Page 61 of House Ignis

And Asher… Asher moved like danger given flesh. Every stride was deliberate, the flex of his thighs and the roll of his shoulders drawing the eye like a magnet. Shadows curled lazily at his ankles, as if even they were drawn to the heat of his skin.

Ember let out a low whistle. "Well," she muttered, absolutely shameless, "if we're dying in Aegos Trials, at least we're dying blessed."

Darcy snorted, and even Sera's lips twitched.

"You were incredible out there, Ava," Sera said, her voice thoughtful.

I blinked. "No, I wasn't. It was just… a good moment."

"She's being modest," Maddy cut in. "It felt like the containment ring breathed when you flared."

"The magic flexed," Darcy added with a slow nod.

I hesitated, heat curling in my chest at the memory. "Probably just adrenaline."

Ahead of us, Asher glanced back once. His hair, usually tousled, was slicked back with sweat. His silver eyes slid over me—slow, deliberate. My pulse spiked instantly.

"You are staring," Aether murmured dryly.

"I am not."

"You absolutely are."

"I hope I get to face Ezra," Ember muttered, sparks flickering at her fingertips. "I owe that smug grin a fireball to the face."

I snorted and looked at Sera. "I hope I'm not up against you. You were incredible."

Sera blinked, genuinely startled. "No way—"

"She's always been the best shadow wielder—besides Asher," Darcy interrupted, nudging Sera. "Those two are big rivals. I guess all princesses like drama."

I gaped. "Sera, you're a princess?"

"Surprise," she said dryly.

"So you've known Asher your whole life?" I tried to sound casual. I failed.

Sera shrugged. "Pretty much. He's intense, but not nearly as mysterious as he likes to pretend." She glanced sideways at me, something sly glinting in her eyes. "Relax, Princess. I'm out of the way. Asher and I have been friends for a long time."

I lifted a brow, unconvinced.

"At the Tideris party," she added lightly, "I tried to kiss him. He let me, then realized how drunk I was and took me home while I cried over a girl who dumped me. It was sweet, but that ship has sailed. We're just friends."

We walked past the males, who were locked in an intense conversation. I kept my eyes forward. I did not look. I absolutely did.sty

Of course he caught my eye. Of course he winked. I nearly evaporated.

"See?" Sera whispered.

"I'm betrothed," I muttered, folding my arms.

Sera chuckled as we sat down. "Trust me—he doesn't give a fuck."

Before I could respond, a low voice slipped in behind me. "What are you ladies whispering about?"

I froze as two feet planted themselves on either side of my shoulders. Heat. Presence. Him. Asher leaned in far too close, his breath brushing my ear.

"The God of Trickery isn't the only one you should be worried about, darling," he murmured with a quiet laugh. "God of lust, maybe?"