Page 84 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“I am not my father,” Lagina said, a note of defiance in her tone.

Nyx arched a brow. “Rise, Queen of Athos.”

Lagina stood. “If you’d give me the honor of your time, I’d like to show you the temple we are erecting in your honor.” Lagina clasped her hands in front of her and waited patiently.

“You actually are building a temple? I thought it was just an idea when it showed up in Ara’s dream,” Nyx looked from Lagina, to me, then to Ryvin. He nodded.

“So the humans learned their lesson from the darkness I bestowed on them,” she said.

“It was an excellent reminder of your power and your abilities. It made me realize how wrong it was that my father never honored you properly. You are just as worthy of a grand temple as Athena,” Lagina said.

Nyx straightened, her chin rising even more. “Finally, someone with sense ruling the humans. Please, take me to this temple.”

They started to walk, then Nyx turned back, returning to me. She stretched out her hand, then opened her fingers to reveal two items in her palm. “I believe I owe you these.”

Gratitude overcame me. I never thought I’d see my mother’s gifts again. I took them from Nyx, then quickly affixed them around my neck. “Thank you.”

Nyx gave me a half smile. “Do come by and visit Obsidian sometime. He took a liking to you.” Then she glanced at Bahar and Cora. “You two make a lovely couple.”

She stepped closer to them, and Bahar tightened his grip around Cora. My sister was shaking. Nyx waved her hand and a spiral of shadows appeared, then she reached into the shadows and pulled out a knife. Bahar quickly pushed Cora behind him, and Ryvin unsheathed the sword at his side.

“Everyone calm down.” Nyx turned the weapon so she was holding the blade, presenting the hilt toward Bahar. “Now, remove yourself sir. This is a gift for the bride.”

Bahar hesitated, but eventually moved enough that Cora could reach for the hilt. She took it awkwardly.

“This weapon will instantly kill your mate no matter where you strike him with it. Even if it’s just a graze on his flesh.” Nyx was smiling.

Cora held the weapon out away from her as if it were poisonous. She looked up at Nyx, wide-eyed.

“You don’t have his powers. This will even the playfield.” Nyx winked. She turned her gaze to Bahar. “If you take it from her or have it destroyed, I will know, and I will come for Drakous.”

“What a lovely gift,” Lagina said loudly.

“Yes, lovely,” Bahar grunted.

“Thank you,” Cora managed.

“It won’t harm her, if you’re wondering,” Nyx said toBahar. “So she can sleep with it under her pillow every night if needed.”

“I hope she won’t feel the need, but if it makes her feel safer, it’s welcome in our bed,” Bahar said.

Nyx gave him an appreciative nod, then turned to Lagina. “Shall we?”

It wasn’t until Lagina and Nyx were out of sight that the music began again and the party truly started. Platters of food were brought out and people ate and danced and laughed. Torches were lit so the party could continue long after the sunset. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen this much joy.

Ryvin offered his hand. “Care for a dance?”

I grinned, accepting it. We both knew this happiness was fleeting, but we took it, spending the next few hours spinning and dancing until we were breathless.

By the time the celebration slowed, I was so exhausted I had to lean on Ryvin on the walk back to my room. It had been so long since I’d been tired for a good reason.

That night, I fell asleep with Ryvin’s arms around me, and my mother’s returned gifts. For the first time in a long time, I felt hope.

32

Ara

“I checkedthe wards again and they’ve gotten stronger. They should keep out anyone with fae blood, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do to prevent a god from getting in,” Laera said as she entered the breakfast room.

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