Page 47 of Draekora

Since his words were more complicated this time, she sent him an apologetically puzzled expression and acted like she couldn’t understand.

“I guess something is better than nothing,” he murmured, holding out a hand and switching to her tongue. “Follow me, Aeylia. Meya awaits.”

With nothing left to lose—except, well,everything—Alex stood to her feet. She couldn’t quite bring herself to take his proffered arm, so she busied her hands by smoothing down the fabric of her outfit instead. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the ensemble Kyia had laid out for her that morning. If her parents were around, they would say it was very ‘elf-like’, since it looked like something one would expect a mythical being to wear. It was stunning, for sure, with a full-length, pale green skirt that fell from her hips and flowed to the floor to meet a pair of strappy flats that were equally pretty. That part was lovely; it was more the top half Alex was uncertain about, since the clothing began only partway up her ribcage, leaving a great deal of midriff bare. Cutting almost horizontally across her upper chest, it also left her shoulders and collarbones exposed, and the short sleeves wrapped around her upper arms like coiling bracelets. What little material the bodice held was embroidered with intricate lace designs, all of it matching the summery colour of the skirt.

It was a beautiful outfit, like something fit for a Meyarin princess. But Alex was uncomfortably aware that her exposed skin was freakishly shimmering thanks to her bond with Xiraxus. It wasn’t noticeable to anyone standing more than a few metres away, but to anyone within that range with Meyarin sight, her bioluminescence was impossible to miss.

Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do about her golden sheen, so with a feeling of resignation—for many, many reasons—she silently followed Aven as he led the way out of the sunroom.

When they reached the hallway, he held out his hand for her again—persistent, much?—and this time she had no excuse that wouldn’t seem downright rude. So, with the trepidation of a mouse poking a tiger, she tentatively placed her non-scarred palm against his. When the world didn’t instantly implode, she looked up to find Aven glancing at her curiously.

“You’re a jumpy little thing, aren’t you?”

Like before, Alex thought it best not to let on how much she understood. And besides, what was she supposed to say to something like that? ‘Only around you, you psychopathic murderer’?Yeah, right.

Curling his fingers securely around hers, Aven pulled her closer. She made a startled noise at their sudden proximity but thankfully it was mostly drowned out when he activated theValispath. Within moments they were outside the palace and soaring swiftly along a route of Aven’s choosing.

When they came to a stop, Alex took a quick step back, extricating herself from his hold and avoiding eye contact by glancing around at their new surroundings. It appeared Aven had brought them to the edge of Meya, right where the land dropped off to meet the river containing the deluge falling from the cliffs surrounding the city. The stunning aquamarine water was captivating, with ripples glinting as they reflected both the light of the sun and the Myrox from the nearby buildings.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Aven said in her language, and when she turned to him, it was to find him staring intently not at the water, but at her. “We call it ‘De la sondrae tella de fora’.” He gave a rueful shake of his head and switched back to Meyarin. “But that’s meaningless to you without me knowing the translation in the common tongue.”

He turned away, clearly frustrated. But Alex didn’t need his translation.

De la sondrae tella de fora.‘The light that falls from the stars.’

It sounded as lovely as the view in front of them deserved, with the water lit up like a thousand rays of starlight dripping from the heavens to the earth. Alex almost considered communicating with Aven that she understood, given how upset he appeared to be by their language barrier. But before she could decide, a voice called out, diverting her attention.

“Aven! Finally! By the stars, where have you been? You were supposed to meet me over an hour ago!”

Alex’s breath hitched as the owner of the impatient voice stepped out from the balcony of what looked to be some kind of waterside bistro with a sign calling itDe Talen—‘The Edge’. She knew her expression showed her surprise, but she couldn’t help it. He looked so different from when she’d seen him just a few days ago. No longer grungy and dressed in millennia-old prison rags, Niyx was as youthful and full of vitality as Aven. His amethyst eyes were sparkling, his black hair was still choppy but shining with health, and replacing his pale skin was a glowing tan.

“I mean, I get it—you’re the prince and blah, blah, blah,” Niyx continued, approaching them, “but seriously, with all that trouble we caused the other day, I thought maybe—” He cut off abruptly, seeming to notice Alex for the first time. “Oh. I see.” He raised a cocky eyebrow and sent a knowing look to Aven before turning back to her. “Well,he-llothere. And who might you be, gorgeous?”

Aven made a derisive sound. “Save it, Niyx. She doesn’t yet know enough to understand you. And trust me when I say that’s to her benefit. Tone it back a notch, would you? Some of us want to keep our breakfast down.”

Niyx’s second eyebrow rose to join the first. “Ahh, can this be the lovelyLasaAeylia you’ve told me so much about?”

Alex twitched, and Niyx caught the movement, his brows rising a fraction higher.

“She only arrived yesterday,” Aven argued, drawing Niyx’s attention back to him. “I’ve hardly mentioned her at all.”

“Exactly. I’m reading between the lines of how much youdidn’tsay.”

Aven’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“She’s very pretty, especially with thevaeliana,” Niyx said with a smirk, eyeing the now excruciatingly uncomfortable Alex from head to toe. “That’s one of the things that you didn’t say. Would you like me to list the others?”

“Enough, Niyx,” Aven said through his teeth. “I’m sorry I was late, all right? I was on my way here when Roka waylaid me to ask if I’d look after Aeylia for the day. I get it; you’re unnaturally punctual and you’re annoyed I was so late. But this game isn’t necessary.”

“Game?” Niyx was clearly amused. “Who said anything about a game?”

“I mean it.” Aven’s face was serious. “Whatever you’re thinking, about me, about her, aboutyou, stop it right now.”

Niyx crossed his arms, his smirk still in place. “I’ll let it go—for now. But only because we’re being shamefully rude.” He turned to Alex and, to her disbelief, spoke the common tongue with perfect fluency. “Apologies for being so discourteous,LasaAeylia. I’mLoroNiyx, firstborn son and heir to House Raedon of the High Court. I also happen to have the misfortune of calling this brute my best friend.” He jerked a thumb towards Aven. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him, but—nope, who am I kidding? He’s a pain in the ass most of the time. But you’ll learn to love him.”

Alex could do nothing but gape from the confident manner in which he conversed.

“What did you say to her?” Aven demanded, grabbing the arm of his friend to pull him away from Alex.

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