Page 97 of The Alien's Cruel Starfrost Domain

The lighter colors are punctuated by the occasional winter-forest shade of an evergreen, or the dark brown of a tree with its branches stripped of leaves—but these dresses are embroidered with silver and white as if the tree has icicles dripping from it. A few of the men wear unrelieved black.

And here and there, like blood drops splashed across this winter canvas, deep red gowns highlight the pallor of the women who wear them.

For some reason, the sight of those dresses sends horror racing in chills down my arms in a premonition of something terrible. But I shake away the feeling, and Kila hovers up beside me as I peer over the edge.

“They’re beautiful,” her tiny voice says into my ear.

“Gorgeous,” I agree mildly.

The raya whips around, her whole body turning as she puts one hand on her hip and wags a forefinger at me with her other hand. “But deadly. Never forget that they’re deadly, Lara. Dangerous.”

“Believe me, that’s something I always remember,” I murmur.

Kila gives a single firm nod, as if my words have settled something important. Then she settles back down to watch the ball.

Above it all on a raised dais at the other end of the ballroom stands Duke Ivrael, resplendent in the blues and silversof his own house, his golden blond hair just brushing the shoulders of the dark blue coat he wears, contrasting against the white of his formal cravat and black pants tucked into shining black boots.

Incongruously, he also holds a black riding crop in his right hand, tapping it against his boot as he surveys his party before holding up his hand to get everyone’s attention as the musicians finish their song and the last strains of the melody fade away.

I've never seen Duke Ivrael look more beautiful—or more dangerous. His smile, when it comes, reminds me of a predator choosing its prey. The Caixlights catch his eyes, and for a moment, they flash pure gold.

And something in his stance reminds me of that day in the cemetery, the way he'd drawn himself up to prepare for the fight, the determined set of his shoulders, the way he'd surveyed the masses of the undead.

Just before the killing began.

CHAPTER 28

IVRAEL

“The prince’s absence changes nothing.” Vazor’s scales shimmer in the dim candlelight as I lead him and his younger friend down the stairs.

“It changes everything,” I counter, keeping my voice low. “We’ll have to be more precise. More ruthless.”

“I thought ruthlessness was your specialty.” His reptilian eyes glitter. “Or has your pet human softened you?”

My fingers twitch with the urge to freeze his blood in his veins. “Focus on the plan.”

“Of course. Though I still think we should wait?—”

“No.” Ice crystals form in the air around us. “It has to be tonight. Before anyone else suspects.”

Vazor’s scales ripple with something like amusement. “You mean before your pretty servant figures it out?”

This time I do let my power flare, dropping the temperature until even the firelords shiver. “The timing is perfect. We proceed as planned.”

Vazor holds up his hands in mock surrender, but his smile showstoo many teeth. “As you wish. Though I hope you know what you’re doing, binding yourself to this course.”

“I know exactly what I’m doing. Be ready for my signal.”

“Oh, I will be.” His voice drops to a rumble. “This should be quite the party.”

I leave the two of them there on the landing, knowing they'll find their own way from here. Vazor’s had enough practice sneaking in and out of my manor by now.

Making my way toward the ballroom, I pass a cluster of court ladies huddled near a mirror, frantically passing their hands over their faces.

The glamour spells that usually maintain their ethereal beauty are slipping, revealing hints of their true ages. One woman’s silver-white hair shows strands of gray at the roots. Another’s perfect porcelain complexion develops fine lines around her eyes.

“It’s never been this difficult before,” one whispers, her voice tight with panic as she attempts to recast the spell for the third time. The magic takes hold briefly, smoothing her features, but begins to fade almost immediately.

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