Page 19 of Song of Night

Of course that’s what she’s thinking about.

My lips quirk into a smile for a half moment before I can contain myself, and we begin to walk down the marble steps into the melee beyond. It doesn’t seem Lord Kell has further instructions for us, as he stays at the top of the stairs with the guards. No one seems to take much notice as we descend toward the crowd, that is, until we reach the last step. When we do, a man turns around, someone I assumed was just a random guest.

I recognize him instantly.

“Greetings, Lord of Night,” says King Vyrin. “I’m so happy you could join me.”

Chapter Thirteen

ZARA

Asher goes rigid next to me, and I stare at the man who greeted us. He is tall and built like a warrior, and he looks young, perhaps even a bit younger than Asher. A scar runs down the entire left side of his face, from forehead to jaw passing over his eye, but it doesn’t detract from his beauty. His hair is thick and golden, his eyes a startling jade green, and it’s there that his age is shown. I can’t see the centuries by the lines on his face, but I can read them in his eyes. There are depths upon depths there, and a coldness that makes me shiver.

Vyrin turns his gaze abruptly and stares at me as I am staring at him. “And who might your lovely companion be?” The smile he throws me is charming and predatorial both.

“This is Zara.” Asher’s voice has lowered several octaves, and the hint of a growl echoes in it. “She is my blood companion.”

“Is that so?” Vyrin’s eyebrows shoot up and he pivots his gaze back to Asher. “You could have brought anyone in your city to parlay with me, and you brought your dinner?”

Another tremble runs through me, but this time it’s anger. I’m getting really tired of being labeled as a food source.

“You’ve thrown us quite the party,” Asher says, waving a hand at the crowd beyond. It’s clear he’s reined in his reaction and is changing the subject. “I hadn’t expected such a warm welcome.”

“Well, of course,” Vyrin says. His voice is silk and thorns, both alluring and sharp all at once, like everything else about him. “It’s been more than two centuries since our great houses have gathered. A celebration was in order. And I trust Lord Kell has been an adequate host?”

“He has,” Asher responds. “Most hospitable indeed.”

“I told him to make sure you visited our blood servants. They are simply exquisite.” Vyrin’s eyes have a strange intensity to them, and he flicks his gaze to me. “Have you sampled them yet?”

“I have,” Asher says.

The idea of Asher drinking from blood servants makes my stomach tighten. When he drinks from me, it’s so… intimate. I don’t want to think of him experiencing that with anyone else. Even if it’s a stupid thought, because Asher doesn’t want anything to do with me at all.

“Ahh, lovely.” Vyrin’s eyes meet mine again. “Though none of them could possibly be as divine as your Zara.”

Asher shifts his weight almost as if he’s pressing into me. I can feel the heat of his body wrap around mine.

Vyrin gestures toward the room behind him. “Many other tempting delicacies await you beyond. Lots to taste, to savor. Pleasure to be had.” He finally tears his eyes from mine and levels a blade-edged smile at Asher. “Please, go forth and enjoy. You and I shall discuss matters later.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Asher says with a tight-lipped smile.

He leads me forward as Vyrin melts back into the crowd, almost as if he’d vanished. I suck in a breath, not realizing I hadn’t drawn a lungful of air since Vyrin approached us.

Asher leads us toward the table heaped high with food, but as we approach, he whispers, “Do not eat or drink anything here.”

“Why?” I ask, glancing up at him.

“It is never wise to partake of anything a fae offers you. Most especially this fae, and most especially this ball.”

“Well, you apparently got to feed earlier, whereas I have had nothing since dawn,” I snap. “How long do you expect me to go without food or water?”

Asher’s jaw rolls in agitation. “We have other much more important matters at play than your next meal.”

I growl and try to pull away from him, but he locks his arm over mine so I can’t move. “You are not leaving my side, Zara.”

“So now you suddenly want my company?”

“I don’t want it,” Asher says. “But it is very much not safe for you here. You have no idea what you’ve walked into.”

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