Page 5 of Of Night and Blood: Special Edition

“Sterling, I apologize. Please, dance with me.” I moved to grab his arm, but he shook me off with enough force to send me back a step. Before I could even acknowledge what happened, Bellamy grabbed the same arm of Sterling’s that I had attempted to.

“You should reconsider laying hands on the princess,” he said, his voice promising violence. Sterling did not back down, instead getting closer to Bellamy. Their faces were only inches apart, and I could see that both of them were breathing heavily in anger.

“She is mine, and I will do what I want with her. You will do well to mind your own business and not touch what does not belong to you, peasant!” The power in the room started to swell and suffocate as all in attendance tuned in to our conversation.

I felt my stomach drop when Mia put her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. She would not be happy about this. Xavier came over, his crown making him seem even taller, more daunting. His face was red with fury, or perhaps it was the fire within him that began to simmer.

It took every ounce of my being not to snap at Sterling. I was no one’s but my own. I was not a prize to be won or a gift to be given, regardless of the agreement made between our realm—or what I said to Bellamy before. Arguing would be unwise now though. In fact, it would only get me in more trouble.

Xavier seemed ready to end the fight before it started, and I knew that would only mean destruction. So instead, I closed my eyes and honed into everyone in the room. I could sense them—Elements, Readers, Shifters, Healers—calling to that well of power deep within them. At once I grabbed hold of their minds.

Everything is fine. Enjoy the ball. Ignore the childish antics of the two in the corner. Dance.

Just like that, everyone was dancing and laughing once again. Everyone except for Sterling, Bellamy, and the royals. We all stayed in our tight circle, and to avoid further issue, I grabbed onto the minds of the angry males on either side of me.

Take this outside. Now.

They both straightened and began walking towards the hall. I did not bother to check that the king and queen were following; I knew they would. My heels tapped on the marble floor as I struggled to keep up with Bellamy and Sterling stomping ahead of me.

The second they pushed open the double doors that led to the long hall, they faced off. Both were radiating fury, and I wondered what could possibly have made them this mad when neither really knew me. What would they do next? Pee on me like an animal to claim me as their territory?

“You dare to speak to me like that again and you will find yourself in a much scarier place than a hallway,” Sterling said, voice dripping with acid and fists clenched at his side. Bellamy looked him up and down, then laughed. Actually laughed.

That only enraged Sterling further, causing him to step forward once again. I tapped into Bellamy, trying to assess his power, to adjust for the potential danger. The second I did, I felt the burning heat. He was an Element, a Fire to be specific. And he was strong; I could feel the hum of his power, the way it fought to break out. His mind was hectic, full of darkness and heat, painful to be in.

I thought about grabbing onto his mind again, but decided that taking away his free will once tonight was plenty.

“Both of you stop!” I whisper-yelled. “Sterling, I think it is time for me to go back to my chambers. Thank you for the dance. I hope you have a good rest of your evening.” He hesitated, fists still clenched, chest practically against Bellamy’s stomach. There was too much tension in the air to stifle it on their own without coming to blows.

Go find a willing girl to dance with and do not think of me again tonight.

Sterling knew what my powers were, but he would be unaware I was using them until later. By then it would not matter, excuses would be ready and lies spun. Fae were notorious for manipulation, but my abilities went beyond that. As Sterling whirled towards the double doors and exited the hallway, I faced the king and queen. Both visibly angry.

Xavier spoke first, face red and finger pointed at Bellamy. “I do not know who you are, but you will surely pay for—”

“I will escort him out. Thank you for the ball.” Before they could argue, I pushed Bellamy’s back and said, “Go.”

Once he began walking, I sped up to get in front and lead the way. Looking back, I noted the fire rolling around Xavier’s fingers, his whole body shaking. If he ever saw Bellamy again, I had no doubt in my mind that he would end the young fae’s life.

Strangely enough, it was Mia who seemed more angry. The stiffness in her features and the clenching of her jaw told me so. I turned away from her, but her voice stopped me in my tracks. “Remember what is at stake, Asher.”

How could I forget? I started walking again, not turning back this time.

The moment that we were out of ear shot and sight of the royals, I felt Bellamy’s presence move to my side. I looked over to see his hands in his trouser pockets and a smile on his face, both dimples on display.

“What could you possibly think is so funny?” I asked, baffled at his amusement. My head began to pound, a sign I was using too much power.

“Your mortal prince is easily angered, especially seeing as he was the one who touched you against your will. Again.” Despite the smile on his face, I could see the flames blazing in his eyes.

Elements had personalities that mirrored their power—Fires were easy to anger and full of passion; Earths were strong willed and brave; Waters were calm and collected; Airs were wild and free. Knowing that Bellamy was a Fire made sense of his short temper.

All fae carried traits unique to their powers, like Elements. That was likely because of the separation of the factions, but could also be genetic.

The Shifter Faction was unpredictable all around, with both Singles—Shifters who have only one form that they can hold indefinitely—and Multiples—Shifters who have many forms that they can only hold for a short period of time—favoring spontaneity over structure. They are wild, strong, and easily the bravest of fae.

The Reader Faction was comprised of Yesterdays—those who saw the past—and Tomorrows—those who saw the future. Tomorrows were usually fairly antisocial, which might have been because they were constantly asked questions about what they saw in the future of those around them. Yesterdays were much more energetic and outgoing.

Last was the Healer Faction, the largest of the four. They were lively and adventurous, with respect considered important among them as well.

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