Page 7 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

I cannot believe I allowed a single kiss from my captor to distract me, to keep me from realizing what he was really doing as he imprisoned me even more thoroughly than before.

He’s right. These magical satin shackles are what I bought for myself. But not like he means it, not by trying to run away.

No, I bought them through my inability to remember for even a full day exactly what kind of beast I’m dealing with. I allowed a single kiss to distract me not only from what he was doing, but from what he is.

For just a moment, I let myself forget he’s a monster.

A bitter laugh bubbles up in my throat because there’s something else I forgot.

A fairy tale kiss is never just a kiss. And a kiss from a real fairy tale prince—or even just a duke—is as likely to lead to death as it is to happily ever after.

Never again, I promise myself.

Never. The fuck. Again.

CHAPTER 3

IVRAEL

Lara and Izzy’s stepfather sidles up beside me, standing far too close, and my spine stiffens at his proximity. Even the way the Starfire Crown, secreted inside my coat, pulses against me suggests irritation.

“Yes?” I do not glance down at the human male.

“We have unfinished business.” Roland’s greed practically radiates from him in waves that make my lip curl in disgust.

I maintain my composure, though frost threatens to crystallize from the air around me.

This human actually believes he can negotiate with me as if we are equals. The presumption would be amusing if it weren’t so tedious.

“Indeed.” I let the word fall between us like hail. “Shall we make this official?”

Without waiting for his response, I gesture toward the squat, amphibious Starcaix vendor’s table where I purchased Lara nearly a year ago. The creature’s bulbous eyes gleam with avarice as we approach—clearly remembering the generous commission from our last transaction.

“The same terms as before?” the vendor asks in that wet, gurgling voice that makes even my skin crawl.

“Not quite.” I keep my tone precisely calibrated—formal enough to remind him of his place, but not so cold as to discourage the transaction. “The younger sister requires... special considerations.”

Lara’s head snaps up at that, her eyes narrowing. Such a quick mind behind that defiant exterior. I can practically see her filing away this detail for later examination.

“Special considerations cost extra,” the vendor says, running a webbed hand over his ledger.

“I’m well aware.” I allow a touch of cold to enter my voice. Small ice crystals form on the edges of his papers, and he quickly pulls his hand back.

The process of purchasing the younger Evans sister should be simple enough—I’ve done this before, after all. But this time the stakes are higher. Everything must be precise. The timing, the payment... the consequences.

“I told you I want more this time.” Roland shifts his weight from foot to foot.

He carefully avoids looking at Lara, though I note how her fingers flex at her sides, her rage evident in every line of her body.

“Oh, you will certainly receive extra.” Winter seeps into my smile. Such a small, greedy man, demanding more payment when he has no concept of the true value of what he’s selling.

The coin I carry pulses with cursed energy, eager to fulfill its purpose. Soon enough, Roland will learn the price of bargaining with an Icecaix duke.

But for now, I need him compliant, convinced he’s getting the better end of our deal.

“The market rate has gone up,” he continues, emboldened by what he perceives as my acquiescence. “And there’s been whatyou might call complications. Questions about the other one’s disappearance.”

Yes, I’m quite aware of the complications.

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