Page 37 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

The vicious sneer on his face wound a knot in her chest. His opinion of her should mean nothing, and yet it still hurt, the way he spat his accusations like she was some wretch. Why did his words inflame her so?

Vita pushed her plate away, any remaining hunger gone.

“Do you have to be so vile? I do notfuckmy friends, certainly not in the middle of a tavern.”

The High Consul was a flash of movement, so swift it didn’t seem real. Itwasn’treal. No human should be able to move that fast. But he wasn’t human. He gripped her chin, jerking her head up to look at him.

“I do not knowwhatto expect of you, not after last time when I found you in the guard’s lap practically begging for him to take you right then and there. Such a naughty little girl.”

As his hand slid down to her throat, a pinch of arousal joined her fear, setting every nerve in her body alight. Even with the tight grip, he was gentle as he pulled her out of the seat to meet his gaze, his eyes wandering across her face.

A burn of a different kind replaced the scorch of lust, Vita’s hands growing hot as she clenched them at her sides.

Renatus cocked his head. “Another surge?”

She nodded, wide eyed, trying to resist the pull of unfettered magic as he released her from his grasp. She took a few quick steps back, knocking her chair over with a loud thud as she tried to contain the surge.

He just smiled, gesturing with open arms. “Go ahead, darling. Let’s see what you can do.”

Every muscle tensed as Vita tried to quell the electric energy burning through her, but she knew it was no use. When she unclenched her fists, darts of light exploded from her hands, shooting out in every direction. Glass shattered as some hit dishes while others glanced harmlessly against the stone walls. It was over in a second and Vita just stared at the mess she’d made, shivering.

He laughed, clapping his hands as if she were a performer in a show. “Bravo, my dear. Bravo.”

Renatus closed the distance between them, his icy fingers lifting her chin so she gazed at him once more.

“I can help you control yourself, if you would like. Or rather, Aurora can. She is quite the talented mage.”

He tilted her head from side to side, as if getting a better look would help him understand the mysteries that had plagued Vita her entire life. She grabbed his wrist, surprising even herself, and jerked it away. She was tired of being scrutinized, like a riddle in need of solving.

“I don’t need help.” When he just narrowed his eyes, she softened her voice, releasing him. “But thank you.”

Aurora appeared at the door, as if answering a silent call. “Are you ready to return to your quarters?”

Vita nodded quickly, keeping her distance from Renatus as she moved to the door. He exchanged a look with Aurora, but said nothing. She followed the other woman through the halls and back to her own room, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions racing through her.

CHAPTER 16

Renatus

RENATUS WAS PACING HIS dark room—a lone candle burning—when a light knock rapped at the door.

“Come in,” he called, already knowing who it would be.

He composed himself, straightening his shirt as Aurora entered. There was a sly smile on her lovely face, and though she meant well, it burned him nonetheless.

“Are you regretting your decision?” she asked, her voice a silky purr as she stepped to him.

She could always sense what he needed, and she kept her hands to herself tonight. She read him so well, knowing when he craved physical comfort and when he didn’t want to be touched.

Renatus scoffed, regardless of how valid the question was. “Of course not, dear. I never regret anything.”

Aurora could see right through him, most certainly, but she just nodded.

Regret wasn’t the correct word. Vita couldn’t have stayed with the Praetor—a man he would have taken pleasure in eviscerating—but perhaps keeping her at the palace wasn’t the wisest choice. He had never been the most logical man, even before…

No, once he’d laid eyes on her at Aonalia, he knew he had to have her, had to protect her. Even if it meant torturing himself.

Aurora walked up to the table, picking up a book and absentmindedly flipping through it. “Would you like me to send Vita to your room?”

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