Page 45 of Wickedly Yours

A lump caught in my throat. “I think so. I just…” My teeth worried at my bottom lip. “Yesterday, I didn’t even know that demons were real. I thought this was just afling. You and I were, well… It doesn’t matter now. And now I’m here, and…” I let out a deep breath. “How much more do I need to expect?”

“Well… there’s one more thing, I’m afraid,” he said, before his fingers brushed over my jaw, keeping my gaze focused on him as he stared up at me. “We have company.”

“Company? But we just got here. It’s only been a few hours since…” I trailed off, since I’d left my life behind. My home. My sister. “Who evenknowsI’m here?”

“Who else?” He chuckled. “Seems like my brother has decided to drop in for a little visit.”

“Your brother? Damien is here?” A nod. If he was here, that meant… “With my sister?”

“Yes.” Zain’s lips curled up in a wicked grin, and then he winced. “Though I don’t think they’re thrilled with me.”

I frowned. “Why? And how do they even know I’m here?”

He smoothed his thumb over my forehead, brushing back a loose strand of hair. “I know I have a lot to explain to you later, if you’ll let me. But for now… I just need you to stand by my side. Can you do that?”

“Of course. But, Zain… Ineedto know. To understand. You can’t keep me in the dark.” I couldn’t live in a world of secrets and lies. Not when it felt like I didn’t even know him anymore.

“I won’t, Luna.” His promise was the only thing I had—the only thing to cling to in this strange world.

I just had to hope he was telling the truth.

Zain left me in my room before disappearing again; with just the snap of his fingers, he could go anywhere he wanted. I really needed him to teach me how to do that.

I was trying to ignore the pull in my heart, the knowledge that Willow washere.Because above all else, my sister had come for me. Even if I’d seen her just yesterday, it felt like a week had elapsed in the last six hours.

Wandering through my new closet, I brushed my fingers over the fabrics—gowns of all different shades hung side by side on one wall. I hadn’t even trifled through the drawers yet, but I was definitely in love with this closet. Maybe I’d never wanted for anything as a kid, but I’d never had anything like this, either.

A dusty blue one was covered in silver stars, and I touchedthe tulle softly before moving on. Goddess, they were beautiful. Had all of this been bought forme?

Novalie popped her head in. “My lady.”

“Oh.” I startled—too lost in my current quest to expect her arrival. “Sorry. I didn’t expect…” My eyes locked on the white shimmering gown in her hands. “What’s that?”

It looked like it had been embroidered with little moons, and my heart stuttered a bit in my chest.

“The Prince wanted you to wear it. He picked it out, especially for you.”

“He did?” I blushed, thinking about him handpicking my gown for the evening. Instead of feeling possessive or controlling, it felt… sweet. I pushed that thought aside, not knowing to what extent I could trust him—or my own feelings. I didn’t know the limits of Zain’s magic. What if he was influencing my emotions,makingme feel like this?

The demon girl nodded. “Everything in here was chosen for you.”

“But—how? It’s only been a few hours since I even…” I trailed off.

“We’ve been waiting for you a long time, Luna.” Her eyes widened like she’d said too much. “We should get you dressed,” she insisted, appraising my current sweater and leggings attire. “There isn’t much time before his highness will be back.”

Novalie produced a robe, watching as I stripped out of the soft knit sweater, letting it and my leggings fall to the ground before I slipped into the silky black material.

“Right.” I let her guide me out of the closet and into the chair in front of the vanity. Watching as she fretted around my room, I couldn’t hold in my questions. I was curious about Zain’s friends—about her. How he had so many people whoseemed so loyal to him. “How long have you worked here, Novalie?”

“My whole life,” she responded as she undid my hair from the messy bun, bringing the locks down around my shoulders as she combed through it. “I was raised to serve the royal family.” She must have seen the horror in my eyes because she reassured me. “It is no burden, believe me. Zain and Damien are kind despite their upbringing. All the staff here are treated well.”

“Their upbringing?” I swallowed, my throat feeling unnaturally dry.

She just shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s their story to tell.”

I sighed, shaking my head.

“I’ve been meaning to ask since it arrived in that… cage. What sort of creature did you bring with you?” Novalie asked, one eyebrow raising as she watched Selene bathe herself through the mirror.

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