Page 164 of The Powers of Nyx

She was terrified of what the night might bring.

And I couldn’t blame her.

~

I stood off to the side as Adrian swept Ivy into their dance. I didn’t need the bond to know she was done with it all. “I don’t know how I feel about her suffering,” I muttered, just loud enough for the super-hearing duo to catch.

Maeve grunted, standing perfectly tall and still. She tracked Ivy with her eyes as Adrian spun her across the dance floor, showing the rest of us up. “She’ll survive—she’s survived worse than dancing in front of strangers.”

“Somehow, I think she’ll disagree with you,” Elias replied darkly. “The worst is yet to come.”

“We keep eyes on her, always. Don’t letanyonetake her away. As much as she hates being the centre of attention, right now, she needs to stay in it for her safety.” Maeve frowned, and forthe first time tonight, she took her eyes off our mate and glanced around the room. “And keep an eye out for anyone that seems—”

“Off,” I finished. “Glad to know I’m not the only one feeling it.”

“I saw Nash when we were coming down. He needs to check in,” Elias added, rolling his shoulders back. It was nice to have human-Elias back, though Wolfy was definitely better company. I couldn’t imagine Ivy trying to dance with him. It would have been a mess.

Through the crowds, I spied my mother, standing directly across from the three of us, a knowing smile playing at her lips.My stomach bottomed out as I took in the floral dress and the metal glinting beneath the skirt.

Is she armed?I wondered, narrowing my eyes as she lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers in a wave. You’d think, after years of dealing with my mother, I’d know her ways.

But I was as clueless as the day I was born, and I had no idea what she was up to—ever. It could have been one of herusualthings, but something about the look in her eyes made me pause.

“Bloody hell,” I muttered, narrowing my eyes as she slipped into the crowd. The woman was too short to be seen, and now that she was gone, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t catch her again. I thought she would stand with Queen Greer tonight, notfrolicaround the dance floor.

“Problem, Archer?” Maeve asked.

I shook my head, though I had a feeling her gaze was on Ivy again, who was three steps from finishing her dance with Adrian. “I saw my mother in the crowd.”

The vamp stiffened. “Did it seem like she wanted your attention?” she asked.

I hesitated and replied, “Yeah. Probably. Why?”

Maeve shook her head slowly. “I have a feeling. See if you can find her. She wouldn’t be trying to get your attention for nothing.”

Gritting my teeth, I checked in with Ivy first. Maevewasteam leader, but if my mate wanted me here waiting for her, then that’s what I planned to do.

Checking in, babe. Maeve wants me to look for my mother. Would that be okay with you?

From the dance floor, Ivy glanced over, her brows drawn in a frown.God. Please go find your mother.

What?I replied.Don’t you love me?

I could almost feel her eyes roll from the other side of the dancefloor as Adrian swung her around. Our eyes connected, amusement flaring down the bond.

If you need to find her, then go. I’ll be okay. I love you.

I sent her a wink, which resulted in her closing her end of the bond. Or at least, shutting off her thoughts from me. It was too bad. I thought she’d enjoy my commentary and consideration.

With one last look at the others, I stepped out of line and disappeared into the crowd. They parted for me, though many were still assessing Ivy for any easy weaknesses. Their whispers followed me as I made my way towards Hawk. The half-Fae male barely glanced at me as I stopped beside him.

“Archer.” His jaw ticked with barely contained annoyance.Wonderful. “Something you need?”

“Other than to rub in the fact you’re stuck here when you could be out there dancing with Ivy?” I grinned when his dark eyes found mine, filled with more than just annoyance now. “I wanted to know if you’d seen my mother anywhere.”

The male stiffened but shook his head. “Not since before the ball.”

“Great,” I muttered. “Thanks for nothing then.”

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