Page 93 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

“Impressive workmanship,” Uanna observes, her pale blue eyes assessing every detail.

Her white-blonde hair catches the starlight, reminding me uncomfortably of countless stolen moments in frozen gardens. But those memories hold no power over me now—not with Lara walking just ahead.

I can’t help tracking her movements, the way she wraps her arms around herself against the cold.

“The Evans sisters will need to master this before the summit,” I say as I force my attention back to the task at hand. “Every turn, every pattern must be memorized.”

Vazor’s golden scales catch the moonlight as he examines the maze’s entrance. “An exact copy of Jonyk’s maze?”

“Down to the last detail.” I gesture toward the archway where pale patterns thread through the ice, barely visible unless you know to look for them. “Including all his little... surprises.”

His daughters exchange glances—Rhaela’s hand drifting to the knife at her belt while Harai’s expression turns thoughtful. The golden-red scales along their necks catch the light, so different from their father’s pure gold markings.

But it’s Lara who draws my gaze again, her copper-gold curls dancing in the wind. She studies the maze entrance with that fierce intensity that makes my blood burn despite the cold. Her sister stands close beside her, their shoulders touching as they whisper together.

“Perhaps,” Vazor suggests, “the girls should begin their practice now.”

“Now?” My voice crackles with icy emotion as I turn to face him.

Vazor’s scaled hand gestures toward the maze. “No time like the present.”

“The maze contains certain... hazards. They shouldn’t attempt it alone.”

“They won’t be alone,” Harai points out, moving to stand beside Lara. “We’ll go with them.”

Rhaela nods, her short spiky hair catching starlight. “We can handle whatever tricks the prince has planned.”

I want to argue, but Uanna’s smirk stops me. “Surely you’re not worried about their safety?”

I want to lash out—her voice carries that edge of mockery I remember too well—but I grit my teeth and remain quiet.

“Not with two firelord warriors to protect them?” she continues.

My jaw clenches even tighter as I struggle to maintain my mask of cold indifference.

“We’ll be fine.” Lara’s gaze meets mine, and something molten stirs in my chest at the challenge I see there.

“Very well.” The words almost freeze on my tongue. “But stay alert. Some of the traps are subtle.”

I watch the four women move deeper into the maze, not trusting myself to speak.

Above us, the runes pulse with ethereal light, spelling out warnings and directions in ancient script. Will Lara be able to read them?

Am I sending her to her death?

“Stop thinking so hard.” Uanna’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “You’re making it snow.”

I glance up to find she’s right—ice crystals swirl around us, catching moonlight like diamond dust.

With effort, I pull my power back under control.

“The girls will be fine,” Vazor says, his confidence grating against my nerves. “Rhaela and Harai won’t let anything happen to them.”

“And if they fail?” The question escapes before I can stop it.

“Then we’ll know they weren’t strong enough to survive court anyway.” Uanna’s words cut straight through me. “Better to lose them here than have them expose us all.”

She’s right. But the thought of Lara broken behind these ice walls...

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