Page 84 of Acedia

Ruvyn didn’t even dignify that with an answer, he just stared. And that was fair because I certainly hadn’t been any of those things in the past, but I was trying to do better now. Iris had made me realize how indolent I’d been, and I didn’t want to bethatShade anymore.

Iris had never demanded I be better. Being in her presence made me want that for myself.

“I’m working on it,” I muttered, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed at how I’d reveled in my ennui for the past decade, proudly boasting about how uninterested I was in everyone and everything while others worked hard around me, striving to be better.

“I can see that,” Ruvyn said after a long moment, watching me a little more closely than I was accustomed to. “And I’m glad for it—you’ve always had the talent and the ability, Damen. Just not the drive to see it through. And now you do. I’m going to return to The Itrodaris now—this has been more than enough conversation for me for the day. Enjoy your evening.”

As soon as he was gone, I made my way back to Iris, wanting to check in with her after what had been a rather tumultuous meal. Of all the nights to invite her to sit at the top table with me.

Though, she’d handled it perfectly, because of course she had. Iris was smart and adaptable, and never shied away from any challenge sent her way.

“But Shades value strength, everyone knows that,” Astrid was telling Ophelia. “Someone is definitely going to have a problem with the king of the shadow realm mixing genes with a weak Hunter.”

Soren grimaced where he stood next to his mate. I suspected he’d had the same concerns but intended to keep them to himself in order to spare Ophelia’s feelings. Her sister had no qualms about telling her the truth.

Allerick’s shadows flickered in irritation. “If they have an issue with me, they can challenge me for my throne.”

“No one is going to challenge you—you’re the strongest,” Astrid pointed out, shaking her head slightly before returning her attention to Ophelia. “Make sure you don’t go anywhere unescorted for the next little while. Or forever.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” Ophelia replied, a little bemused. Probably because Allerick was hovering behind her and Levana, her own personal guard, was standing nearby. Ophelia was almost never alone. Still, the reminder was worthwhile.

“Iris, are you ready to go?” I asked, touching her arm.

“Yes, I think so.” She turned toward my voice, smiling softly up at me. I was probably imagining things, but her smile looked a little different tonight. More affectionate and more unsure all at once.

It was probably just Ruvyn’s words. I’d ask her about it when we were alone.

“I’ll walk you back,” I offered, tucking her hand securely into the crook of my arm before giving Tilly’s head a quick scratch.

Allerick looked as though he was going to object—probably wanting to discuss the evening’s development, but Ophelia shushed him, gesturing for me to go. She really was my favorite sibling.

“Is your friend okay?” Iris asked as we made our way through the corridor, filled with Shades clustered in small groups, discussing recent events. Wisely, they all fell silent when I was in earshot.

“He is. He’d already considered the likelihood of such a reaction.”

“Then he was very brave to stand up in front of everyone anyway.”

“He was,” I agreed, consistently amazed by Iris’s compassion when the world had shown so little compassion to her.

Tilly bounded inside the moment Iris opened the door to her room, and I quickly formed a shadow cane for Iris before crossing the room to let Tilly out to the courtyard.

“Will you stay a little?” Iris asked, slipping off her shoes and making her way over to the bed, climbing up gingerly and sitting in the center with her legs crossed.

“Of course. What do you want to do? I had a very stressful evening, you know. I think licking your pussy until you’ve come so many times you can’t walk would make me feel much better,” I suggested solemnly.

Iris laughed, the sound brightening the entire room. “Tempting, but I have my period.”

I groaned. Shade females had them too, but not nearly as often as human women got them from what I heard. I don’t know how they coped—Ophelia complained fairly openly about it and it sounded unbearable.

“We can do other things, can’t we? If you want to,” I added. “Or I could send down to the kitchen for tea and cake, and read to you again.”

Iris’s scent sweetened delightfully. “You’re so wonderful. Maybe… I could make you come? I really want to. It’s not like I don’t feel arousal when I have my period—sometimes it’s worse than normal.”

My cock stirred hopefully. “I can help with that.”

“No, no, I wouldn’t expect you,” Iris said hurriedly, blushing scarlet.

“You do know I’m not scared of a little blood, right?” I asked, just to make sure. “It’d take a lot more than that to keep me off you if your cunt is aching for my attention, Iris.”

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