AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The woman’s moans of pleasure followed Faye as Sparrow led her further in. They snuck into the inner courtyard within the estate’s towering stone walls. Sparrow followed the sounds of guttural groans and screams of pleasure. Faye knew vampires lusted tonight, but she expected them to have restraint. Or even modesty.
Vampires were no shy creatures. Couples and groups writhed in the darkened corners, a few even taking them on the benches for all to see. Another pair sat at the fountain’s edge. This man had his hand up the woman’s skirt as he drank from her—blood dripping along her bared skin.
Sparrow glanced back at her, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “This is amazing.”
Amazing? Faye would have been shocked by such displays if Sparrow hadn’t dragged her to several brothels, deeming it educational to watch when they reached eighteen and moved out on their own. “Drink it all in because you’re about to lose in thirteen minutes.”
Faye pulled her arm free from Sparrow when she got far too close to a woman being taken by two vampire men. “You don’t have to be that close.” Sparrow only fluttered her hand in response, and Faye rolled her eyes, stepping away from the trio.
Musk combined with the night-blooming flowers, scenting the air. It wasn’tentirelyunpleasant, though she could do without the overlapping sounds of bodies joining. Faye glanced over her surroundings, focusing on the more civilized vampires.
A large balcony overlooked the courtyard. Beneath it, dozens of vampires danced. Their gowns swayed with each sweeping step as they turned, circling the dance floor with their partners.
Faye watched, mesmerized.
A bell tolled, the single ring clear and crisp, reverberating through her chest. Faye swore under her breath, blinking her eyes as they began to burn.
“You okay?” Sparrow rubbed her back and led her away to a quieter area.
Faye rubbed her eyes. “I have a lash in my eye or something. We should go. It’s one in the morning.”
Sparrow snorted. “That wasn’t the time.” She tapped Faye’s wrist. “Let me see.”
Faye opened her eyes wide, meeting Sparrow’s gaze. “What is it then?”
“Their sacred moon is at its apex. They’re supposed to do a ritual.” She scrunched her face, leaning closer. “Your eyes are shimmering.”
“It’s just the lights here.” Faye rubbed her eyes, beginning to feel better. She blinked, testing her vision, then focused on her sister. “I’m so proud of you, doing research.”
“I wouldn’t have to if you had the balls to go the first time I asked.” Sparrow’s eyes grew wide at something behind her. “Bitch they have food here.”
Faye let Sparrow drag her to a towering, intricate display of tiny plates arranged with fresh-cut flowers. “Do vampires even eat?”
Sparrow shrugged. “Maybe it’s for the blood whores.” She picked up a flaky square.
“What are you doing?”
“Sampling the High Queen’s menu.” Sparrow popped the pastry in her mouth and leaned back, closing her eyes. “That is the best shit I’ve ever tasted. You need to try this.” She stood on her toes, looking around the courtyard. “Do you see any other food stations?”
“No!”
“Stop worrying. They can’t see us. Here, try this.” Sparrow thrusted a pastry near Faye’s mouth.
“Hooker, get off me.” Faye pulled her head back, taking a retreating step. Her heel caught on a stone, and Faye lost her balance, falling against a hard, male body.
Sparrow snatched her by her coat and yanked her away before she broke into a run, laughing.
Faye’s heart raced. She expected Sparrow to be the one to do something stupid like this. She glanced over her shoulder as they fled.
The man she fell into was tall with long white-blonde hair that looked silvery under the courtyard lights. He wore a tailored black suit like every other male here. He turned in their direction, and Faye’s steps faltered.
A crimson so deep it looked black covered the entirety of his eye. Beneath his unnatural stare, shadows swayed, caressing the tops of his cheekbones, beckoning her. No, not shadows Faye realized, but the same mist that circled soul shards. The Darkness itself seemed to pour and dissipate beneath his dark gaze.
A wild sense of possession surged through her before leaving as quickly as it came. In those moments in between, she felt,knew, he belonged to her.
Faye mentally recoiled, unable to shake the lingering bone-deep instinct. She didn’t want to own anyone. His dark gaze met hers, and Faye couldn’t look away. Her lips parted as she exhaled a shaky breath, her skin heating in response to him.
He lifted his chin, taking a deep breath as his lids slid closed.
