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High above our heads, a large chandelier illuminated the room, gold and dripping with green jewels. The light had been dimmed–perhaps out of courtesy as I slept. Now it cast long shadows on the floor below.
Half-way across the room, Draven stood in the shadows. He had yet to step into the light.
The woman who he had called Lyrastra was near the bed, a few feet to my left.
She stood very still, her face contorted in stubborn anger. Even as my hate for her mounted, I couldn’t help but acknowledge her loveliness. Lyrastra was tall and willowy, with long, lithe limbs. Dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk. She wore a dress of scarlet silk, its edges trimmed with gold, and overtop that a long, flowing cape of shimmering burgundy hung around her shoulders, fastened at the neck with a clasp of gold. Narrow sandal straps studded with tiny rubies wound up her ankles, showcasing her long perfectly-formed legs.
Despite her wealth of beauty, there was an ice to her that betrayed her cruel streak. She held herself with a haughty, imperious air. There was evidently no doubt in her mind that she was abovemein all ways.
But the real question was why did she bear me such malice in the first place?
No, I reminded myself. The real question is where the hell are you?
I opened my mouth to ask just that, but then I caught sight of the look on Draven’s face and decided perhaps I could wait just a few more minutes.
“What the fuck are you two doing in here?”
He sounded furious. He looked furious. I felt a sense of glee growing. Good. These two were in for a treat. Let the wrath of Kairos Draven be unleashed upon them.
But even I wasn’t prepared for what came next.
Draven stepped into the light. My mouth may have fallen open.
He looked the same as he always had... and yet entirely different.
As always, he was a vision of masculine beauty. But then, I was used to that part of things. Wasn't I?
His piercing green eyes glowed in the light of the golden chandelier. The thin silver ring he always wore in his left ear was there, contrasting against his rich bronzed skin. The upper part of his body was encased in armor, made of a shining black metal. Fitted black pants hugged the muscles of his thighs and his lean legs, as he moved purposely and deliberately towards the bed. Towards me.
But it was his horns that had really caught my attention. Small horns of black bone that jutted out from his forehead.
My memory might have been a hazy jumble, but I was fairly certain I would have remembered the horns.
Not to mention the distinctive points of his ears which mirrored my own.
Horns and points.
No, it wasn't possible.
I felt dizzy as I stared at the horns. They hinted at something primal and untamed lurking just below the surface. Something I couldn't deny I'd always suspected was there.
But this? Horns and points. No. It wasn't possible. It just... Wasn't.
Kairos Draven was fucking fae.
And not just any kind of fae. He was the very kind I’d seen portrayed on the wall of the Temple of the Three. The kind I’d whined to Draven about worrying I’d turn out to be.
He’d told me not to worry. That I showed no sign of sprouting horns or claws.
I felt choked laughter crowd my throat. Well, he’d certainly have known, wouldn’t he?
Somehow, I managed to keep my shit together as Draven crossed over to the bed. For a moment his eyes darted left then right between my two brazen visitors.
He seemed to come to a decision and crossed towards the man.
“Ulpheas. You miserable spineless creeping toad. I asked you a question.”
Ulpheas, was it? Ulpheas had a lean build with narrow shoulders and a narrow waist. He was tall, but not as tall as Draven. He was not as handsome either, though he was not an unattractive man. Something about him reminded me of a bright, preening bird. His hair was a honey-blond, styled in a fashionable cut that seemed artfully tousled. His clothes were even more ornate than his female companion's. I watched as he blinked blue eyes tinged by heavy dark blonde lashes up at Draven, and was opening his mouth to speak when he lost his chance.
