Page 163 of The Powers of Nyx

Tension filled the ballroom, breaths catching, as the doors reopened. My heart stuttered to a stop in my chest when I caught sight of her.

Beautiful wasn’t enough to describe the woman standing above the crowd.

Ethereal.

She was the Goddess incarnate.

Whoever dressed her had leaned into that, clearly. The dress she wore was black with silver glitter dusting the skirt and bodice, though up close, I had to wonder if it replicated the night sky in Avalon. Her bodice cinched at the waist, accentuating her chest, while a slit in the skirt revealed her leg. Something beneath the fabric caught my eye, but it disappeared before I could see more.

Her dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, and a temporary crown sat atop her head.

It took all my power not to leave my station. I cursed whoever thought to place me here, close enough for me to see her, but far enough that I wouldn’t reach her, no matter how hard I tried.

“Welcome, Ivy Wilson, Daughter of Nyx.”

59

ROWAN

“WELCOME,Ivy Wilson, Daughter of Nyx.”

The crowd erupted, applause and screams of excitement filling the air, a ripple of magic following. It was both exhilarating and nerve wracking, standing with Ivy while they all stared.

Illusions cast by Fae and witches danced through the air; fireworks exploded against the ceiling, letting sparkling glitter rain down on the crowd. Other illusions played out ahead of us, depicting dragons in flight and small pixies dancing in swirling patterns.

This is way too much, Ivy said down our bond—maybe all the bonds. Her anxiety swelled and though I tried to push a level of calm towards her, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be enough. Not with the entire ballroom staring at her. We were nothing compared to her beauty. And Ivy held herself well—no one could deny that.

From the corner of my eye, I took Maeve in, who wore a suit not too different to the ones we all wore. The tailor had tried to put her in a dress, but alas, Maeve had threatened to bite them. So, she wore what we wore, but somehow made it look better.

Which was black on black. Definitely her vibe. But not mine. The only reason I put up with it was because of Ivy, and she looked spectacular in the gown they’d created for her. We were simply designed to be the backdrop for her beauty, and I was more than okay with that.

“Escorted by four of her bonded mates, Ivy will be crowned as the seventh Queen of Nyx. Soon, she will accept the full powerof the Goddess and take the throne.” The applause this time dimmed. Maybe it was because the people were realising she already had four bonds, which meant she’d already anchored her power.

“Elias Beckham, Wolf Shifter. Adrian Kingsley, Charm Mage—” Gasps and applause followed that. Definitely some shock in there. “—Maeve Grey, Changed Vampire. Rowan Archer, Divination Mage. All four have accepted and bonded their future Queen. Perhaps you will recognise a bond with your Daughter of Nyx. So, tonight, we celebrate Ivy and those Nyx Chose for her.”

I stepped up beside Ivy and offered her my arm. It was tradition for the newest mates to escort her to the dance floor and sweep her into a magical waltz in front of everyone else, showing her off as the new Queen. It would show me off a little, too, but the primary focus would be her. Showing her power since she’d already taken four mates—well, five if you counted asshole.

I can hear your thoughts, Rowan, she said, somehow managing to push her displeasure into her tone.He’s here. I know he is.

I tensed as we began our descent, with Maeve taking Ivy’s other side. Adrian and Elias were a step behind us, their presences like security.

Are you sure?I asked carefully, scanning the crowd like I might possibly spot him amongst the Fae gathered near Queen Greer.

Ivy squeezed my elbow in warning. We hit the dance floor, and the crowd moved back, giving us space for our first dance. Maeve nodded to me and stepped away, though her eyes drifted over the crowd critically.

I can feel him,Ivy replied. The music started again, signalling the beginning of our dance, and I pulled her into my chest. She’donly been given the briefest of lessons for this, but that’s why Adrian and I had taken her dancing.

Too bad none of us felt prepared for anything else.

Ivy rested her left hand on my shoulder, allowing me to take her right and sweep her into the music. “Trust me,” I murmured, holding her tightly as we passed a group of older men. “I’ve got you.”

I’d never get tired of the way she smiled. The bond brightened, warming my chest. Fuck, I loved her.

Do you know where he is?I asked.

She gently shook her head, her eyes straying every so often to the crowd.No, but I think I know who he is. I just have to be sure.

I pressed my lips together but forced myself not to comment on it any further. I didn’t want to upset her, and the more I asked, the more her anxiety swelled. Though based on the impression of emotions, it wasn’t entirely from my questions.

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