan against my skin, his hands settling on my shoulders.

"Playing?" he asked, his silver eyes devouring me the moment I turned to face him.