Page 168 of The Powers of Nyx

Everyone watched me, but I felt like an outsider as I watched the room.

“Look at me,” Orion commanded, and my eyes snapped back to his. There was a darkness around his irises that didn’t seem right. “We don’t have much time.”

“Stop being so vague,” I snapped, panting as he swung us around. “Please. I don’t have time for this.”

It was like a bomb ticking in my chest. The desperation to find Rowan. Praying to the Goddess that he and the others were safe.

Orion’s eyes softened, and I saw a flash of the boy I once knew in his expression. “I know, but you need to listen to me. I have been trying to uncover who he is. My father has been working closely with him. I was making headway, but—”

I froze as a different kind of pain shuddered through me. One by one, the bonds went quiet. Like a light flickered out, they all descended into darkness. And each one struck me like lightning, hitting me hard in the chest.

Elias. Maeve. Adrian.They didn’t respond when I called for them.

No. No, please no.

Orion cupped my cheeks, concern darkening his eyes. “It’s too late.”

The music cut off abruptly; gasps of rage filled the air, drowning out the panic rising within me. My magic rose in response, prickling across my skin as I pulled away from Orion to take in the quieting ballroom.

Dark, unmasked figures descended upon the exits, blocking any who dared try to escape. Weapons were drawn, and shifters transformed into wolves and bears that frothed at the mouth, larger than they should have been, feral as they stalked the guests.

Orion wrapped an arm around me protectively, as another presence appeared at my back.

“Don’t attract attention, Princess,” Hawk murmured, hand wrapping around my wrist. “They’ll take you just as quickly.”

Anger flooded me, drowning out the panic, but I bowed my head in response as the dais Queen Greer had been sitting on was raided by soldiers.Why is no one helping her?I asked Orion.Why is no one fighting?

Because they like to arrogantly showcase their power, but none have ever actually had to use it to fight. Most people in this room have gotten lazy. Gotten used to Queen Greer maintaining peace,he replied darkly.They can defend themselves, but most are aware that if they fight, too many will die.

Bile rose in my throat, as one by one, her mates were contained, not fighting because if they did, their Queen would be harmed. They had their eyes on her; everything they did was for her. But the dagger held to Greer’s throat didn’t seem to frighten her.

Our eyes met. She wasn’t afraid.

A cold chill swept over my skin, awareness prickling my flesh. My magic settled beneath my skin, but rage continued to burn within me.

Nyx was here. She was watching. Waiting.

But for what?

The males standing either side of me closed in as a figure climbed the dais. Queen Greer’s eyes snapped to him, shock lining her features as he pulled a dagger from his own belt. He wore a tailored suit, but it didn’t conceal the fact he had other weapons strapped to his body.

Carefully, I reached for his magical signature, testing it with my own. Mage, though I couldn’t tell what kind. Powerful and different, somehow.

The expressions of Greer’s mates changed, too. Some were shocked. Others growled. Someone in the crowd shouted, and a woman—no, Sylvia—tried to throw herself at the dais, but a male held her back as he said something to the mage on the dais.

“Dante…” Greer murmured, voice still carrying through the ballroom. “No.”

The male laughed, like her denial was the funniest thing in the world. I glanced at Orion, whose rage was unfiltered as it danced across his features. He clenched his jaw, barely sparing me a glance as he watched the mage. On my other side, Hawk stilled completely. Both had worked it out.

Dante.Dante. I gasped, clamping down on my surprise as I took in the betrayed reactions again. Adrian’s brother. His big brother. The one who threw parties, who tried to influence myprince…

My mouth went dry as Dante turned to the crowd. Something about his smile, the way his eyes glowed, unsettled. But the crowd quietened completely. As if they’d been subdued.

He’s a mind mage,Orion said.Somehow, he’s controlling them.All of them.

I was going to be sick. My magic reared, wanting to escape, to fight back. There was a pressure in my head, but I imagined the crystal dome around my thoughts, like I’d done so many times to keep Orion out of my head. It was enough to push his influence back. For now. But I wasn’t sure how long it would last.

Dante raised his hands, and several people dropped to one knee. From the corner of my eye, I watched the Fae move. His loyal followers? I glanced back at the dais, where Greer’s shock morphed into anger. Her darkening eyes found mine, and she shook her head.

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