Page 21 of Shadows of the Crown

I turn to my guard so that we may continue our visit to the city. His forehead crinkles as he manages to look down at me with false accusations. I sigh and shove his chest, leaving him behind as I move to the gates.

Chapter Twelve

Ariella

Ijog down the steps of the guild, only a little upset that Marek and Jaxon couldn’t think of any way to remove this fucking collar. My mentor wasn’t surprised that this is the route the king has taken, but even his comforting presence couldn’t reduce the amount of heat raging through me.

Adrenaline pumps through my veins, my fingernails digging into my palm so hard I feel the small tears they cause. I shouldn’t be so angry—the prince was only trying to help. But it is not just that he didn’t think me capable of seeing through Sivara’s pathetic tactics, it’shim. I didn’t see him and Gavriel arrive, but Ifelthis eyes. I knew he was watching me…and that is exactly the desire from him I want, is it not? So why do I find myself so incredibly infuriated any time he’s near?

I want him to get close to me, but I do not wish to be close to him.

Shadows cover me as I amble through the streets of Valoria, back to the one place I’ve longed to be for years but now want nothing to do with. I walk down empty paths, swiveling in a circle to study my surroundings. It’s certainly dark enough…

Even just the thought is enough to make me groan. I tug on my umbral strand and coax my essence to the surface, sighing deeply when the dark tendrils seep from under my skin and caress me as if they know just what I need. Their cool touch is barely noticeable, but it’s enough. I allow them to wrap around my body at their will for a few minutes, ignoring how wrong it feels to force them back inside me when a group of people pass by.

I pause at a familiar voice down the street, my nose scrunching when Jeth and Jaspar’s irritatingly loud laughters echo through the chilly air. Light peeks from a building—a tavern by the smell of it.

“—only thing interesting about the wraith is that I don’t know whether the hair on her cunt matches the hair on her head.” I pause as several others laugh at Jeth’s joke. I lean against the building, unsheathing my blade to spin it through my impatient fingers.

“You haven’t fucked her yet?” I don’t recognize the man who asks, but I’d bet my blade it’s one of the other competitors.

“Nah, she’s a tough one—but that’ll make it so much sweeter when she does finally give in. And after I’ve fucked her until she’s raw, I’d like to see what these ridiculous collars do when provoked.”

Any sensible person would fear his obscene words—but I’ve never claimed to be such a thing.

No, I hope he attempts what he says. It’s been far too long since I’ve sunk my blade into another.

My head rests against the damp brick as I count the stars.

I wonder if my mother is out there. I could use my spectral strand to communicate with willing souls, though the thought creeps me out. Fucking with the dead is dangerous and unpredictable.

Even with such knowledge, there is one question that continuously haunts my thoughts: what if? What if she is there and just waiting for my call? Is my father with her? Are they proud of me?

I huff a breath. Of course they wouldn’t be proud. Their once sweet daughter has become the thing even nightmares fear. What is there to be proud of?

An acute awareness fills my senses. Someone is watching me.

I tug at my psionic strand and send out a pulse. One person—male—in the shadows to my left. They do not appear to be advancing; just watching.

I adjust my stance to lean on my arm. My head tilts down, allowing me to look ahead under the darkness of my hood. I nearly burst out laughing…does he truly believe he’s hiding well?

I suppose I could have a little fun…

I spin on my heel to walk in the opposite direction. My head immediately clears when I leave the heady atmosphere of the tavern behind. Angel, he is such an idiot. Has he not trained toimprove his footwork after Ikindlyinformed him how loud it was?

I’ll teach him just how easily the conspicuity could lead to his death.

I sharply turn a corner and run, weaving through different alleys. I’m fast enough to make him work, but not so brisk that he’ll lose sight of me. Several turns later and I find the perfect spot to reveal myself. I slip into the abnormally dark alley and wait just beyond the corner.

The moment his body enters my territory, he halts from the blade pressed to his abdomen. This part of Valoria is quiet during the night, leaving only our heavy breaths to fill the silence. I say nothing, letting him peruse my face as I dropped my hood upon stopping.

“Mistaire.” A wave of energy pulses through my body, the hairs on my skin rising. I bite my lip, selfishly pleased with the keen interest he shows in the slight movement.

“Been watching me, have you?” He grins predatorily at my use of the words he uttered to me weeks ago.

“You’re hard to look away from.” Bold. He’s too comfortable around me.

“Why are you following me?”

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