Extraits

"I assume your soon-to-be Consort is wise enough not to repeat what is discussed here?”

“His Consort is wise enough,” I snapped, yet again failing to control my tongue.

“I do hope so,” Attes replied. “I also hope you’re more careful with your tone. I may find your boldness refreshing. Alluring, even. Others will not.”

“Those who do not likely won’t live long enough to wallow in their insult,” Nyktos responded before I could.

“Because you’ll make sure they’re dead before they can?”

Nyktos laughed darkly. “Because my Consort will likely plunge a dagger into their hearts before I’m even aware of what has occurred. »

I snorted. “I can assure you that is not the only time I’ve been satisfied.”

“I know. You projected an indecent amount of satisfaction when you stabbed me in Stonehill.”

Unease stirred even stronger, but Nyktos only smirked. “And why is it that you decided to join us?”

Attes stepped in front of one of the bungalows. “I was hoping to see Sera.”

Nyktos slowly turned his head to the other Primal as eather crackled in the air around his eyes.

I sighed. “I think you find some perverse pleasure in irritating Nyktos.”

“I have many perverse pleasures,” Attes admitted.

Nyktos stepped toward me, his chin lowered. “He may be eons older than me, and he may have the entire Court and most—if not all—of the Primals behind him, but if he makes even one move toward you, I will leave the entire City of the Gods in ruins.”

“You’re smiling,” Ector commented, glancing down at me. “I feel like I should be worried when you’re smiling.”

I snorted. “There’s nothing to be worried about.”

“Uh-huh.”

My brows rose. “You didn’t think I’d succeed at killing him?”

“I wasn’t quite sure you’d succeed at the whole making-him-fall-in-love part,” she corrected.

“Wow,” I muttered.

“You are a bit…temperamental. And those around you do have a tendency to end up stabbed,” she began with a sheepish grin. “I figured you’d probably get yourself killed by growing impatient and just stabbing him.”

Nyktos barked out a short laugh. “Now, that was incredibly astute.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I told you before. I have one kind, decent bone in my body, Sera. But I am not good, and you would do well to remember that.”

“Anyway,” he said, clearing his throat, “I heard Erlina brought by the clothing she made. Were you pleased?”

“They are all beautiful.”

“Hopefully, they’re less distracting.”

“They are.”

“Thank the Fates.”

“You do realize I now need to tear my guards’ eyes out?”

“Why?”

“Because they too have glimpsed your unmentionables.”

“Worth it,” someone called out.

“You threatened to make him eat his eyes.”

“Exactly. If that gained his interest, it would be a little bizarre.”

“You stabbed me in the chest.” Nyktos inclined his head. “And threatened to claw out my eyes. That didn’t deter my interest at the time. What does that say about me?”

“Good question,” I muttered.