Page 94 of The Alien's Cruel Starfrost Domain

My desire for Ivrael, the feeling I’ve been denying since the first time I saw him, rages up inside me like an inferno, and this time I can’t push it down.

Maybe the wine hasn’t worn off as much as I hoped it had.

I have to get out of here.

Blindly, I turn and stumble toward the exit nearest the foyer. By the time I reach the landing on the main staircase, the haze in mymind has started to clear again, at least a little. I continue up the stairs, then lean against the wall at the top. For once, the cold air brushing against my skin feels good.

Ducking down a side hallway, I make my way toward Ivrael’s home office.

Tonight, I tell myself, I’m going to get that map. And then I’m going to get the hell out of this nightmare.

But the murmur of masculine voices draws me to a halt outside of Ivrael’s office.

Dammit. Of course, tonight of all nights would be the one when his study is occupied.

I flatten myself against the wall, straining to hear what’s being said and who is saying it.

“I doubt your prince will show up this late.” The voice is a deep rumble, one I don’t recognize, but I’m not surprised when Ivrael answers.

“I can’t stay away too long. The Ice Court Caix will find it strange if I don’t provide some…entertainment.”

The stranger grunts, a note of disgust in the sound. “What atrocities do you have planned this time?”

“Nothing, if you two keep your end of tonight’s bargain.”

“Hm.” This time, the sound coming from the stranger is more thoughtful.

“And what about the servants?” This is a different voice, also masculine, but sounding somehow younger—though I’m beginning to wonder if perhaps the wine is still affecting my senses.

“Tonight?” Ivrael asks. “I’ve assigned only those I am certain are spying for Jonyk.”

I flash back to Ramira’s smug smile, and my stomach clenches. Something horrible is going to happen, I’m sure of it.

The second stranger confirms my suspicion. “And if any survive?”

“Someone has to tell Jonyk what has happened.”

“Wasn’t he supposed to be here?” The first stranger sounds irritated.

“He has not stayed here since we werechildren—not since my father punished him for cheating at cards just before he reached the age of majority.” Ivrael gives a harsh laugh. “The last time my father could have him whipped was the last time he sat foot on these grounds. It was too humiliating for him.”

I’m still contemplating that when the first voice asks, “What about the girls from the human realm?”

“I have one of them. I’m headed to the Trasqo Market to buy the sister as soon as everyone is gone tomorrow.”

Ivrael’s response roots my feet to the floor. His words bounce around inside my head like frantic ping pong balls rebounding off the walls of my skull, finally landing somewhere near understanding.

The girls from the human realm. The sister. Headed to buy her at the market.

He’s planning to buy Izzy from Roland.

And he’s leaving tomorrow?

Dread coils through my chest, settling into terror in my bowels. It’s too late for me to make my way to the firelords to beg for passage back home. I’ve waited too long, though I don’t know how. Had I miscalculated the time until Izzy turned eighteen?

And even if I hadn’t? Would I have been able to escape, anyway? Could I have made it through the monstrous cemeteries, the terrifying woods, the endless winter lands?

Part of me already knows the answer is no.

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