Page 138 of Severed Heir

I stared at him. “But how would she know? No one can predict if someone will have a daughter.”

“There are ways to predict lineage,” Charles said. “A Seeker once read Andri’s bloodline before he entered the academy. I’m surprised Victor didn’t catch it.”

My stomach twisted. “So… Mother planned this? She planned an affair to conceive a daughter all to spite Victor?”

Charles didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to Archer. “Take her to the Summer gathering tomorrow. She needs to understand how Serpents commune. You know the customs.”

I swallowed hard. “Where is it?”

“No,” Archer said sharply. “We’re not going.”

“Wrathi,” Charles replied before turning to leave. “A Summer realm. Perfect place to find your father.”

Once the door shut behind him, I turned to Archer. “Did you know they can predict bloodlines?”

His gaze darkened. “Seekers can. But it’s an outdated, twisted practice.”

I wondered if he’d ever had his lineage read. Victor seemed like the type to want one, especially if he’d used a Seeker to survive Ravensla.

“How bad are these parties?” I asked, stepping closer. “Why are you so against me going?”

Archer’s jaw tensed. “Because there’s a part of me I don’t want you to see.”

I tilted my head. “What, do you turn into a beast at night?”

His laugh was dry. “No, Severyn. It’s dangerous. I don’t have a shield to protect myself or you.”

“I’m still going,” I said, sharper now. “And if you choose not to come, that’s on you.” I let my hand drift across his chest. “Unless you’ll let me shield you with my flame.”

His brow arched. “I’m sensing a power imbalance.”

“Funny. That’s how I felt at the academy.”

“This isn’t the same, and you know it,” he snapped.

“Then prove it,” I said. “Come with me. I need you to see that I can defend myself… and you.”

He exhaled through his nose. “Fine. But you’re changing out of that gods-damned wedding gown.”

A grin tugged at my lips. “Don’t like me in white?”

The heat in his eyes startled me. “Not when it was sewn for another man.”

I hadn’t expected the possessiveness in his tone, but gods, it curled something low in my stomach.

“What do I wear to a Serpent gathering, then?” I asked.

“When we get back to Demetria,” he said. “I’ll help you choose a few options.” His fingers brushed the delicate strap on my shoulder. “If this wasn’t handmade, I’d slice it clean off.”

“It’s a nice gown,” I murmured.

“So is the one I want you in.”

“Oh, so now you’re choosing what I wear?”

“If it were up to me,” he said, leaning closer, “you’d be wearing nothing but my hands.”

An instant rush of heat surged to my skin. I turned and slammed my flame against the wall, tearing a portal open with a hiss.Shit. I was nearly overheating.

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