Page 65 of The Powers of Nyx

Summer Court magic spilled out from where she hid, like a beacon for her whereabouts. I tasted the powerful magic on my tongue, sweet like summer wine and warm nights. To most, it would be intoxicating. The strength of it, the promise of power that would come from aligning with someone of her station.

But unlike these fools, I’d tasted true power. Real strength.

And it did not come from the Summer Court.

I smiled to myself as I hit the landing. The few pawns that remained rushed me. It took seconds to cut through them, shadow and blade my weapons of choice. It was a shame to see so many Summer Court lives wasted. As I took in the bodiesaround me, I couldn’t help the twinge of...regret that hit me. The emotion was like a shock to the system, a reminder of the effect my flower had on me now that she was close.

She was here. Finally on the island. And soon, I’d see her again. Finally take her in my arms. Feel the kiss of her skin against mine after eight years of nothing.

Of wishing I could be with her after nights like this. Of praying to Nyx that this one might be the last.

“Who. Are. You?” Lady Theros gasped, appearing in a doorway. She wore nothing more than a shawl made of sheer fabric, revealing the golden hue of her skin and the peaks of her breasts.

I kept the shadows around me. Even if she survived, she would not know it was me who slaughtered her people.

That it was a son of the Luna Court who orchestrated her demise.

I dragged the dagger made of shadow against the floor, smiling as she flinched away from my approaching form. “You’ve betrayed your Queen,” I mused. “Did you think that would go unpunished?”

Theros stiffened, her fear perfuming the air. “I do not follow false Queens.”

“The Fae have always followed Queens. Our own. One chosen by Nyx. Our histories show how weak our King’s have been. How much damage they do to Faery. You trust another with that responsibility?”

She scoffed, continuing to back away as I neared. Her arrogance was nothing compared to the knowledge that tonight, she would die.

Bringing the blade up, it kissed the skin of her throat. “Your king does not care for your life, Lady Theros. But I believe if the Daughter of Nyx were here, she would beg for you. She would believe you better than your betrayal, despite everything that hasbeen done to her and those she loves. She would see worth in your life. In protecting you. She would shed a tear for you.”

“Then she would be weak,” Theros spat. “Unworthy of beingQueen.”

I cocked my head and pressed the blade into her skin, drawing blood. “And yet you would live. Now, you willdie.”

I gave her no chance to respond as the blade sliced through her neck, severing her head from the rest of her body. I felt nothing as her head hit the ground and rolled to my feet, and nothing still as her body followed. Perhaps mild irritation. But that was because I had to make my way out of the house unseen and return to the academy.

It was a pity another had to die for their allegiance to the false ruler.

But if it meant protecting Ivy from those who wanted her crown, I would take down the entire organisation on my own.

One rook at a time.

24

ADRIAN

“I’LLBEfine,” Ivy said, smiling tiredly up at me from her position on the bed. “Really. Nightmare aside—”

“You’re still dealing with the aftermath of whatever happened withhim,” I replied, perching on the edge. I wished I could climb in with her, to hold and protect her now more than ever. It was getting harder to hide my vitriol for her other mate—the one who caused her so much pain.

Despite the nightmares she’d had before, I hadn’t felt anything like what she’d accidentally shared through the bond. Somehow, maybe by borrowinghispower, she’d shared parts of her nightmare with us. I recalled moments from it even now—darkness and running, an ethereal voice, and then pain. Splitting, agonising pain.

I pushed the memories aside and cupped her flushed cheek, bringing our foreheads together. “I’m still worried about you, Ivy.” I was more than fucking worried, but I blocked most of those emotions from her, carefully tucking them away where they wouldn’t upset her.

She sighed, but didn’t pull away, melting into my touch. “I’m okay now.”

“No, you aren’t,” I whispered, “and that’s okay. That’s what we’re here for.”

My mate shuddered, her eyes fluttering shut. “I know.”

If only she realised she could lean on us more,I thought. Had my mother had been the same when she’d met her first mates?The last thing I wanted was to ask any of them for advice, but this could be a learning moment for us.

---