Page 15 of Crown of Ashes and Desire

“You look lovely, wife,” he said, voice pitched for public consumption, while another wave of shadow magic brushed against my mind—this time not pain, but a cold, creeping sensation like fingers of darkness probing for weakness.

Stop fighting me,his voice commanded in my head.You belong to me now.

I met his gaze, letting him see the depth of my loathing but nothing of my pain.I will never belong to you. I would rather die.

Instead of his previous cruel response, something darker flickered in his eyes.Then you’ll suffer in the most exquisite ways until you learn otherwise.

“Thank you, husband,” I said through gritted teeth. “I thought it important to remember who I am.”

He guided me through the gathering, his hand at the small of my back both possessive and threatening. Each touch reinforced the implicit threat—he could reach me anytime, anywhere, through our bond.

This was not the boy I had grown up with, not even the young man who had broken my heart. This was something else entirely—a creature of shadow and cruelty who viewed our connection as merely another tool for control.

I would escape him. I would break this bond. And if I ever had the chance, I would make him suffer.

I met shadow lords and ladies, each radiating power and ambition in varying degrees. Some regarded me with open hostility, others with calculating interest.

“Lady Ada,” purred a willowy woman with shadows that moved like living smoke around her shoulders. “I am Lady Narin. We’ve been most curious about you.”

“Have you?” I asked and accepted a glass of wine from a passing servant.

“Indeed. It’s not often we welcome light into our midst.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Especially one so…pure-blooded.”

“The daughter of Gün Ata’s himself,” added another lord—Yilmaz, if I recall correctly. “A powerful lineage.”

I took a deliberate sip of wine. “Yes. A lineage that comes with certain…expectations.”

“Expectations?” Lady Narin prompted.

As I opened my mouth to respond, Hakan’s voice sliced through my mind again, sharper than before.

Don’t you dare. Whatever you’re planning, don’t.

I felt him probing at my thoughts, trying to discern my intentions. I threw up mental barriers, focusing on my hatred for him rather than the plan forming in my mind.

Too late, husband,I said silkily.Perhaps you should have considered the consequences before dragging me here against my will.

I turned my attention fully to Lady Narin and Yilmaz. “According to ancient law, our binding must be maintained for a sufficient period to satisfy the divine requirements of my inheritance.” I paused and let the implication sink in. “After which, I will naturally reclaim my freedom.”

A ripple of shocked murmurs spread through those close enough to hear. Hakan fought to keep his expression neutral, but I could see the strain in the tight line of his jaw, the way his fingers flexed and unclenched. The surrounding shadows darkened against his will, betraying the fury he struggled to contain in front of his court.

A wave of murmurs swept through the assembled shadow nobility. Some looked shocked at my audacity, others calculating, measuring Hakan’s reaction to their ambitions. One silver-haired lord leaned toward a companion, whispering something, and they both smiled coldly. I’d made an impression—and possibly enemies.

Lady Narin’s eyes gleamed with newfound interest, like a predator scenting blood. Lord Yilmaz’s posture shifted subtly, as if he reassured his position. The ripple effect of my declaration was spreading through the room—I’d just announced that the Shadow Lord’s power had an expiration date.

“How…pragmatic,” Lady Narin said, clearly delighted by the tension.

“Merely honest,” I replied. “I believe in clarity in all arrangements, especially temporary ones.”

Hakan’s voice cut through the growing whispers. “If you’ll excuse us, I believe my wife requires some air.”

Before I could protest, his hand closed around my arm, steering me toward a side terrace with inexorable force. The crowd parted for us, avidly interested in every gaze that followed.

You’ve overplayed your hand, Ada.His voice hissed in my mind as he pulled me along.

Did you think I would play the docile bride?I shot back.You’re not the only one with power here, Hakan.

The moment we were alone on the moonlit terrace, he rounded on me. “What do you think you’re doing?” he hissed. Shadow magic danced around us.

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