Page 23 of Dark Reign

“All you have to do is touch them with the intent to bestow, correct?” I inquired.

When he nodded to confirm it was as simple as I thought, I made my final plea.

“They’re not like us, Si. They’re not easygoing, content with life like you and me. So, help me helpthemfinally live for themselves again.”

As Silas’ gaze shifted to meet mine, I held my breath, waiting for his answer.

“Okay … I’m in,” he agreed, “but under three conditions.”

Well, that waspartiallywhat I hoped for, but I should have seen that coming. “Like?”

“First, I’ll only proceed if an opportunity presents itself. Second, I’ll only bestow true sight where romantic prospects are concerned. To do anything more general than that would be a catastrophe,” he explained.

With a wave of the hand, I dismissed his worry. “Got it. What else?”

“Third,” he sighed, “ … I won’t involve Roman. He’s been through a lot and it wouldn’t feel right.”

I hated that I hadn’t thought of that before, Roman’s mental state. Silas had always been more thoughtful than the rest of us, so I didn’t bother feeling guilty for the oversight. Still, there was no hesitation to agree to his terms.

“Deal?” he asked.

We leaned in to shake on it and I couldn’t fight the smile that broke free.

“Deal.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Corina

My heart raced each time the trees rustled. It wouldn’t have been unreasonable to think one or several hellhounds might be roaming the grounds this evening, considering the magnitude of this event.

I prayed no one noticed as I took the lonely walk up the driveway, clutching a small purse in my fingers. It felt empty in my hands, but Liv assured me she tucked a few things away inside in case I found myself in a pinch.

Ianites were known to have keen hearing, but with all the chatter and revving engines as bodies sauntered toward the entrance of Lord Wilford’s palace, I had little to worry about. The others all arrived by car, some escorted by personal chauffeurs, others behind the wheels of fancy vehicles. They lined the circular drive, a colorful array that reminded me of shiny pieces of candy that had spilled from a bag.

Fast, expensive candy.

In steady rhythm, guests pulled up to the designated area marked with orange cones set out by the valet service. A team in white tuxes took over from there, driving off once pairs of beautiful bodies filed out of the vehicles, headed for the door. Each one moved with grace, a parade of magnificent, silver, fairytale ballgowns, bold makeup, and imaginative hairstyles. I could only guess the time and effort that went into creating them. A sea of flawless skin and beautiful faces danced before my gaze. Tonight, I was surrounded by the elite.

The rich, the noble.

As luck would have it, I happened to arrive just as all four emperors and three empresses were making their grand entrance. It appeared rumors were true; the Lady of our own quadrant wouldn’t be attending tonight due to a scheduling conflict. Scanning a second time, I saw no sign of the princes either.

The empresses moved like they were weightless, and I had to wonder if their feet were even touching the ground beneath their elaborate gowns. Their husbands, the tyrants who ruled with iron fists, were devilishly handsome with the paleness of their skin standing out against the dark fabric of their tuxes.

Emphasis on devilish.

Watching the sheer elegancewith which they moved,you would never guess the hideous acts these things were capable of committing.

I breathed deep as they disappeared amidst a frenzy of camera flashes and cheers from the crowd kept at bay by red, velvet ropes. I neared the entrance myself now, fishing the ticket from my purse with shaky hands. I stepped behind a couple linked at the arm—the man donning a black tux like all the others, and the woman a fur stole she wore crosswise around her dress like a prize sash.

They peered over their shoulders, those blood-red eyes landing right on me. I held my breath, imagining that, in that fleeting moment, they saw through me, detected some miniscule flaw Liv and I had overlooked. But then, the second I thought the pressure might kill me … they smiled.

“You look lovely, dear,” the woman crooned, scanning my dress for a second time.

It took a moment, and more muscles than it should have, but I managed a smile.

“Thank you. You look lovely as well.”

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