Page 117 of A World of Ruins

Much to my annoyance, he is right. The Aerian leaders never warmed to me, and it’s clear after our meeting that now Hira is gone, they won’t help, even if Lorcan is their nephew.

‘You’ve brought a lot of trouble with you, Nara,’ Kirian says, his gaze flitting between Darius and me. ‘Your union has.’

The mere mention of union rattles Darius. Despite Emberwell’s gradual acceptance of us, scepticism still lingers elsewhere, especially towards a shifter and a former human.

Darius leans in, his laugh carrying an edge of menace. ‘Suppose we entertain your offer. What’s in it for you?’

Kirian ponders briefly. ‘Let’s just say I’m not without adversaries,’ he confesses with a tight smile. ‘Eventually, a time will come when I’ll likely seek the same help I’m offering you now.’

The wind tousles my hair, stirring contemplative thoughts about what might come of this as it weaves through the sandy expanses of Aeris, lifting grains of dust in its wake. An alliance with the Dark Elves seems like a death wish, but having no one else at our side if Hedris ever attacks is worse.

‘And when that day comes, I hope you both will be by my side, regardless of the situation.’

‘And if we aren’t?’ I ask.

Kirian looks at me, his cold smile indicating the gruesome thoughts that must be running through his head.

‘He won’t do anything,’ Darius says. Kirian’s gaze cuts to him with a raised brow.

I frown, noting how casual Darius looks right now. He’s smirking as he lounges in his chair and drums his fingers on the table.

‘Won’t I?’ Kirian questions, seeming amused.

‘No,’ Darius retorts. ‘You won’t. You’re not that stupid.’

‘Darius—’

‘No, no,’ Kirian says to me, crossing his leg over his knee. ‘I’m curious to know what he means by that.’

Darius stares at him with a narrow-eyed expression. ‘He already knows that half the Elves will never side with him,’ he explains. ‘Thalorians are seen as outcasts – I would know. My people were too.’

I glance at Kirian to see what his reaction might be.

He simply rolls his forefinger and thumb together while giving Darius a twitch of a smile.

‘But of course, everyone knows that.’ Darius chuckles. ‘And I assume that even though you are exchanging information with the princess of Terranos, you’re not guaranteed safety. The High Elves still despise you, and with the new reign in place, they will likely come for you one day. You need as many people as possible on your side, and you know that losing us would only cause you issues in the grand scheme of things.’

A heavy silence hangs in the air between us once Darius finishes.

Then Kirian expels a sigh. ‘You got me there, dragon.’ His gaze slides to me and then back to Darius. ‘Assuming I am never to act upon my threats – you still need me and my people.’

I roll my tongue across my teeth, still annoyed,stillcontemplating.

‘It is either us, or no one at all.So.’ Kirian tilts his head. ‘What do you say?’

CHAPTERFIFTY

The door to my chambers swings open as Freya enters with a confident stride, her hands resting gently on her hips and a radiant smile gracing her lips.

The sun has just begun to rise, casting a soft glow on the room. I find myself still wrapped in the comfort of my dressing gown, anticipation bubbling within me because today is the day. The day of the wedding ceremony.

Last night, everyone made sure that Darius and I slept in separate rooms. Though neither of us wanted to be apart, we were excited about what was to come. No more worrying about Hedris – at least for today – or dwelling on our alliance with the Dark Elves.

‘You’re here early.’ I chuckle, throwing my hair over my shoulder and weaving my fingers through my waves.

‘That is because,’ she drawls, ‘I have a surprise for you.’

I raise an eyebrow inquisitively.

---