Page 53 of Of Shadow and Moon

I slip a finger down and touch myselfwhile my other hand grabs my nipple and start twisting it. The perfect combination of pain and pleasure.

I look up to where I think Rhyker is and smirk.

Game on, fucker.

The memory fades,but its impact lingers, an echo of the heat, the water, the way it took every ounce of my control to steady myself. This morning, I still feel it, the remnants of his power a dull hum in the background, though I’ve done what I can to get it as far as fuck away from me.

I’ve watched these princes long enough. I know their schedules, their walks, their usual paths. Everything.

Except sometimes Rhyker. That creep never does the same thing twice.

I hurry through the courtyard, clutching a handful of dust packets, my eyes darting around to make sure no one is watching too closely. The sun is setting, casting long shadows across the cobblestones, my favorite time of the day.

Nasarea trails behind me, her questions about class blending into the background noise of my frantic thoughts.

“Selestina, did you finish the assignment for?—”

“Not now,” I mutter, dropping to one knee to spread a packet of shimmering dust under a bench. I stand up quickly and move to the next spot, ignoring Nasarea’s puzzled expression.

“Are you okay? You’re acting really strange.”

I ignore her, my focus on the next location. I sprint across the courtyard, scattering another dust packet behind a cluster of roses. Nasarea catches up, her brow furrowed in concern and curiosity.

“Seriously, what the hell are you doing?”

“Just a second,” I whisper, glancing around before scattering another dust packet near a fountain. I look at Nasarea and nod towards a large, leafy bush at the edge of the courtyard. “Come on, follow me.”

We crouch behind the bush, my heart pounding with anticipation. I place my finger to my lips, signaling her to stay quiet.

“Just watch,” I whisper.

Moments later, Kaelion strides into the courtyard, his dark presence commanding as always. He walks confidently, unaware of the traps I've set. As he passes the first dust packet, there’s a sudden burst of magic, and he’s doused in sticky syrup. He stops, wiping it off with a growl, anger now fueling his every step.

Nasarea stifles a giggle, her eyes wide with surprise.

I nudge her, grinning. “Just wait.”

Kaelion gets hit with the next explosion, glitter, his black hair and horns now sparkling like a festival decoration. He curses and turns, choosing a different path to avoid further traps. But I’ve anticipated this.

As he steps towards the fountain, another packet bursts, covering him in feathers. He roars in frustration, shaking them off. He turns again, taking another path, only to be met with a cloud of flour, making him look like a ghost. Nasarea’s eyes are watering from holding back her laughter.

Kaelion, now covered in syrup, glitter, feathers, and flour, storms forward, triggering the final two packets. One explodes in a shower of confetti, the other in a cloud of itching powder. He scratches furiously, his face contorted in rage.

By this point, I’m on the ground, belly laughing so hard I can barely breathe. Nasarea collapses next to me, laughingjust as hard. We clutch our sides, tears streaming down our faces.

“How did you do that?” Nasarea manages between giggles.

“A witch owed me a favor,” I gasp, wiping tears from my eyes. “I asked her to enchant seven dust bombs for me.”

We laugh even harder, watching Kaelion scream at everyone in his path, his fury echoing across the courtyard.

His eyes lock onto mine, and I see shock, then rage, and finally…a barely there smirk.

I tip my head at him, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. Kaelion’s eyes narrow, but there’s a spark of payback in those eyes.

I’m ready. This is kind of fun. He nods back before turning around, back to his calm self, whistling back to his dorm. Even though I know every part of him is fighting that itch powder.

Nasarea and I dissolve into laughter again, the tension of the day melting away. For a moment, everything feels light and carefree, a rare respite in our chaotic lives.

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