Page 79 of Fallen Star

The fae woman nods in approval—apparently, I’ve finally done something right around here—and leads me out of the suite.

Sophia and Victoria are still asleep.

Lucky them.

“Do you have a name?” I ask her when we’re out in the hallway.

“Aethelthryth,” she replies. “But the humans always have difficulty with it. You can call me Ethel.”

“Nice to officially meet you, Aethelthryth,” I say, making it a point to show her that even though I’m a human, I’m perfectly able to call her by her true name.

She gives me a small nod, although I swear I see a bit of a smile. Then she leads me out of the human wing and through the winding halls of the Night Court.

As we walk, my mind races.

Maybe I can reason with Aerix. Make him see me as more than just food. After all, he saved me from his father—that has to mean something. And he seemed almost human back in that bunker, when he complimented my cooking and I told him about my time working at the animal shelter.

As I think, I try to memorize the path we’re traveling on. But everything looks the same—black and crimson stone floors, floating chandeliers, and gilded mirrors lining the walls.

Yes, the fae are good-looking—beautifulis a better word—but judging by the numbers of mirrors in this place, they must be completely obsessed with their appearances.

Aethelthryth doesn’t say another word to me as we walk.

Finally, we stop in front of a door larger and more ornate than the others—black inlaid with intricate crimson designs.

She knocks once, then leaves me standing there alone.

“Enter,” Aerix calls from inside.

I could run. Sprint through the mirrored halls and try to find my way back.

But even if I managed to get back to my suite, what would happen then? Would I get sent to the barns? Or worse?

Play their game,I remind myself.

So, taking a deep breath, I straighten and push open the door.

Lounging in a high-backed chair near the massive fireplace, Aerix is the perfect picture of predatory elegance. His black hair is swept back, his sharp features illuminated by the flickering firelight. He’s wearing a dark shirt unbuttoned at the collar, revealing just enough of his chest to be distracting. His legs are stretched out in front of him, crossed at the ankles, and his midnight eyes pin me in place the moment I step inside.

As for his chambers—they’re exactly what I’d expect from a fae-vampire prince. Black stone walls, an ornate fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the town.

Then, of course, there’s the massive four-poster bed dominating one wall, with sheets the color of blood.

I shudder at the reminder of blood—at the river, and the blood that coated my skin and filled my mouth.

“You came,” Aerix says after the door closes.

“I suspect that if I didn’t, I’d be dragged,” I reply. “And I’ve had enough of being tied up and dragged around after the first time we met.”

“And if I haven’t?” he raises an eyebrow suggestively.

I cross my arms, as if they’re a shield guarding me from whatever he wants to do to me. “Why am I here?” I ask.

“Why do you think you’re here?”

“I’m the one who asked you,” I retort.

He smirks and gestures to the chair opposite his. “Sit.”

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