Page 32 of Dark Sun (Wicked Lovely 6)

“The Hunt was fond of Thelma,” Chela said loudly now, once more the Gabriela, not the person. “We have followed this one’s grandfather.”

The Hunt was all grinning now—and there was something unsettling about horse-like, dragon-like, machine-like steeds grinning. Teeth did not always make for effective smiles, and dragon fangs definitely didn’t look cheerful in ways that Aislinn found comforting.

Tavish was at Aislinn’s side now, summoned by her unease.

“Steady on, Ash,” he murmured.

But Aislinn was watching the start of trouble unfold in front of her. She wasn’t entirely sure what to do or say, but it was akin to watching an accident in progress. She was stealing from the Dark Court, not intentionally, but would they see it that way? Would Winter think she was trying to destabilize the delicate power balance between them?

“What do you mean?” she asked the Hunt, hoping she was wrong. She knew she couldn’t stop it, but she wanted to.

Chela bowed from the waist. “Your land is our land if you’ll have us, Aislinn.”

Aislinn swallowed, but she didn’t look away when the Gabriela straightened to stare at her.

“The Hunt lives in the Dark Court,” Aislinn said, not quite a question but damn near it.

“Perhaps it has, butIam the Gabriela. I have no need of the new Dark King’s rules.” Chela held Aislinn’s gaze. “Would we be welcome here?”

“Yes.”

“Then they will askyouif they might send us in the future,” Chela said simply. “I do not follow any regent simply because it was that way; Hounds will make their beds where they choose.”

“I am honored.” Aislinn tried not to think of the trouble that was suddenly in front of her. “The Dark King—”

“Is not my concern.” Chela mounted her stead. “We ride.”

And in a blur of scale and fur, hooves and claws, steeds and riders, they were gone. The very air seemed to fill with sounds, as if bird and beast had paused because the Hunt was near. They were terror given form, and their departure made the world exhale again.

“What just happened?” Aislinn asked Tavish, who was grinning widely at her.

“You just accepted the Hunt to our court, Ash.” He looked overjoyed.

“Yes, but how? Why?” She had theories but none of them made sense.

Or did they?

“Chela liked you,” Tavish said simply. “She’s not feeling necessary in the Dark Court, and her fealty says to all and each that you are . . . more vicious.”

Aislinn winced.

“You’ve slain War herself,” Tavish added.

“Not alone.”

“You have sent them after the son of the Dark King,” Tavish said. “Vicious.”

“He attacked my court,” she protested. “I’m notvi--” The word died on her lips, a lie if ever there was one.

Faeries couldn’t lie—even to themselves.

“The Hunt will go where they can best fit, and right now, Ash, that’s here.” Tavish waited until she looked him in the face before adding, “And if I am not mistaken, Chela finds you interesting. They already welcome Seth to their training. This was inevitable.”

And to that, Aislinn had no words.

ChapterFifteen

Katherine

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