Page 16 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

My favorite color.

“I’m excited about the potential of our kingdoms finally joining and becoming one.” The Seelie king puffed out his chest and turned his cobalt eyes on me. “Lira is strong and smart, so she will be able to rule over the two kingdoms as one.”

All my life… at least on Earth… people had known I was adopted. I’d become used to standing out with Eiric and my parents. Seeing my biological parents caused my chest to squeeze. I was a blend of them both, having my mother’s hair and the same shade of eyes as the king, as well as his sun-kissed complexion.

“As is my son.” The Unseelie king’s jaw clenched. His gray eyes hardened, the edge in them matching the look I’d often seen in Tavish’s today.

“That’s fantastic, seeing as we’ll be ruling together.” Tavish cleared his throat and winked at me. He leaned toward me and whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ll never be that grumpy.”

Before I could see what happened next, the image around me changed.

I lay in a massive bed with ten pillows underneath me. My biological parents sat on the edge of my bed, telling me good night. The moon hung high in the cloudless night outside the window to my left, where the view was partially obstructed by a sizable pink tree that reminded me of the cherry blossom trees Japan was renowned for. The most unsettling sensation was the contentment and love my younger self felt for them.

The memories sped up as I relived each one.

The next ones seemed more familiar as faces, feelings, and places started to feel like home.

Then they stopped, like a dark cloud hovering over me, yanking me back into the present.

“Lira.” Tavish’s voice shook in tune with my body.I need you to wake up.

My body thrummed as my consciousness settled back over me, and I choked as pain and terror settled into my heart and limbs.

Agony, that didn’t belong to me… but Tavish.

I cracked my eyes open enough to see Tavish leaning over me, and the chill of the room confirmed I was still naked.

Of course, my magic would choosethe first time I had sexto bring my memories back.

“Sprite.” His head lifted, his stormy eyes lightening with hope. “Thank gods. I knew we shouldn’t have completed our bond until you were fully healed. I’m so sorry yetagain.” His love, remorse, and concern replaced most of the fear.

My heartbeat quickened, and my cheeks stretched into a smile. “With all your apologies, you’ll never get out of the debts you owe me, thorn.”

His head jerked back, and the twinkle in his silver eyes returned like some of the memories I had experienced moments ago.

“What did you just call me?” he whispered.

“Thorn?” I lifted a brow. “Is that not okay?”

“You remember?” The corner of his lips lifted.

“I remember you chasing me.” I wondered if that was why I had wanted to run earlier and liked the idea of him finding me. “And you were cheating with your magic.”

He laughed warmly, his expression smoothing more into one of boyish charm. “Only because you used your water to wash away your scent. It’s only fair when both of us can use our magic and not just the one.” His face turned solemn. “But love, are you okay?”

I thought about that. The warm and refreshing spots in my chest were stronger than I had ever experienced… except for when I was younger. I had never noticed the warm spot when I was younger. Maybe because it had always been a part of me that I’d never accessed. But coming back and having my magic reactivated, I could feel that I had two different types of magic within me. I’d never done that before, and I wasn’t sure how or why I was now.

Knowing Tavish needed comfort, I lifted my head and kissed him.I’m more than good and would actually be perfect if your arms were around me.

I suppose I could oblige you with that.He nipped at my lips and settled beside me, pulling my back against his chest. Neither of us attempted to get dressed, and his body curled around me. Now that we’d completed the bond, the buzzing had grown into a jolt, and it felt natural to be nestled into him like this.

He peppered my neck with kisses, and I exhaled, completely content. And this time, I fell into a comforting sleep surrounded by the touch, scent, and taste of Tavish.

A whimper and scratching sound stirred my consciousness. My body thrummed with warmth, peace, and comfort, so the last thing I wanted was to open my eyes and move from this spot, but the whimper grew louder.

Awareness washed over me, and my mouth dried.

Nightbane.

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