Page 91 of Hidden

With fluid grace, he knelt beside them, frank curiosity on his face. “Lila of House Fernblade, is that you?”

Her mouth went dry. “It is, sire.”

“You summoned me.”

“I did, sire.”

“Clearly, we have much to discuss.” His gaze swept over her. “For now, you’ve done enough. Let me finish your task.”

The king spread his fingertips over Rafe’s chest, releasing a pale golden glow of healing magic. Even though she was not its target, Lila felt the brush of royal power like a pressure against her skin. The touch did not last more than a second or two, but Rafe’s eyes flared wolf-gold. He scrambled to his feet, as if too filled with energy to be still.

“This wolf saved my life,” the king said, rising to face the room. “I owe him and his pack a boon.”

“He is my son,” another wolf called out.

Lila got to her feet more slowly, eager to get a look at the Alpha she’d heard so much about. He was older and not as tall as his son, but she could see a resemblance, especially in his fierce regard. Every line of his body said he would fight for his pack, and especially his child.

“King Elroth,” Rafe said with a courteous bow, showing excellent manners to a monarch who was not his own. “The wolves have come for justice. There was nothing to be gained by more death.”

“You risked your life,” said Elroth. “I will not forget that. What is your name?”

“Rafe of Pack Devries.”

“Rafe, I thank you.” The king gave a deep nod. “And while I would prefer to keep on praising your bravery, young wolf, duty commands me. There is much to do before sunrise. Go to your pack knowing you have my gratitude.”

With a last bow, Rafe retreated from the king’s presence. He paused as he passed close to Lila, bending to whisper in her ear. “Thank you.”

Then he disappeared into the throng of wolves.

A murmur rippled through the crowd, growing louder until Elroth held up a hand for silence. “I will hear your grievances, but first you will cease your battle. Fae will gather near the high table. The rest of you go to the other end of the hall.”

He pointed to emphasize his orders. Lila began to move, but the king stopped her.

“You remain here, Lila of House Fernblade,” he said in softer tones. “You summoned me, and you have yet to tell me why.”

A vampire in a smart suit, who seemed to be the leader of the Undead, stood his ground. “You give orders easily for one who doesn’t rule the Undead or the wolves.”

Elroth’s shoulders stiffened. “And you are?”

A beat passed before the Undead answered. “Malatest. I rule the vampires in these parts.”

“You are here, Mr. Malatest, in a fae territory, where I rule everyone.”

“We didn’t come here for something fun to do.” The vampire tilted his fedora back a degree. “We have a score to settle.”

“As I said, if you have complaints, they shall be heard. Whether they are heard before the sun rises is up to you.”

Malatest matched him silence for silence, then gave a short nod. “Then I’ll play nice to save time, but understand we were winning the fight.”

Elroth raised his brow. “Your position is noted.”

Malatest retreated. By some unspoken agreement, the Undead gathered on the left side of the hall and the shifters on the right. When Lila looked back, Rafe had between swept into the crowd of wolves. As natural as that might be, a pang of disappointment ran through her. She missed his presence at her side.

Once the noise settled, the king strode to the middle of the banquet hall, while his retinue ranged behind him and beneath the portal’s glowing arch. The retainers were all warriors, armed to the teeth. Their grim faces made it plain what would happen if anyone—fae, wolf, or vampire—put a foot wrong.

Lila found a place next to the retainers and scanned the room for her parents. She saw the gargoyles first, looming like large and ugly statues. Ademar had commandeered a bench, where her parents sat together. Though Galeeta sat as upright and poised as ever, Gareth slumped, holding her hand in his. Ademar leaned against the wall on Galeeta’s other side, brow creased in a frown.

Lila’s chest tightened with a mix of emotions—love, exasperation, and anxiety. Mother, father, brother—they were all a piece of her. And so vulnerable. She felt adrift, caught between the desire to be with them and the need to tell King Elroth everything she knew.

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