Page 416 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Wow,” Bele murmured.

I would have a sore neck by the time this night was over.

Avoiding the dancing, I skirted the edges of the Hall’sfloor. As I rounded the table, Ash’s gaze followed me. I had to bite the insideof my lip to keep myself from smiling.

I came up behind Nektas. “I havesomething for you.”

He shifted back and lifted his hands. Jadis reached for herfather with one arm. “You need to let go of her hair.”

For a second, I didn’t think she would. Several strands werestretched across the space between me and where she was nestled against Nektas’s chest.

“I fear you will have little hair left on your head,” Rhaincommented from the other side of Nektas. Beside him, Rhahar hid his snort behind his glass.

Nektas sighed, gently prying hisdaughter’s claws free. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.” Catching sight of Attesas I smoothed the strands, I smiled down at Reaver. “Will you do me a favor?”

He nodded eagerly.

“Can you keep Ash company for me while I speak to Attes?”

Ash raised a brow but remained silent, sipping from his cup.

“I can.” He drew out the word, looking over his shoulder atAsh while Nektas chuckled under his breath. “But he’dprobably enjoy your company more.”

One side of Ash’s lips curved up.

“Not true. He always enjoys your company.” Cradling the backof his head, I kissed his blond hair and met Ash’s gaze.

He gave me a subtle nod.

The moment I let go of Reaver, he darted past Nektas and scrambled into the chair I had occupied. Iwatched a smile break out across Ash’s face as he shifted his attention to theyoungling. When I turned, Nektas caught my arm.

“He’s not doing great,” Nektasnoted in a low voice, nodding toward the colonnade’s alcove as he rubbed thespot between Jadis’s wings. “Aurelia is worried.”

I glanced up to see the female drakenperched on the pillars above where Attes stood in theshadows. “I know.”

I quickly passed the long table, spotting Saion with a deckof cards. I had no idea what was going on there, but the devious glint in the Primal’s eyes and the way Theon sat across from him,shaking his head, told me Saion would likely gain some coin before the nightended.

Picking up the lacy skirt of my black gown, I climbed theshort set of steps and crossed into the alcove. Attesdidn’t look at me as I approached, but he gave me an elaborate bow.

I shook my head at the gesture. “Surprised to see youstanding in the shadows.”

“I know. It does seem like something your husband would do.”A quick grin appeared. There was no dimple. “There’s really no reason.”

I knew that was a lie as I studied his profile. In the lasttwo months, there had been moments when Attes seemedmore like his old self. He’d do his level best to annoy Ash. He’d laugh. He’dsmile. But I only saw the dimples appear when he was driving Lailah mad aboutsomething. Then, there were all the other moments where he looked like hehadn’t slept in several days. What concerned me the most was that, more andmore, his features were utterly impassive, like he felt absolutely nothing.

“Please, don’t,” he said, his eyes meeting mine.

“Don’t what?”

“Ask if I’m okay.” He sighed, his gaze leaving mine again.“I am.”

“I won’t ask it,” I said. “But I also know you’re not.”

He took a swig of what was likely whiskey. I followed hisgaze, realizing he was watching Lailah dance with a man I didn’t recognize. Herbraids were down and flowed around her shoulders bared by her white gown.

“She looks beautiful tonight,” I commented.

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