Page 34 of What Courses Through Her Blood
While led away, I glance back at Alaric and mouth, “I’m sorry.” He looks slightly bewildered and embarrassed himself, his cheeks now flushed a bright pink.
Chapter 17
Lyra
“Thankyou for hosting this lovely party for us. It’s truly beautiful,” I say, settling across from Elspeth on a settee that faces a large stone fireplace painted with intricate gold designs. She had guided us away from the festivities to a quaint sitting room.
“I didn’t throw it for you,” she replies crisply, and I jerk my head up, our eyes locking in a moment of tension. “I threw it because I love my son. But let’s make this easier and forego the pleasantries. Can we speak frankly?”
I appreciate the directness.
“Yes, I prefer honesty,” I respond, relieved to drop the facade.
She nods once then stands to prepare drinks at a cart in the corner of the room. Returning with two glasses filled with ice and a clear liquid, she hands one to me. I place mine on the table, undecided about drinking it.
“Let’s clarify something. I don’t like you, and I do not support your bonding ceremony with my son,” she states flatly, delivering the wordslike a blow.
“Why do you dislike me? What have I done?” I scoff. “I’m sorry for how things went at the Luminary Council meeting, but I was under attack and coming to terms with my new powers. I couldn’t control it then, but I can now.” At least I can most of the time.
“It’s not about the council meeting. I’m glad those who died are gone. My dislike isn’t about that day. I’ve been in your head, Lyra. I know your heart,” she declares, reminding me of her ability to mind walk—an ability she had used on me before to release my Fae magic after Euric buried it when I was a child.
Confusion clouds my thoughts. “When Nyx brought me to you, you were kind and helpful. I thought...”
“You thought wrong. I tolerated you when you were with Nyx. But then you shifted your affections to my son. I know what you’re destined for…” She takes a long drink from her glass.
“What am I destined for? Is this about Callum’s prophecy?” I ask, hoping to grasp the root of her disdain.
Elspeth sets her glass down with a clink, her gaze piercing. “You’re destined for a path that doesn’t suit what I want for Colton. You bring too much uncertainty, too much danger. And it’s not about you—it’s about the balance of power. You might think you control your dark magic, but it will influence more than your life.”
The room feels colder as she speaks, her words hanging heavy between us. I grip my untouched drink for something to hold onto, feeling the weight of her judgment and the enormity of the forces aligning against my future happiness.
“Are you planning to interfere with the ceremony?” I ask, needing to understand her intentions clearly. Elspeth’s lips press into a thin line, betraying her contemplation of the question. “I love your son. I would give my life for him,” I insist, myvoice steady despite the turmoil inside. “All I want is for him to be happy.”
“Then let him go,” she counters coldly. “Marry King Onyx instead. Colton will grieve, but he’ll recover. He’ll move on.”
Her words sting like a physical slap, the suggestion that I abandon Colton to soothe her fears seems cruel and impossible. I feel something stir within me, my dark magic reacting to the emotional onslaught, my shadows yearning to protect me. I take a deep breath, striving to maintain control.
“You really think I should break his heart?” I ask, needing her to hear the absurdity in her proposal.
“I would do anything to protect him from you,” Elspeth states bluntly. “It’s not your magic that concerns me—it’s you. Your very essence is tainted. You will bring nothing but death and destruction to Nighthold and beyond. The prophecy speaks of darkness and devastation, and you, Lyra, are its herald.”
I impulsively squeeze my glass, downing the contents to quell the rising anger and hurt. The alcohol burns my throat, but it’s a minor relief against the harsh judgment from the woman whose approval I once hoped to earn.
“And if I refuse to leave him?” I challenge, my voice steady, unwilling to show any weakness.
Elspeth’s expression hardens, her resolve apparent. “Then I’ll ensure you meet your end before the havoc you’re destined to wreak even begins.” Her smile turns sinister as she continues, “There’s already a price on your head in Cloudrum, isn’t there? And your charming step-brother Samael is quite eager to see you again…touch you again.”
Disgust courses through me, my skin crawling with both revulsion and the creeping tendrils of dark magic seeking release. I rise, stepping closer to her, till we’re nearlynose to nose. The shadows around my hands begin to coil with eager anticipation.
“You think you know me,” I sneer, “but you have no idea. I have dealt with far more dangerous beings than a power-hungry elder. If you do anything to interfere with this wedding, to drive a wedge between Colton and me...” I lean in, my eyes locked on hers, my shadows slowly moving up her body. “I won’t kill you because Colton loves you, and I won’t hurt him through you. But believe me, Elspeth, I will make sure you regret it. I can make your life a living nightmare without ever touching you.”
My shadows reach her throat and wrap around it, tightening ever so slightly. She holds my gaze, her fear momentarily visible despite her bravado.
“You’ve been inside my mind and must know what I’m capable of,” I continue. “If I were you, I’d be very careful about how I sleep from now on. Darkness has a way of creeping in when least expected.” My voice is a soft threat, a promise of retribution as I retract the shadows and step back, leaving the room with my head held high before she has a chance to respond.
I discovera secluded balcony at the edge of the ballroom, positioned high enough to provide a panoramic view of the entire celebration below—from the bustling ballroom to the vibrant pool area. It’s half indoors and half outdoors, which offers a much-needed breath of cool air to soothe my frayed nerves. The space is thankfully deserted, affording me a moment of peace. It’s also shrouded in shadow, allowing me to settle onto a couch against the back wall, hidden from the view of the partygoers below.
I had harbored a faint hope that my relationship with Colton’s mother might improve, that she might come to accept me as her daughter-in-law. But tonight’s events have dashed those hopes completely. The thought of disclosing this to Colton isn’t an option. I can’t bear the thought of breaking his heart. For now, I resolve to keep this burden to myself, hoping she won’t follow through on her threats—but prepared to defend myself if necessary.
