Page 162 of The Powers of Nyx

“You really think anyone actually cares about you meeting with me? Please.” She waved a hand flippantly, like she wasn’t one of the most powerful people in the room. “We have far more important things to discuss.”

“Then please,” I gritted out, “get on with it.”

Her eyes shined with mirth, a smile twisting her lips. “I’ve moved and toyed with many pieces in preparation, Hawk Nash. The board is set. Be ready,” she said, lowering her voice, “because I fear tonight will mark the beginning of war.”

~

The Seer’s warning played through my head to the point where I forgot I was supposed to be working. Instead, my eyes were set on the large doors leading into the ballroom, impatiently waiting for Ivy to appear.

If war was coming, then I need to make sure she wasn’t caught in the middle more than she already was.

I’d worked too hard for it all to come crashing down now.

Music played off to the side, a full orchestra guiding the wealthy and powerful into the room. Queen Greer, weaker than I’d ever seen her, sat poised on her throne, crown of red crystal atop her silver-blonde hair. She wore a dress of the same colour, though the fabric clung to her frail frame, and when she moved, it looked like blood pooling around her.

The guests were enamoured by her, but they knew what her weakening state meant.

Tonight, they would meet their new Queen.

I spied a familiar face in the crowd and watched Ivy’s academy friend float through the guests with her pink hair pinned up,wearing a dress of silver and gold. She seemed almost lost, and I realised quickly it was because she must have been searching for Ivy.

But she would be the last to arrive, with her bonded mates around her.

All except one. The mystery mate they whispered about.

I wondered if he was here, already waiting for her. Would he reveal himself? Or would he stay in hiding?

I never expected to dislike someone so much, and yet here I was, imagining a male I had no reason to know, wondering what it would feel like to wring his neck.

Several more powerful families were announced, and then the Fae arrived. They attended these balls like they had guns to their heads. It was all a show for them, and tonight was no different.

The Seelie Court entered first, with the High Rulers and their Heirs leading, followed by their mates. They each wore the colours of their courts; Summer in yellows and blues like the sun and sea; Spring in pink and green, flowers in bloom; Autumn in orange and gold for the change of season; and Winter in grey and white for snow and storms.

I watched, teeth gritted, as they gave their respects to Queen Greer, kneeling at her feet with false regard. When they rose, a shiver rolled down my spine, but from what, I couldn’t tell.

Then came the Unseelie Court. I had to hold myself back from sinking into the shadows as they appeared. Aither with their wings on display entered, their High Lady at the head of their group, followed by her Heir and mates. Abyss followed, though one of their princesses was missing, I realised. The one mated to Kingsley’s brother.

Dream appeared next, and I took in the inky black hair and violet eyes common with their court. Ivy had claimed her mystery mate could enter her dreams. I watched each male fromtheir court carefully, but none felt likeher. Not like the other mates in her circle did.

Finally, the Luna Court entered last. I recognised the Heir of High Lord Hyperion immediately as a male from the academy. The only reason he stood out was because I’d caught him staring at Ivy more than once.

Strangely enough, the High Lord’s mates were missing from the procession.

Why?I eyed their Court as they followed the same greeting as the Seelie Court, kneeling to Queen Greer before entering the crowds.

I tried to remember who, exactly, the High Lord was mated to. It was basic training for me to know the players of the council and their bonded mates.

But for whatever reason, I couldn’t recall who his were.

A chill ran down my spine as they moved into the crowd like the Seelie Court, disappearing from my sight.

The doors closed, and the music came to a stop, silencing the ballroom. All eyes fell on Queen Greer as she rose from her throne.

“Welcome, friends and children of Nyx!” Her voice carried throughout the ballroom clearly, and her mates all gathered around her. “Tonight, we celebrate. We thank Nyx for all she has given us, for every new blessing and each old one. We welcome change, hope, and power as we enter a new stage of life.”

A roar of applause boomed throughout the room. Excitement rippled through the air, changing the atmosphere entirely. Despite standing in the shadows, not even I could ignore the way the atmosphere changed.

Queen Greer raised her hands, and the applause died down as we all waited for her to continue. “An era is coming to an end. And in these coming weeks, we welcome a new Queen. Our Daughter of Nyx has been found, and tonight, she joins us.”

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